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On August 29, 107 construction workers faced their first day of trial in Australian Federal Court. The workers face fines of up to $28,000 each for striking in support of their fired shop steward. Under new Australian labor laws, this strike was declared illegal. The government fines add up to over $ 2 million for these union workers. Many of the workers are now under the threat of losing their homes.

These 107 are among the first to face prosecution under Prime Minister John Howard’s new industrial relations laws. The workers struck last February on the construction site of the Perth Southern Railway.

Howard’s government has made going on strike to support one’s union brothers or sisters illegal. Some feel Prime Minister Howard’s plan is to destroy the Australian trade union movement.

Please show your support to these brave unionists who stood up for justice in the workplace by donating to their “Fighting Fund.” This fund goes to the families of the fined workers. Please send checks, payable to “ACTU Mandurah Dispute Fighting Fund,” to: Mandurah Dispute Fighting Fund, c/o ACTU, 393 Swanston St., Melbourne Victoria, Australia 3000.

Expiration Date:
Wed, 11/08/2006 - 10:00pm