Summary
This video presentation argues that Australian workers and unionists need go outside the country in order to join forces with other unions around the world. This is the largest ever delegation sent overseas, and it’s important that they succeed in their mission. Australian unions must organise internationally because there is no hope of dealing with giant multi-national companies who constantly erode and undermine workers’ rights in collaboration with conservative governments. Same struggles as years before, same difficulties not only in Australia but around the world as well.
Globalising Solidarity must catch on, otherwise the unions will end up in the “dust bin of history”. Australian credit unions are there to defend the workers. In the Patrick case, when the workers were out for two months, the credit unions made sure the workers did not have to pay any mortgage payments and so on.
Delegates have the responsibility of developing a campaign with their colleagues. It is important to teach the youth the importance of solidarity, because they have become complacent. Their mission is to engage and motivate for the future.
Central American workers are facing dictatorial tactics by governments. Australian workers pitched in to raise thousands of dollars for their Chilean counterparts, workers who needed financial support for their legal fees.
Special Notes/Achievements
Part of a collection of short videos presented at the 2005 Maritime Union of Australia’s Globalising Solidarity Presentation at the 2nd International Pacific Rim, Mining & Maritime Union Seminar in Los Angeles, California.
Production Company: Maritime Union of Australia with the Assistance of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Additional footage courtesy of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Chilean Dockworkers Union.
Author: J Bird, 2023