Wellington: Solidarity Demonstration with Australian Workers
120 people gathered at the Australian High Commission in Wellington in solidarity with the Australian wide community
protests against John Howard's industrial relations reforms. The protest was organised by the Council of Trade Union
(CTU). Members from a wide range of unions (Maritime Union, AUS, PSA, Unite!, CLAW, EPMU, SFWU), socialist groups (ACA,
SWO/Workers Charter) and anarchists (some from the Wildcat Anarchist Collective) rallied for over one hour. 'Brass Razoo
Solidarity Band' played for the crowd.
Speakers included Ross Wilson (president of the CTU) and Green Party MP Keith Locke.
Anarchists were there with several flags, a banner ("No War but the Class War!") and Wildcat handed out a leaflet in
which they attacked the CTU for refusing to demonstrate against the fact that 600 Air New Zealand workers are being
fired by Helen Clark's government.
A group of anarchists got in trouble with the police when they walked back towards town because they preferred to walk
on the road. Police threats of arrests for obstruction were replied with chants – "No Justice, No Peace – Abolish the
Police!". One anarchist was repeatedly called a 'cock' by a cop.
For more, see… Wellington Indymedia – www.indymedia.org.nz
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