The Occupy Melbourne Community Outreach Working Group has released the letter below addressed to Australian unions and union members.
* * *
Dear union member,
We write to address you on a social movement that may have great impact on issues affecting all workers and union members in Australia.
The “Occupy” movement is forming around the uniting belief that it’s time our elected representatives actually started representing the 99% of the population who don’t have enormous wealth and political influence and who suffer the social, economic and environmental consequences of corporate greed.
This movement has grown from a small movement in New York and is now spreading across the globe, with some form of activity currently planned or underway in 1183 cities around the world, including Australian cities.
Occupy Melbourne will formally commence at 10am on Saturday the 15th of October 2011, at City Square, Melbourne, cnr Swanston and Collins streets, CBD.
One of the things that has galvanised the movement in the US came when trade unions — both in the form of branches and rank and file members — took action to support the occupation. We are asking you to consider the ways that you and your fellow unionists may wish to participate in this democratic movement.
Examples of support and participation could include:
· Speaking about the occupation and associated events to other union members at your workplace and distributing this flier.
· Joining the community outreach working group.
· Asking your officials about formal endorsement by your union.
· Marching with other members down to city square to join the occupation.
We have all felt the effects of rising social inequity, unrestrained capital and diminishing investment in social infrastructure. The Occupy movement is an opportunity for all of us to be part of reclaiming the public debate. We are the 99% and we ask you to get involved.
We invite you to contact us on occupymelbourne.outreach@gmail.
In Unity,
Community Outreach Working Group
Occupy Melbourne