The Guardian 7 May, 2008
May Day Fremantle
Richard Titelius
This year's May Day was the first that was not under a Howard government in over 11 years, another cause for celebration. However, as the recent draft of the new ALP governments two pronged approach to its safety net for workers; the National Employment Standard and a system of "modern simplified awards" that are industry or occupation based, there is yet to be an unconditional guarantee of a role for trade unions and their rights under its new legislative framework.
The crowd was bigger than last year’s 8000. The Your Rights at Work campaign will continue. The emphasis this time will be on ensuring that collective bargaining is maintained and strengthened under any Rudd governments plans for a reform of industrial relations laws and that there is clearly a "robust role and rights for unions in this new industrial plan".
One speaker was Arthur from the Philippines, who came here on a Section 457 visa to work as a welder. He has been in Australia for four years and he spoke of his experience of the many abusive and exploitative practices of some Australian employers.
Large numbers of community groups, other non-government organisations and trade unions had stalls at the rally and together with unionists, their families and supporters marched through the streets of Fremantle to bring forth the message that it is through collectives of the working class that our wages and conditions can best be fought for and maintained.
The workers united in strength shall prevail!