By Chris Spindler
MELBOURNE — On June 3, more than 8000 workers marched to Parliament House to call on the Liberal state government to improve job security in the manufacturing industry. The rally, endorsed by the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC), was made up mainly of members of unions in the Metal Trades Federation of Unions.
Around 33,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in Victoria in the last 13 years. A string of recent factory shutdowns led to the jobs campaign.
Many workers had to campaign for the right to attend the stop-work rally. Pepsi workers were commended at the rally for their attendance after receiving a letter stating that anyone who left work before the end of their shift would be sacked.
Dean Mighell, secretary of the Electrical Trades Union, and Craig Johnston, metal division secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, attacked the Kennett government for creating an economy that did not provide job security and growth.
Shop stewards representing workers from three closed or threatened factories — Geelong Cement, Dorf Taps and Yakka Clothing — called on the government to assist workers whose jobs are threatened and condemned the bloody mindedness of the companies involved.
Bob Lindsay from Geelong Cement said the company made $11.5 million profit in the last two years yet closed its doors on 110 workers. Dorf Taps shop committee convener Toni Dias explained why there was no reason to close the Dorf plant.
State Labor leader Steve Bracks promised that the ALP would listen to the workers' concerns, and would increase the manufacturing export sector and support capital investment in the industry.
VTHC secretary Leigh Hubbard argued that the Victorian work force is being de-skilled because TAFE education funding is 34% less than other states. Hubbard also criticised the recent "gift to business" of $100 million in payroll tax cuts because it was not linked to any job creation or training.
The jobs question dominated at the rally, but many other issues were raised, including the need to campaign against the next round of federal industrial relation legislation. Money was also collected to support the East Timorese struggle for self-determination.