BY SEAN WALSH
MELBOURNE — Anti-Nike protesters have held the most colourful and energetic demonstration this city has seen since the S11 blockade of the World Economic Forum. Swelling to 250 people, the August 3 protest was the 19th weekly blockade of Nike's city superstore.
With enough creativity to put Nike's infamous public relations flacks to shame, the protesters blockaded the store for half a day. Determined to expose the exploitative practices of the sportswear manufacturer, demonstrators expressed their dissent in many different ways. From face painting to singing and street performance, the enthusiastic crowd ensured their message was heard.
The media has sought to black out any coverage of the campaign but this did not deter the lively crowd. Passers-by could not help but notice the event that swamped the busy intersection of Swanston and Bourke Streets.
Speakers from many different community and union groups complimented the protest's creativity.
A member of the "Skilled Six", members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union who have been charged over an incident at labour-hire firm Skilled Engineering, told the crowd of the constant struggle by unionists for their right to organise.
Various members from the O3-CHOGM Alliance spoke of how it was not just Nike but all corporations which are responsible for the subordination of human rights to profit. The alliance is planning to officially launch its plan to blockade the October Commonwealth Business Forum at a public meeting at Trades Hall on August 10.
Mike Byrne from CHOGM Action Network in Brisbane told protesters of plans for a people's march on the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on October 6.
Socialist Alliance members spoke of the alliance's support for the campaign, while the gay and lesbian activist group QUEER provided a visual feast of bright balloons and banners.
Protesters vowed to return on August 10 and are building for a full-day blockade of the store on September 11, the first anniversary of the blockade of the World Economic Forum.