Over one hundred unionists turned out to launch a campaign on Friday 30 May to get rid of the laws that were introduced by the Howard Government. The laws are currently being maintained by the Labor Government, aimed at intimidating workers and their unions not to organise around safety and working conditions. The laws include heavy fines and 6 months gaol terms for refusing to answer questions about industrial action. 
The speak out was addressed by the ACTU Assistant Secretary, Geoff Fary and local union organisers. Other unionists attended to support the building unions included the Australian Nurses Federation, Textile Clothing and Footwear Union, Public Sector Union, Health Services Union, Australian Education Union, National Tertiary Education Union and of course the Victorian Police Association had members in attendance.
Other supporters included local Labor Members Ian Trezise MP Vic Gov. and Sue Bull, Socialist Alliance Organiser also spoke in support of the call to abolish the Task Force.
The workers all chanted "bin the rats" and sang the Building Labourers Song and Solidarity Forever along with the Geelong Trades Hall Choir.
Messages of apology from Federal MPs Richard Marles and Darren Cheeseman were received. Richard Marles said he wanted to meet with unions to discuss the issue. Darren Cheeseman's message was that he supports the Victorian ALP Conference motion to repeal the laws and abolish the task force.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Geelong unionist launch public campaign to abolish Building Industry Task Force
