By Ana Kailis
PERTH — Solidarity for the sacked maritime workers has been pouring in to the Fremantle picket line from fellow unionists, students and the broader community.
Following the success of the workers' embassy established during last year's campaign against the state government's "third wave" industrial legalisation, a new workers' embassy has been erected on the picket line, complete with an information booth for new supporters, a TV viewing area, and meeting and entertainment facilities.
Spirits on the picket line have been high. On April 23, just hours after the full bench of the Federal Court's decision was announced, more than 100 Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union members from Collie marched to the picket chanting, "The workers united will never be defeated". A week earlier, 300 construction workers had downed tools and joined the picket line, defying threats of secondary boycott action.
When the dispute began, the police hired a large empty warehouse (dubbed "Stalag 13" by the picketers) opposite the Fremantle Port. WA police have admitted that the warehouse was intended for use as a holding centre in the event of a mass arrest.
On the evening of April 20, amidst rumours that a convoy of farmers in trucks were on their way to break through the picket line, hundreds of riot police arrived at the port. Water cannons and tear gas were on stand-by and many Perth residents were horrified by a live television broadcast of police practising their riot procedures for an assault on protesters.
As a result, at around midnight the picket swelled to 1500 people. In an effort to intimidate picketers, police helicopters hovered above the three picket sites beaming spotlights into the crowd. The protesters remained defiant, however, moving their cars and trucks onto the road to block police and renegade truck drivers. Eventually, the threat of action by the police subsided due to the large numbers on the picket lines.
Despite continued legal wrangling, the conviction that justice must be done has increased on the picket line. Workers and supporters are settling in for a protracted campaign in support of the MUA.
The 1998 May Day march, to commence at 11am on the Fremantle Esplanade on Sunday, May 3, will be a strong show of support for the MUA and the sacked Patrick workers. As well, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly May Day Solidarity Dinner at 7.30pm on May 2 at the State School Teachers' Union, 150 Adelaide Terrace, will feature an MUA speaker. For more information, telephone (08) 9227 7367.