The construction workers’ rally in Melbourne on 26 September was a resounding success. Construction workers were joined by others to make up some 40,000 determined protesters demanding an end to WorkChoices and the Howard government.
Media reports, as usual, tried to halve the number. The media barons do not like the idea of workers showing their collective strength. It threatens their privileges and those of their whole rotten class.
For workers, this is not an easy time to take action. Individuals are put under pressure to do as they are told or risk losing their livelihood. Many are now under individual contracts or short term contracts and this means no job security. Employers have been making the most of their new advantage.
Construction workers have the added burden of the ABCC that makes any form of industrial action effectively illegal and opens up individuals to coercion, massive fines and six months imprisonment for non-compliance with a range of orders.
With the election only some two months away, some sections of workers find that their union leaderships are not in favour of action. Their position is that industrial action and protests can cause a situation that will help Howard and his gang remains in office. As a result a considerable number of unions did not support the 26 September rally.
Their argument is a false one. Determined action is more likely to build an atmosphere to defeat Howard.
Despite the reluctance of some to act, there is a considerable core that does want to act. This is tremendously important. It is a good foundation on which to build in this struggle that will not be overcome on election day.
The rally was focused on getting rid of Howard. It also took up the theme of future. Since it was school holidays a number of young did participate. This was legitimate. In no time the Howard government and its supporters set up a hue and cry about nasty unionists using children and putting them in danger. This was so much over the top that it convinced no one and added some more to the growing image of a dishonest Prime Minister. People see a sense of desperation to hold onto office. Howard comes through as a lame duck.
Focusing on the children issue also showed that the government has little to hit back with. The attack actually helped to publicise the action and showed that the government is running scared.
The prospect of a Labor government (there is no other option in today’s circumstance) is a very real possibility. In turn the Labor Party has been exerting pressure on the working class and its unions to lie low. Everything possible is being done to convince business that a Labor government will be business friendly and will not bring about much change to the present situation. Workers have expectations of a better deal. Many union leaderships share this. Nevertheless the real prospect of a Labor government does offer the possibility of some respite.
It is a difficult situation. There is the immediate tactical need. There is also the need to be in the best position to keep on waging the struggle. The 26 September rally certainly helped in this respect.
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