Local workers rally

WORKERS are set to turn out in force next Thursday November 30 in a display of people power against the federal governments industrial relations changes.

South Coast Labour Council Secretary Arthur Rorris described the laws as unfair to workers and said they reduce the rights of working Australians.

Win Stadium in Wollongong will be turned into a mass of workers demonstrating their desire to see reform in

the industrial relations legislation.

Lake Illawarra South Public School teacher Richard Evans said he would be at Win Stadium.

He said his interest in the issue was sparked after his daughter, who has just entered the workforce, brought home a contract she had been asked to sign. He said the contract did not treat her fairly however she could see no alternative but to sign it if she wished to be employed in the position.

Mr Rorris said the main purpose of the rally is to help people realise they do have the power to change the governments mind if they work together.

He said with unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, in the Illawarra at such high levels people feel under pressure to sign unfair agreements. We are fighting for the Australian fair go. Working people wont tolerate unfair laws, he said.

The Win Stadium event is being held in conjunction with a day of union and community action across the country.

Gates to Win Stadium will open at 8 am with an ACTU broadcast scheduled for 8.30 am.

Several people have been enlisted to talk to the workers. Mr Rorris said the day is not just for union members it is for the entire public. We want to see the biggest show of people power this region has ever seen, he said.

Organisers are hoping for in excess of 10 000 people on the day.