Andrew Martin, Brisbane
On October 19, the Retired Metalworkers Association of Queensland (RMAQ) debated a motion condemning the expulsion of Craig Johnston from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU).
Although the strongly worded motion was narrowly defeated by five votes to four, 12 of the people present signed the petition calling for Johnston's release from jail.
The motion read: "That this meeting of the RMAQ records its dismay, disappointment and disgust at the action of the national council of the AMWU in expelling Craig Johnston, former Victorian secretary of the AMWU. That action, timed as it was, has led us to the belief that the expulsion was a signal to the anti-union elements of our society to jail Johnston.
"This despicable decision of National Council tops a long sordid campaign to get Johnston for daring to upset the ALP/union/bosses' cartel by being 'too rough on employers'. The national council decision makes the action of the Skilled Engineering workers, who after all took the jobs of other workers with union approval, look almost respectable. Either way both scabbed on their workmates and we will always condemn and never condone such action."
Meanwhile, in Brisbane the campaign to release Johnston from jail is being organised by the relaunched Defend our Unions Committee. The committee was originally formed to defend the Maritime Union of Australia during the waterfront dispute in 1998.
The committee is planning a public meeting to launch the campaign in Brisbane on November 20 (see the Activist Calendar on page 23 for more information).
To get involved in the campaign, phone Andrew on 0407 458 372, Marce on 0439 870 513 or Mark on (07) 3891 5385.
[Andrew Martin is member of the AMWU.]
From Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, October 27, 2004.
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