Industrial Relations rally set to attract 30,000

[pies4ever]

Iudustrial relations rally set to attract 30,000
August 23, 2007

UNIONS will close down the CBD next month for a rally against the Howard Government's IR laws.

Up to 30,000 workers will take to the streets from 10am on September 26 in the first major protest against WorkChoices this year.

The rally, organised by the Trades Hall Council, will mainly involve building and manufacturing unionists.

The last mass protest was held at the MCG last November, but unions fell well short of their aim to fill the arena.

State union delegates yesterday voted unanimously to demand that Labor swap preferences with the Greens at the election amid concerns it may try to broker deals with conservative party Family First.

The state Electrical Trades Union, led by expelled Labor Party member Dean Mighell, has donated funds to the Greens' election campaign.

Meanwhile, debate over the Coalition's building industry reforms intensified as a union-commissioned report questioned the economic benefits claimed by the industry watchdog.

University of Newcastle economist William Mitchell attacked a study by consultants Econtech that found huge savings for the industry after the Australian Building and Construction Commission began.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22290274-2862,00.html

[stui magpie]

I read that this morning.

Interesting timing.

So close to an election, it may have the desired effect of rallying people against the IR legislation or it could have a negative effect with the swinging voters who harbour concerns about the union movement under a Federal Labour government.

Maybe a bit of both. Guess we'll find out come poll time.

[magpiesgirl]

Why can't they make it a Tuesday or Thursday so I can go?lol

[Alec. J. Hidell]

I'll be there