Women workers threatened by industrial laws
By Bronwen Beechey
MELBOURNE — One hundred striking workers at Michaelis Bayley Footwear in Footscray, manufacturers of Homy Ped shoes, have been subjected to police violence and legal threats for picketing the factory.
Workers struck on April 6 after the company rejected their claim for a 10% wage rise over two years and improved redundancy provisions. The workers, mainly migrant women, were attacked by police after they blockaded an entrance to prevent a shipment of shoes leaving the factory.
On April 15, Michaelis Bayley sent letters to the workers saying it would bring proceedings in the Industrial Relations Commission to recover an unspecified amount in civil damages arising from the strike. The IRC had granted a section 166a certificate, allowing the company to begin a Supreme Court action for damages against the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union.
TCFU organiser Michelle O'Neill said that the workers, most of whom take home less than $300 a week, had already reduced their wage claim from 15% in the hope that management would negotiate. "Many of these women are their family's sole breadwinner, and some have worked for the company for 30 years", O'Neill said.
On April 18, the picket line was again forcibly broken by police. The Victorian Trades Hall Council has pledged support for the strike.