BY TIM GOODEN
MELBOURNE The Socialist Alliance and the Skilled Six Committee jointly hosted a rousing public meeting on September 2, discussing solidarity with the militant unions in Victoria. The Victorian Trades Hall was occupied by 170 people gathered to hear from leaders and members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union (TCFUA) and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).
The speakers were united in arguing that strong rank-and-file, militant trade unionism is needed to improve the lot of workers. It was also argued that rank-and-file control of unions is what national office bureaucrats, and many in the Australian Labor Party, fear the most. The attempts of Doug Cameron, AMWU national secretary, to remove the elected AMWU leadership in Victoria and gain control of the branch was the main focus of discussion at the meeting.
Martin Kingham, CFMEU state secretary said: The CFMEU is 100% behind the rank-and-file delegates of the AMWU and we will do everything in our power to help you win this battle.
Michele O'Neil, TCFUA state secretary, condemned the use of sexual assault allegations against the Victorian officials. She said: I've seen the AMWU change for the better with Workers First. As a feminist and unionist, I reject the notion that this political fight has been focused on one woman's body rather than about the broader political issues of the union. Doug Cameron and Tony Abbot totally underestimate this union.
Justine Kamprad, Socialist Alliance candidate for Footscray in the state election and AMWU member, concurred with O'Neil and went on to describe some of the changes in policy regarding sexual assault and harassment made at the recent AMWU national conference, which remove control from women victims. Chris Cain, MUA activist and Socialist Alliance national executive member, also spoke.
The most anticipated speaker of the evening, as he had resigned as Victorian AMWU secretary just hours before, was Craig Johnston. Johnston read out his resignation letter and explained how the Victorian militants intend maintaining rank-and-file control of the Victorian branch. He said: The union is bigger than any individual. We need to get this maniac [Cameron] out of the branch and get back to representing members. Members now have to decide what they want in the future.
Johnston received a standing ovation at the end of his speech. A fitting response from supporters, who all knew just what a significant contribution this militant has made to all Victorian workers.
From Green Left Weekly, September 11, 2002.
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