Unions Take Anti-War Message To Work

Date: 27 March 2003

A broad range of unionists will take anti-war messages into their workplaces today as part of a VTHC sponsored day of action against the war.

Parliamentarians, nurses, builders, seafarers and many others will host symbolic protest actions condemning the war in Iraq and Australian involvement in the war.

VTHC secretary Leigh Hubbard said trade unions had a responsibility to debate the complex issues of war with their members in the workplace.

"We understand that the issue has to be taken into workplaces and that unions must be prepared to inform and debate the complex questions involved with members," he said.

Mr Hubbard said the United States had embarked on an "empire building" campaign in the Middle East that could see a long-term commitment of Australian troops.

"Let us make this very clear the United States will not stop in Iraq. This will be the first war of many. The question is will John Howard support those other wars? We have to make it very clear to our members that Australia should not be involved in building a new US empire. We must have an independent foreign policy. Our troops must be bought home."

Union members should be aware of the security and economic consequences of Australian involvement in the war in Iraq.

"We need to make our members aware that our involvement in the war not only makes us a more likely terrorist target but will cost the country billions. In the May federal budget we will be facing co-payments for visits to the doctor, cuts to education spending and other social services just to pay for this US-led war."

Unionists will continue to support peace movement activities including a rally on Saturday 29 March at 1pm at the State Library of Victoria and the Palm Sunday rally on Sunday 13 April at 2pm.

Details of Media Events for Thursday 27 March 2003

6.30-7am - Station Pier (off Beach Street Port Melbourne) Bass Strait Ferry brings anti-war message to Station Pier. Speaker: MUA assistant branch secretary Dave Cushion (0418 542 391).

9.15am -Baulderstone site (new Casino Hotel tower) cnr Queensbridge and Power Streets Melway reference: Map 2F: C8. Building unions unfurl anti-war banner at the site. Speaker: CFMEU president John Cummins.

10.15am - Steps of Parliament House Spring Street. Politicians and parliamentary staff against the War. Speaker: MP Don Nardella (0418 104 007).

10.45 - Royal Children's Hospital (Royal Park near McDonalds)- Emergency service workers hold vigil for peace. Nurses, ambulance drivers, firefighters and allied health workers will light candles for peace. Speakers include ANF secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick.

11.30 - State Library of Victoria. Books not Bombs - state librarians and NTEU members against the war. Speaker: CPSU delegate Jill Sparrow.

1.15 - Steps of Supreme Court - Lawyers against war. Speakers include ASU representatives.

For further information

Union:	Labor Council of NSW
WWW:	http://vthc.org.au/media/trades_hall_news/20030326_War.html

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