Smorgon Steels workers still going strong 200 days on:
ETU members vow to keep fighting

On September 12, hundreds of unionists joined Electrical Trade Union 
(ETU) members at the Smorgon Steel plant in Laverton to mark 200 days on 
the picket line. The workers are campaigning for industry standard 
enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) conditions.

The workers, employed by labour hire firm Adecco, have been on strike since 
February over the company's refusal to grant them the same conditions 
enjoyed by all other electrical contractors in Victoria.

ETU organiser, Gerry Glover, said the workers' resolve to win the dispute 
was "fantastic".

ETU secretary, Dean Mighell, thanked all the unions who had supported the 
campaign. He said the Smorgon Steel workers were "the most courageous" he 
had ever met.

"These blokes have looked each other in the eye and said, 'we started this 
together and we will finish it together'. They know that this fight is 
about standing up for the rights of all workers. These guys are determined 
not to let the next generation of apprentices down. It is one of the most 
inspirational things I have ever seen."

Colombian union activist, Jesus Gonzalez, told the workers that their 
struggle was an international one.

"This struggle goes on all over the world because the working class is one 
class. The miserable people in this company who are denying you your rights 
must be defeated. Be very certain that if you continue to struggle victory 
will be yours."

Victorian Trades Hall Council President and Textile, Clothing and Footwear 
Union Secretary, Michele O'Neil, said the ETU members had the support of 
every union in Victoria.

"Victorian workers understand your struggle and congratulate you on 
reaching 200 days. I bring you particluar greetings from the Geelong Wool 
Combing workers who have been locked out now for 138 days. These workers 
know how tough it is to deal with a company that cares nothing about 
workers but only about their profits."

Striking worker, Ron Goodfellow, said he was proud to be a member of the 
ETU.

"It has been a long and hard struggle but I am proud of the effort we have 
all made to stay strong. We will keep fighting until we win."