- by Marcus Browning
- The Guardian
- Issue #2114
Sydney Fight Back rally in support of Unions. Part of the nation wide action in 2017. Photo: Anna Pha
In an act of naked aggression aimed at the union movement, Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, on 23 August, put the CFMEU’s construction and general division and its branches into administration.
270 union officials were sacked across the country, effective immediately. All elected positions in the union were vacated except for three. CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith, WA secretary Mick Buchan and ACT acting secretary Michael Hiscox maintained their positions – but will answer to the administrator. The administrator has already installed branch managers in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, and South Australia.
Construction companies are already on the move to take back hard-won conditions.
This declaration of war by the government on behalf of employers heralds the time to launch new struggles to defeat the attacks that are being made against the trade union movement and the democratic rights of the people generally.
At the centre of this struggle must be the working class and its organisations. The trade unions must mobilise like never before without concern for craft or industry divisions or for individual gain. The rights of all are under severe attack.
The NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) has expressed serious concerns with the federal government’s Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Administration) Bill 2024 and the government’s accompanying amendments.
“While any allegation of criminality is serious and must be addressed, the powers set out in this bill are far-reaching and establish a dangerous precedent for the trade union movement, membership-based organisations, and the rights of individuals,” said the Council in a statement.
“The rushed nature of this legislation, which is designed to override a process begun by the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Court, threatens the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
“We note that the proposed legislation would set a precedent where membership-based organisations can have democratic control externally removed on the basis of untested allegations. This is of concern to all unions, registered clubs, and Australian membership-based organisations.
“The Bill violates Australia’s obligations under the International Labour Organisation, namely Articles 3 and 4 of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948.
“The NSWCCL has long held that everyone has the right to natural justice and procedural fairness, regardless of the allegations they face. If this legislation is passed next week, it threatens this fundamental right. The right to freedom of association and the nature of membership-based organisations across Australia must be protected.”
UNITED FRONT
The CPA is of the view that the building of a powerful united front of all trade unions, working class political organisations and their supporters is needed to overcome these attacks on the trade union movement and the rights of workers. The union movement will be pivotal in building this united force.
Industrial actions taken by workers need to gain strong community support, establishing support groups and fighting funds for striking workers and their families, as well as lobbying for the widest support from political parties and community organisations.
A magnificent example was given by the huge community support for the Maritime Union of Australia during its dispute with Patrick in 1998. Then, a conservative government mounted an ugly attack on the right of maritime workers to organise. There was massive opposition from unionists and others who understood what was at stake.
It is time to come out fighting, building a united mass movement of workers and all progressive sections of society.
Above all, it is necessary to bring about a united front of workers, trade unions and labour movement activists regardless of political affiliation, all directed to defeat the government’s dangerous offensive.
The CPA strongly advocates these measures and declares its willingness to assist with its resources in every possible way.
This offensive must be defeated. It can be defeated by a struggle involving the whole trade union movement in unity with left and progressive forces including members and branches of the ALP, other political parties including the Communist Party of Australia and other left, progressive and democratic organisations and individuals.
WORKING TOGETHER
The Communist Party puts forward the following 10 points for unity:
- That every organisation and the individuals involved must approach others on the basis of equality, mutual respect and honesty.
- There must be consultation at each step of the unity process to ensure agreement on policies, tactics and actions.
- An atmosphere must be created in which the results of agreements and steps taken are frankly discussed and evaluated. Mistakes will be made which should be recognised and corrected during the course of work.
- Agreements by co-operating organisations must be reached by consensus. Voting should be resorted to only as a last resort, and be limited to procedural matters.
- Where agreement is not reached on an issue, this issue should be put aside with each organisation free to express its view on the issue using its own facilities.
- Once agreements are reached, all organisations help to popularise and carry them out.
- Ideological differences should not stand in the way of co-operation on issues held in common.
- A contest of ideas between co-operating organisations is natural and inevitable. This contest or any criticism of one organisation by another should be stated in a manner that does not undermine the unity achieved on agreed issues but should contribute to clarity and to strengthening the developing unity.
- Each organisation is free to publish its views and carry out activities in support of its own policies that are not the subject of agreements.
- Discussion and agreement at leadership level be backed up and deepened by cooperation at all levels of the organisations involved.
The Guardian asks all readers to join in:
- Let politicians know you oppose this undemocratic attack on workers
- Join in demonstrations of support
- Talk to people at work about this
We need to make the following demands:
- Reinstate all sacked officials
- Return the union to its members.
