Mailbag

graphic by Arnum Endean

NOTICE: Contributions to the letters and obituaries pages for the next edition of MWJ should be sent to national office by email, fax or mail before Friday, September 29.

Killer Coke

Comrades, as a proud supporter or the MUA campaign against the repression of unions in Colombia and the MUA's support of the Coca-Cola products boycott, I would like to add my two bobs worth to this issue.

Firstly, our campaign lacks bite without the boycott extending to MUA workplaces, where it would be most effective. (In Europe it is already being taken up by commercial enterprises,ie pubs)

The products subject to bans include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Mt Franklin mineral water.

This boycott is to assist our Colombian comrades who are members of Sinaltraina. Eight of their officials and members have been assassinated over the last 14 years, allegedly by para-military forces. There are also allegations of thuggery, kidnappings and intimidation of members and officials.

For example on April 20, various armed men with machine guns entered the home of Coca-Cola union leader in Bucaramanga and fired indiscriminately at the family, killing Efrain's brother in law, Gabriel Remolina, his wife Franny and wounding three of their children. One of these children,Robinson Remolina was hospitalised.

Colombia is the most dangerous place on earth to be a trade unionist. And if you work for one of the Coca Cola bottlers, that risk is even higher.

Workers at several bottling plants producing Coca-Cola in Colombia, have been kidnapped, tortured and murdered.

Coke knew about the violence against workers by paramilitary death squads. There are allegations that local bottling management may have organised the violence.

It's not the first time there has been violence against Coca-Cola workers. Trade union leaders were murdered at a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Guatemala in the 1980's. The terror continued until international pressure forced Coke to take responsibility and ensure safety at the plant.

Coke continues to ignore reports that brutal violations of human rights are committed every day against workers who produce and distribute their products around the world.

A lawsuit has been filed against the Coca-Cola Company and its Colombian partner, Panamco to stop the violence.

To accelerate this campaign and boycott,we could list participating branch offices, ships, wharves, canteens, etc,in the Journal, on the website, and in branch newsletters. Maybe the delos and Social Club organisers could assist in this, also workplaces that are not buying and selling Coke,could advance to a full boycott.

Let's deal with this campaign issue in the most effective way, and

BOYCOTT COKE

Michael Vickers

Searoad Mersey

Union No: 6002520

Coke Campaign

Dear comrades, Our process of resistance against the policies of the multinationals, in this case against Coca-Cola, advances very positively in spite of the difficult conditions the trade union movement in our country faces.

How very important the great solidarity by people around the world has been, for our existence and the preservation of our lives.

There have been 29 trade unionists killed to date this year, many others have been detained in prisons and others are away from their places of work in order to safeguard their lives.

The Colombian State has a policy of terror and annihilation of the trade union movement.

July 22 was the anniversary of the assassination of Hector Daniel Useche Beron and Victor Eloy Mieles Ospino, two workers of the multinational Nestlé in Colombia and the international day of action against Coca-Cola.

We know that in many corners of the world men and women who struggle for the lives and sovereignty of our peoples will hold significant actions of support and solidarity with the workers of this multinational, at the same time strengthening instruments of global resistance for the building of another world that is possible, where freedom, truth and peace with social justice reign.

Wherever we are we will all have, this July 22, our fists raised and our heads held high as we struggle for life and the survival of our peoples.

Edgar Páez M.

National Leadership

National Food Industry Workers Union

Sinaltrainal, Colombia

Small "l" Liberal

IS there a party small 'l' liberals can turn to?

John Valder, former Liberal Party President, former Chair of the Stock Exchange, is spearheading a broadbased campaign to unseat PM John Howard in his own seat of Bennelong.

Valder and former Cabinet Minister Peter Baume, now Chancellor of Canberra University, recently spoke at a Politics in the Pub session, a broad left weekly forum held in Sydney, about the plight of the small "l" Liberals.

At the end of last year Valder came out strongly condemning the Howard Government's involvement in the pre-emptive war in Iraq. His speech to the Brisbane-based Socratic Forum was even published in the Australian Socialist journal.

Liberal voters may think that they are voting for their party's "hardworking" local MPs or candidates. In truth they will be voting for a party headed by John Howard whose policies are endangering Australian security and sovereignty, a direction roundly rejected by many small "l" liberals and some very senior Liberal Party members as "too far to the right".

Is it then time for a new Progressive Liberal Party and a change to proportional representation?

Klaas Woldring,

Senate candidate

Progressive Labour Party,

Pearl Beach

Witchhunt

The Government on July 20 made an announcement regarding new security measures, including background checks on maritime workers many of whom are members of the Maritime Union of Australia.

Our union has been calling for a national register of maritime workers as the most viable method of identifying workers in an industry that has become more transient in recent times.

The Howard Government wants checks on Australian workers but supports foreign guest workers on ships trading regularly on the Australian coast, often carrying cargo such as ammonium nitrate a known commodity of terrorist weaponry.

Research in the year 2000 carried out on behalf of the International Maritime Organisation detected 12,635 cases of forgery in certificates and endorsements of seafarers documentation (Daily Commercial News,10/01/01)

The United States under the Jones Act does not allow foreign vessels to trade on its coast. One would think that the close relationship between Howard and Bush might have seen a similar policy adopted here.

It's ironic that when Lindsay Tanner of the ALP sought a "background check" into the Governments involvement in the illegal sacking of 2000 Patrick workers in 1998 by seeking the release of Cabinet documents this matter was subject to appeal before the High Court.

The Howard Government should come clean and recognise and identify where the real risks are.

Trevor Munday

Deputy Branch Secretary

S. Queensland Branch,

Maritime Union of Australia

Anti-Boycott Campaign

It is important that we look back on past struggles to evaluate our successes and failures and the strategy and tactics of a particular dispute or campaign in order to be more successful in the future.

At present unions are trying to carry out their activities on behalf of their members under very difficult conditions due to the raft of anti-union laws passed by the Howard Government.

The history of the trade union movement is one where employers and compliant governments have joined forces to straightjacket the unions through anti-union legislation.

The National Office report of July 2004 commented on the recent amendments to the Workplace Relations Act which put further penalties on trade unions for breaches of the act.

The report noted that the legislation tripled penalties increasing fines on individuals from $2000 to $6000 and on unions from $10,000 to $30,000. As well there is a provision which bars people from holding union office for five years if they have been jailed for certain criminal offences including suspended sentences.

Many in the trade union movement have drawn attention to the trend in industrial relations to exclude the unions from any activity at all. But as yet there does not appear to be an organised campaign to repeal these laws. History reveals that when campaigns have been organised they have had some measure of success. It is as well to recall some past history.

As far back as 1959 the ACTU Congress called for a campaign to repeal the Penal Provisions in the arbitration acts and union awards. This was put to all trades and labor councils who endorsed the policy and it became national trade union policy. The trade union movement conducted job meetings where the issues were debated by workers on the job and the demand raised to repeal the penal provisions. Demonstrations were held outside the Commonwealth Industrial Court when unions were appearing to face charges brought by employers.

In the case of the Seamen's Union on April 26 1960, the Commonwealth Industrial Court fined the union 300 pounds for contempt of its Order of March 4,1960. The charges were that "the union had not taken all steps within its power to ensure that every member of the union concerned shall not refuse to work between noon on Fridays and noon on Mondays or some part of that period upon or in circumstances upon or in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed in the award, as varied."

For many years the unions campaigned to have the penal provisions repealed. This took many forms from job meetings, demonstrations and deputations to Canberra.

This necessary grass roots, patient work raised the rank and file's understanding of the issues involved to a level that when the Victorian Tram & Bus Union Secretary Clarrie O'Shea was gaoled for contempt of court, over a million workers stopped work nation wide in protest.

The widespread industrial action compelled the then Federal Government to give an assurance to the ACTU that it would review the penal provisions of the Arbitration Act.

The history of this struggle and the tactics and organisation have important messages for the trade union movement in a campaign to repeal the Workplace Relations Act.

The present ACTU have resolutions which highlight the importance of working for the repeal of anti-worker legislation. The Maritime Union who continue to be on the receiving end of these vicious laws would benefit from a similar campaign.

T A Curphey

MUA Veterans

Raising the Flag

Aboard the Alltrans in April, we endorsed a motion to put up the Aboriginal flag in our recreation area. The proposal came from Peter Jackson, TIR (Tribal Warrior Association member).

We onboard take in all the Aboriginal lads supported by Rio Tinto. The back up and support we give these men from our experience, seamenship and harmonic support is invaluable to their seagoing futures in the maritime industry. To all those lads who come through, all the very best in your careers in the industry.

The Crew

Alltrans

Dream come True

I would like to personally thank the crews of the MV Alltrans for bestowing me the honour of putting up the Aboriginal flag in the MUA recreation room on the ship. I would also like to thank the Tribal Warrior Association for making a dream become reality. The MUA, Rio Tinto and ASP also get our thanks for their support of all TWA trainees currently doing their seatime. To all the crew in the ASP fleet, thank you for warmly welcoming us onto your ships and passing on your valuable experience and seamenship. Thank you comrades.

Our flag now lives proudly alongside the MUA, Red Ensign, New Zealand and Eureka flags on the bulkhead. The boys tell me that it doesn't look out of place. I agree. Fair weather.

Peter Jackson, TIR

Union No: 9004462

League Boycott

A letter to the Illawarra Legaues Club protesting the cancellation of an anti war in Iraq forum

Dear Secretary, At the July meeting of the MUA Veterans' Association, Southern Branch, it was decided that a letter be sent to you regarding the matter of the cancellation of a booking made at your club to hear Andrew Wilkie speak.

Andrew Wilkie, who was a senior analysis at the Office of National Assessment, has spoken at over 300 venues throughout the nation on the subject of Australia's involvement in the war on Iraq. Your action in cancelling the venue in which the people of this area could hear him was the first he had encountered.

Our members have taken a very dim view of the action by management of the Illawarra Leagues Club. They consider it to be an attempt to curtail free speech and the democratic right of people to hear all sides of questions that impinge upon the future of Australia.

Your manager, Mr. Wilson, would be aware that members of our organisation have always upheld the principle of freedom of speech and that we have fought many battles to maintain this principle. We are at a loss to know why this action was taken on the grounds of it being "too political" in view of the fact that clubs, including yours, are running a campaign against the NSW Government regarding poker machine taxes.

We are mindful of the hospitality that has been extended to us in the past by the Leagues Club in allowing us to hold our meetings there. However we feel we can no longer patronise a club with policies running counter to what we have fought for and believed in during our working life and beyond.

The enclosed membership cards are those of members who no longer wish to belong to the Illawarra Leagues Club. They, among many others, have expressed their disappointment and disgust over this action. We will be sorry to have to find another venue in which to celebrate May Day and other events. Your club, has for many years, been the venue in which we were able to meet and enjoy a beer with old mates. However to continue to do so runs counter to our beliefs.

In the true expression of democracy we would welcome an explanation as to why the management of your club saw fit to cancel the arrangement previously entered into with the South Coast Labour Council.

Jim Keogh.

Secretary.

Taking a Stand

This is to let the membership know there is still plenty of fight left in us yet! But then who would have thought otherwise?

Opposite is a letter that was sent to the Illawarra Leagues Club on behalf of the retirees.

The South Coast Labour Council had made a booking at the club on behalf of the No War committee to hear Andrew Wilkie speak.

Two days before the event was to take place the club cancelled the booking on the basis it was "too political".

This judgement was made by Les Wilson an ex member of the WWF (pano) who is now manager of the club.

When contacted by Arthur Rorris, Secretary of South Coast Labour Council as to why this action had been taken Mr. Wilson said "It was his call."

Once informed our members took action. As a result of the cancellation we received publicity in the Illawarra Mercury and at the hastily arranged venue we received an excellent attendance (standing room only) and financial support.

Doreen Borrows

Retired members Association

Port Kembla

Special Greetings

We of the Indigenous Social Justice Committee, sincerely thank the MUA for your very generous cheque of $500.

Because of you our newspaper lives to continue the struggle for the survival of education and development.

We support Australian crews for Australian ships.

Solidarity in struggle with you for always.

June Duffy Lindsay

Indigenous Social Justice Committee

Port Augusta Reunion

The Whyalla Branch of the MUA has just completed its Enterprise Agreement with Toll Pty Ltd.

It is acknowledged by the Whyalla Branch that there were a lot of sacrifices made by past and present members so that today's members could enjoy and appreciate today's wages and conditions.

In a difficult political climate where the Union is facing attacks daily from employers and the government the MUA has maintained its steely resolve to not only maintain wages and conditions but also exercise its moral and social standing in the community.

This resolve is drawn largely from inspirational efforts by our past members who have contributed immensely to the proud history of the union.

The Whyalla Branch had strong affiliations with Port Pirie, Port Lincoln and Port Augusta (which was closed 30 years) through its mobile transfer system.

With support from Assistant National Secretary Rick Newlyn, State Secretary Jamie Newlyn and the Whyalla Committee we decided to acknowledge the past and present efforts of our proud and loyal members and organise a social day to simply enjoy with past workmates, partners and families who have all been a part of the sacrifices, struggles and rewards of being part of the MUA.

It was agreed that this years Port Augusta Cup July 11 would be an ideal venue for a reunion.

The day attracted over100 members and family from around the Spencer Gulf Ports as well as Port Adelaide members. New members from the aquaculture farms were initiated into the MUA family and our women were given special recognition for the support they have given to their men over the years.

Without their continual support in difficult times the MUA would not be where it is today.

A great day was had by all with old and new acquaintances being forged. Recognition must also go to our proud sponsors.

Financial Planner Peter Seagrim from Port Augusta, offers financial advice and tax returns through his newly acquired business H&R Block at discount rates for MUA members in regional areas.

Slater & Gordon was recognised for the continued legal support they have given to the MUA and its members in asbestos related issues.

The Maritime Workers' Credit Union was acknowledged for the fantastic financial services they provide to our members and families.

In Unity

Bill Brodie

Union No: 5000246

Struggles & Schooners

Struggles, Scabs and Schooners -- a labour history pub tour -- was organised by the United Trades and Labour Council UTLC to celebrate 120 years of the organisation.

On Saturday, July 24 two bus loads of unionists embarked on a labour history education lesson.

Recognising the important historical contribution of the MUA and our predeccesor unions the UTLC invited the MUA to provide a retired member to give an historical perspective of the struggles faced in Port Adelaide.

Retired Seafarer Brian O'Neill gave an historical account of the seagoing and waterfront struggles of Port Adelaide and the significance of the Lighthouse Inn.

Brian's contribution was well received and considered the highlight of the tour.

Due to the limited number of seats available only a handful of MUA members could attend the bus tour, however other members were able to enjoy the historical anecdotes at the Semaphore workers' Club and the Lighthouse Inn.

A great day was had by all. The event provided a great opportunity for unionists to hear of the struggles faced by unions, the sacrifices made by members so we could enjoy the working conditions we have today -- and all in an enjoyable social environment. But it was evident that although conditions have improved the need to struggle never ends.

In Unity

Jamie Newlyn

SA Branch Secretary

Project Feedback

Since its launch during the MUA National Conference in March, the MUA education website project has received positive publicity nationally and internationally in a wide range of trade union, education, political and academic publications and websites.

Initial publicity came via the NSW Teachers' Federation with stories about the project on its website and in its journal Education.

The project was intended by its for use by secondary school students. As a bonus, however, it is understood the MUA material is currently being used in at least three Australian universities in first year Industrial Relations courses.

Internationally respected trade union internet consultant Eric Lee has described the project as "a great idea", adding that "more unions should do this sort of thing".

Rohan Cahill

Project author

Olympic News

The Olympic Games has started and you are among millions of others around the globe watching. But I'd like you to also think about this:

• 20 women gathered on a rooftop to stage a silent protest organised by the Play Fair at the Olympics campaign. This sew-in featured masked activists, operating sewing machines against the backdrop of the Acropolis. The action was staged in order to highlight the appalling working conditions experienced by hundreds of thousands of workers in the sportswear industry.

• In the feverish run-up to the opening, with construction crews working round-the-clock, 13 workers were killed on the job. Some groups, including Amnesty International, place the death toll even higher. A ceremony in Athens this week honored those whose lives were lost.

Eric Lee

LaborStart

UK

State Terrorism

Letter from Permanent Observer of Palestine to UN to Secretary-General and President of Security Council - May 17, 2004 - 

In blatant violation and grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and other provisions of international law, Israel, the occupying Power, continues to wantonly destroy Palestinian homes and properties in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Over the past several days, the occupying Power has escalated this unlawful and inhumane practice, deliberately causing excessive and widespread destruction, in particular in the Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.

Using armoured bulldozers and tanks, the Israeli occupying forces repeatedly raided the Rafah refugee camp, terrorizing the civilian population and destroying dozens of homes, some of them attacked while the families were still inside. As you are likely aware, United Nations officials on the ground are reporting that in the past few days at least 88 homes have been completely destroyed in Rafah, and some estimates have put the toll of destruction even higher, at approximately 120 homes that have been destroyed and made unliveable.

As a result of this onslaught, more than 1,100 Palestinian civilians, including women and children, have been made homeless. These families, many of whom have lived in the refugee camp for more than a half-century since they became refugees and many of whom are second- and third-generation refugees, have been displaced and dispossessed once again, their homes, belongings, community and lives in ruins.

As the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) sets up tents to shelter the displaced, the images are tragically reminiscent of the onset of the plight of the Palestine refugees more than 56 years ago. Indeed, UNRWA has been unable to keep pace with the vast destruction being inflicted by the occupying Power on the Palestinian civilian population. It has been unable to provide adequate shelter to house all those who have been displaced and is actually still trying to repair and rebuild the thousands of refugee homes damaged or destroyed by the Israeli occupying forces over the past three years, while being now faced with even more destruction and displacement. In fact, some of the homes destroyed incurred this wrath of the occupying forces for the second time in less than a year and a half.

The Rafah refugee camp has in fact been severely targeted by the Israeli occupying forces since they began their military campaign against the Palestinian people in September 2000. According to UNRWA, since September 2000, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been uprooted and displaced from the Rafah refugee camp alone and more than 1,200 homes in the camp, not including those destroyed in recent days, have been demolished or severely damaged. In addition to the material losses, Rafah has not been spared human losses. Since September 2000, more than 257 Palestinians, including at least 58 children, have been killed by the occupying forces in Rafah and thousands more injured, and the casualties continue to mount as Israel continues to carry out military attacks against Palestinian civilians in Rafah as well as throughout the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

At this time, hundreds more Palestinians are now fleeing their homes in Rafah as Israel threatens to destroy even more homes. Israeli officials, including Defence Minister Mofaz and Army Chief of Staff Ya'alon, have declared their intention to destroy hundreds more Palestinian homes in the Rafah area. As Mr. Ya'alon declared yesterday: "Hundreds of Palestinian houses along the Israel-Egypt border have been targeted for demolition." Such measures have been carried out repeatedly by the occupying forces in the Rafah area along the northern edge of the border between Gaza and Egypt and it is now clear that these actions have been taken for the purpose of widening the so-called Philadelphia buffer zone along the border with Egypt, over which Israel seeks to retain control.

This illegal collective punishment of the Palestinian civilian population in Rafah by the occupying Power for such unlawful purposes must cease. The international community, including the Security Council, must take the necessary measures to compel Israel to cease its ongoing violations and war crimes against the Palestinian people, including a cessation of the plans to demolish more homes in Rafah, and to compel it to uphold its obligations as an occupying Power under the Fourth Geneva Convention and to abide by all other relevant provisions of international law. Only such urgent action by the international community can stem the rising toll of death and destruction being inflicted by Israel on the Palestinian civilian population under its occupation.

The present letter is in follow-up to our previous 189 letters to you regarding the ongoing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, since 28 September 2000. These letters, dated from 29 September 2000 (A/55/432-S/2000/921) to 12 May 2004 (A/ES-10/266-S/2004/382), constitute a basic record of the crimes committed by the Israeli occupying forces against the Palestinian people since September 2000. For all of the war crimes, State terrorism and systematic human rights violations committed against the Palestinian people, Israel, the occupying Power, must be held accountable and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Accordingly, in follow-up to the above-mentioned letters, it is my profound regret to inform you that, since our last letter to you just five days ago (A/ES-10/266-S/2004/382), at least 21 Palestinians, including children, have been killed by the Israeli occupying forces, raising the total number of martyrs killed since September 2000 to 2,984 Palestinians. (The names of the martyrs that have been identified are contained in the annex to the present letter.)

I would be grateful if you would arrange to have the text of this letter and its annex distributed as a document of the tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly, under agenda item 5, and of the Security Council.

Nasser Al-Kidwa

Ambassador 

Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations