Solidarity actions in Brisbane
By Jim McIlroy
BRISBANE — Support for the Mt Isa workers has continued to grow in the week since the May 12 lockout by MIM, around Queensland and nationally.
A public forum at the Resistance Centre here on May 17 heard a panel of speakers discuss the Mt Isa crisis and its future.
Greg Betts, from the Federated Engine Drivers and Firemen's Association and the CFMEU, outlined the background to the dispute, the intransigence of the company and the determination of the Mt Isa workers to win back lost ground.
Combined Public Sector Union state secretary Claire Moore expressed the solidarity of her union with Mt Isa, and explained that the dispute deeply affected the entire town, including public sector employees.
Ana Kailis, a CPSU delegate herself, spoke on behalf of the Democratic Socialist Party, urging broad support for the Mt Isa workers.
She explained the crisis facing all workers under the current enterprise bargaining system, and called for a general campaign for real wage rises and improvements in conditions by the Australian union movement.
The DSP and Resistance have raised more than $750 in donations to the Mt Isa strike fund through stalls in the Brisbane Mall, and have found widespread sympathy for the miners from passers-by.
Messages of support and donations to the Mt Isa workers should be sent to: Combined Unions Disputes Committee, PO Box 50, Mt Isa 4825.