Let’s help put an end to the ABCC!

The idea of being part of a union and what it means to be a union member continues to be jeopardised with clear evidence that the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) are persisting with bullying tactics against innocent construction workers.

Even under a Labor government, the ABCC will continue to be in place until January 31, 2010. Amazingly, over 50 employees in the sector have been required to attend private interrogations by ABCC enforcers, where they are faced with up to six months imprisonment if they refuse to divulge information regarding comments or discussion in union meetings, with a clear aim to destabilise a union and its members.

Individual members are being threatened with fines of up to $22,000, which would force many to get to the stage of having to sell their homes.

The ASU is lending its support behind a push to put an end to the ABCC and the unfair laws that it so vehemently stands for. Below is a list of some of the things you can do to help fight against the ABCC.

“The ASU totally supports our union colleagues at the CMFEU in achieving the abolition of the ABCC. Furthermore, we call on the Federal Government to honour their commitment that workers are not jailed or fined for sticking up for their terms of conditions of employment,” said ASU Branch Secretary Brian Parkinson. 

We urge all our members to hear more about workers’ experiences by logging on to www.constructingfear.com to watch the short film by Joe Loh.

What can you do?

Fax or email Prime Minister Kevin Rudd - Fax: (02) 6273 4100; email http://www.pm.gov.au/ or Kevin.Rudd.MP@aph.gov.au and

Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard - Fax: (02) 6273 4115; email Julia.Gillard.MP@aph.gov.au and ask them not to wait till 2010 to abolish the ABCC and construction laws now.

Tell Labor Party Nationally and the Victorian Branch about your concerns – National.Secretary@cbr.alp.org.au or info@vic.alp.org.au