[PEN-L:11045] Solidarity with the Western Australian workers (fwd)

[D Shniad <shniad@xxxxxx>]

> INTERNATIONAL MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY
>
> The General Secretary
> Western Australia Trades and Labour Council (WATLC)
>
> By e-mail to:
>
> Dear Comrades,
>
> The South African Municipal Workers Union stands with you in
> solidarity against the anti-worker legislation that has just been
> passed in Western Australia. We understand from a study done by the
> ICFTU that this legislation will be the most draconian in the
> industrialised world.
>
> SAMWU is currently fighting the privatisation of public services by
> multinational companies - a battle that goes hand in hand with the
> fight against the capitalist globalisation of the economy.
> Privatisation will mean that governments and the profit hungry private
> sector will become inextricably linked in putting profits before the
> needs of workers and communities. Globalisation will spawn an
> increasing amount of anti-worker laws worldwide, and it is vital that
> the international working class band together to heighten the struggle
> against neo-liberalism.
>
> In South Africa, proposed Basic Conditions of Employment legislation
> allows for downward variation of employment standards. It is clear
> that both South African and Western Australian unions face losing
> rights won for workers after many years of hard struggle.
>
> SAMWU believes that the legislation passed in your state is a thinly
> veiled attempt to crush the Australian labour movement completely.
> Southern Africa will not allow this to take place! Together with
> COSATU, we will mobilise our affiliates to take strong action against
> your government. If there is no sign that these fascist laws will be
> repealed by the beginning of August, we will begin mobilising for
> sanctions against Australia.
>
> We wish you luck for your mass action today and assure you of our
> utmost support in your struggle.
>
> Viva, Western Australian workers, Viva! Viva, a worldwide struggle
> against globalisation, Viva!
>
>
> Petros Mashishi
> President: South African Municipal Workers Union
> on behalf of SAMWU's 120 000 members
>
>