I understand the Skilled Six Committee and a number of unions have decided to call a rally for November 25 around the call to free myself and highlight the injustice of my jailing. For this I thank everyone involved.
However, I would like to suggest a course of action to broaden the rally. With the election of, and Senate majority for, the Howard government, I believe we can expect a major attack on unions and workers and their rights.
In fact already Howard has passed laws [allowing the construction industry] taskforce to attack the building unions, including penalties of up to six months' jail for anyone who refuses to answer questions.
However, while this is federal legislation and federal taskforce officers, when unionists are charged they will front "state" courts. It seems broadening the rally [would] send a message to the state government and the state courts that they should not be the political executioners for the Howard IR ideology. And we all know that courts are "independent". Just look at my case. It seems to me that by broadening the aims of the rally, we should be able to draw in many more unions and unionists.
Remember ... industrial relations minister Tony Abbott said if the IR taskforce in the building industry is successful, why not use it in other industries. As such, all unions and unionists are in danger and while I am doing OK in jail, I believe there are many so-called union leaders that would not enjoy the jail experience. As such, I hope these few thoughts are taken on board by the organising committee.
Next year and the subsequent years are certainly going to be interesting and we will soon see which union leaders lead and which union leaders are found wanting. The words "Dare to struggle, dare to win! If you don't fight, you lose!" have never been more appropriate than now.
Yours in unity, Craig Johnston
PS, I was bemused by the news that Peter McDonald, chief executive of James Hardie got $9million and I got nine months. When they jail a man for striking, it's a rich man's country yet.
From Green Left Weekly, November 17, 2004.
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