a union of protest

It was an extraordinary turnout in protest against the Howard Government’s new Industrial Relations laws. Probably more than 100,000 people spilling back from Federation Square. And there were similar other protest rallies and marches in other major cities across the country. Surprisingly there were only about 10,000 in Sydney.

There were rallying speeches in Melbourne by people like ACTU bosses Sharan Burrow and Greg Combe. Claims that even though the Government has the power to get these controversial laws through both Houses of Parliament this is the start of a campaign that will go right through to the next federal election.

 And there was a political edge to all this today. The most prominent placards being for the ALP. And that’s part of the problem for the organisers. It will be seen by many people as an ACTU-ALP campaign.  And in all the passion, and all the rhetoric, the speakers today ignored one thing:

Australians have elected John Howard as Prime Minister for four consecutive terms. And it was the voters who rejected Paul Keating, Kim Beazley and Mark Latham and, at the last election, gave the Howard Government control of the Senate which will enable them to pass these controversial laws.

Two sides to the argument were featured in the Herald Sun today. Brian Boyd, the secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall council, wrote:

“ The level of concern and anger in the community over John Howard’s draconian industrial relations laws is growing. The rally in Melbourne today is part of the ACTU’s national campaign.”

And then there was a quote that will have angered shop owners in the CBD and shoppers. Boyd said: “The public should not come through the city in their cars. There will be long delays between 7a.m. and 1p.m.” So much for union concern for people who just wanted to get to work. So much for small business men and women who had empty shops for half a day.

That was touched on by Neil Coulson, CEO of the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He wrote:” Today’s rally is symbolic of Australia’s traditional combative approach to industrial relations. Industrial action is being taken during working hours on a weekday to punish employers. The unions could have opted to have their protest on a weekend without the need to disrupt ordinary Australian businesses.”

Traditional Labor voters will vent their spleen over the legislation. Whether they can “maintain the rage” remains to be seen. Struggling companies with less than 100 employees will welcome the abolition of the unfair dismissal laws and might even put on staff.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2005