We're in the Union

Photo: Daryl Wright

Three maritime workers very nearly became the first martyrs to the cause on November 15, the National Day of Action against the Howard Government's I R laws. While building workers were threatened with fines or prison, public servants warned they would be sacked and wharfies given warning letters, it was a Mackay tug operator that stood down three MUA members when they downed to ols to attend the rally.

George Baker (centre) has spent half his 19 years in Mackay with Adsteam:

"It's a bigger picture than one man in this town," he said. "I was quite wil ling to make the sacrifice. I've been in this union a long time and I know how t hings work. If you haven't got union support like a lot of the poor buggers ou t there you'd be worried."

His two workmates, casual tug operators Peter Bethal and Bevan Barba said t hey were prepared to risk their jobs if George was. "We took a stand," said Peter (right). "We asked George what he wanted to do, he had more to lose than us.

He said 'Bugger that I'm going. So we went with him."

But after MUA branch secretary Laurie Horgan got involved, all three men go t their jobs back. Laurie announced the sackings first thing at the rally an d the media followed through. "Word went nationwide. By the time the rall y was over I got a message on my phone from management telling them to go to work that evening. It had gone all the way to head office and back again."

Adsteam has since written a warning letter to all three members claiming th eir protest delayed ships and was 'selfish' and 'thoughtless'. See also p4