The Australian building and construction commission was established in the package of Howard's IR Laws, in an effort to combat worker militancy in the construction sector. Worker militancy in this sector is high, it’s dangerous work (complemented by incredible employer negligence): approximately one construction worker dies on the job per week in Australia.
The powers of the ABCC allow it to request interrogations of anyone involved in 'illegal' activity on a work site - generally 'illegal' stoppages.
If you refuse to go to the interrogation, you're charged and face 6 months jail or a $22k fine.
If you don't provide them with documents they request, you're charged.
If you don't rat out fellow workers, you're charged.
At the moment, Adelaide construction worker Ark Tribe is being prosecuted by the ABCC, because he refused to be interrogated. He signed a petition drawn up on a paper towel at his worksite at Flinders University regarding the appalling safety conditions on site. For this he and his workmates were called in for interrogation. He goes to trial in July.
The response of trade unions reflects the weakness within the union bureaucracy: succumbing to apparently ‘peaceful means’ of demonstration against what is clearly a violent offensive begun by the previous government, and continued under the current one. They suggest online support, when workers are being interrogated and threatened; they suggest writing to an MP when workers blood is being spilt.
What will this do? Nothing! Workers will continue to be victimized, and the government’s indifference will continue!
We need to organize for practical solidarity. This attack can’t be fought with the just words, but actions.
Further, this isn’t just an attack on construction workers: the ABCC came as part of anti-worker legislation brought in by the Howard government, which has been left relatively untouched by the Rudd government, save a name change.
Together, workers, students and the unemployed can challenge this legislation; together, we can win, if we don’t fight, we lose.
This is a call for action around May Day against the ABCC, to demand the charges against Ark Tribe be dropped, and to demand the abolition of the ABCC. May day is on a Saturday, so any actions against offices of the ABCC, or Fair work, or the ALP, should be on the Friday before, or Monday after.
"Ark will spend the next few months with the possibility of up to six months imprisonment hanging over his head."
Long live the struggle!
This call to action is supported by:
Organise!
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