Fire in the Belly

John Ernst, Adsteam, Cairns: "It was an inspirational trip.

Everything Iıve ever believed in has been reinforced. It's encouraging to just go over there and hear what's going on around the world. The Chilean dock workers were the most saddening. That's what had the biggest impact on me. It was the first international do I've ever attended. And it was hard coming back to Weipa with a population of 3000. The ILWU were top people.

Iıve briefed our guys on the river boats and I'm going up and talking to our guys on the five bauxite ships about what happened."

Peter HasenKamp, Townsville: NSS, GWE and stevedoring delegate: "It certainly lit a fire in my belly. Some of the speakers gave me goose bumps.

It was a real eye opener for me. It's nice to know we're not on our own, that we've got international backing. We've got the ILWU, Japan and all of them behind us.

"What got me was the plight of third world countries. Global corporations are addicted to greed. They have total disregard for the environment or basic human principles. They disregard workers' rights, even human rights."

Dennis Outram, Kooragang Coal loader, Newcastle: "It's heartening to bring back to our people the support we've been assured of from our international friends. That was probably the greatest thing. The attack that's upon us is not just limited to Australia. It's happened to other workers around the world. Our greatest strength is in sticking together.

We could target a big company and show we arenıt a push over and they can't get away with it. The way forward is to deal internationally."

Nick Kriticos, retired wharfie, Adelaide:"The conference blew us away. Itıs great how we're all going to unite and beat the multinationals trying to take over, trying to make the worker get less.

"The people I met were terrific. I made quite a few friends. One bloke gave me the jacket off his back."

Jim Bray, retired seafarer, Fremantle: "There were quite a few moving moments, especially hearing of the Burmese unionist who got killed and the Chilean who was bashed. It sticks in your memory, things like that.

"But the highlight was when Liverpool won. I raffled a couple of their jerseys I'd taken over with me and we raised $700 for the Chilean delegation. Since I've been back Iıve done a mail-out to all 250 veterans and held a meeting at the Fremantle Football Club to report back. I'd like to thank the officials from the east for giving the union veterans representation. We are the teachers, we've been there and done it all.

It's important weıre involved and pass on our experience.

Danny Wakeling, tug delegate, Whyalla: "The declaration said it all.

It was loud and clear. A message of solidarity. We are all facing a common foe. You come back and you don't feel alone as much. I keep my finger on the pulse but we're out in the sticks. It's a working man's town where the outback meets the sea. But to feel and hear first hand that others are experiencing the same things as we are, you get a real sense of comradeship.

We have a wide ocean separating us, but we're brothers in the common cause to better the conditions of the working class. We're not alone in our struggles. The Americans are behind us and we're behind them. I feel more comfortable about going into disputes now. At the end of the day you know youıve got support internationally. Any party out to destroy trade unions is not just taking us on, they are taking on global action as well."

Jody LARSON: Spirit of Tasmania: "Everyone here was very excited and very supportive that I was going. They wanted to know what they could do so they could go next time. The speeches were very motivating and dedicating the conference to the Burmese unionist who was murdered was inspirational.

The women's workshop did a lot on education. We need to educate the young ones. These guys are going to end up running the union somewhere down the line aren't they? When I first came in I didn't know much about the industry so I buddied up with some IRs. But there's so many young people coming into the industry we need something on a bigger scale."

JOE DEAKIN, Sydney seafarer: "Never have I witnessed such passion and commitment from rank and file workers and officials. Conference delegates laid their cards squarely on the table. Our strategy and tactics must be to organise a working class global offensive against the ruling class and not wait to get hit. The fight plan needs to be implemented now."