The Guardian 11 February, 2009

Victorian union movement responds to bushfire crisis

Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) secretary Brian Boyd said on Monday he had been contacted by many of his affiliates over the weekend about the bush fire emergency.

Brian Boyd said, "As an immediate response, the Victorian union movement offers its full support for the bush fire victims across Victoria in all practical ways possible.

"We in particular call on all employers to co-operate sympathetically with those directly affected and those who are assisting or wishing to assist in the ongoing fire fighting and relief activities.

"No-one should have their employment status affected by matters related to the fires," emphasised Mr Boyd.

"We fully support all initiatives by the state and federal governments to alleviate the suffering and hardships being experienced and will assist to deliver such initiatives, via consultation with the relevant trade union members," said Mr Boyd.

The VTHC called on union members to support the Red Cross State Government Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund: www.redcross.org.au; phone 1800 811 700; Direct deposit - BSB 082-001, Account No. 8600 046 797. Workplace meetings and collections have been suggested to maximise contributions.

Mr Boyd said he was convening an all-unions special meeting on Wednesday to further maximise trade union support for the states' response to the fires.

Finally, the VTHC secretary reported that the building industry unions had met at Trades Hall to consider an immediate collective response. Besides offering to organise blood donations and teams of volunteers, they have instigated mass donation collections on building sites.

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