Resistance campaigns to support the wharfies
By Kerryn Williams
MELBOURNE — Resistance has been campaigning to build support among young people for the struggle of the maritime workers.
Resistance activist Mark Abberton explained, "As soon as the NFF and Patrick Stevedoring declared war on the maritime workers, we took to the streets to rally public support in defence of the wharfies.
"So far we've collected hundreds of dollars for the MUA's campaign fund and heaps of signatures on the pledge of support. We've distributed thousands of leaflets challenging the myths about maritime workers propagated by the Howard government and bosses, and produced a sticker demanding 'Hands off the Wharfies!'"
The latest issue of Resistance's secondary student newspaper, Student Underground, featured an article calling on high school students to defend the maritime workers.
High school student and Resistance activist Reuben Endeon told Green Left Weekly, "The response from high school students has been really positive. We filled up a whole banner in no time at all with signatures of students pledging their support for the wharfies.
"Given the current levels of youth unemployment and numerous attacks on youth by the Howard government, a lot of young people are recognising the fact that the future is looking increasingly bleak, with opportunities for obtaining a secure job rapidly dwindling. It's vital for young people to take a stand in support of the maritime workers, and to defend the right of all workers to organise to fight for decent wages and conditions."