We've got a few things going on around here this week. The May Day 'parade' will take place on the coming weekend in Fremantle. Thought some of you would appreciate this little bit of history from Western Australia.
Solidarity, Mike B)
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May 2006 marks two important anniversaries for Aboriginal people, workers and people of good conscience.
On May 1 1946 Pilbara pastoral workers staged the first Aboriginal strike in Australia.
Disinherited from their land, and therefore their livelihood, they toiled on stations for basic rations. They demanded wages of 30 shillings a week.
May 1 was chosen because it is the international day of workers’ rights.
The workers had no phone or radio and were illiterate, so an Aboriginal man bicycled round the stations, handing out calendars. The workers daily crossed off a square to count down to May 1.
800 people struck, living on bush tucker, camped near Port Hedland. Many were arrested for leaving their employment without permission of the Protector of Aborigines, and held in chains.
The strike lasted 3 years until the graziers paid the requested wages.
On May 1 1996, the Aboriginal community lost Rob Riley, who passionately advocated for justice in the famous Noonkanbah struggle and pressured the Hawke Government to implement its land rights commitments.
His last job was CEO of the WA Aboriginal Legal Service.
Both anniversaries will be remembered at the May Day Rally at the Fremantle Esplanade on Sunday May 7 at 12 noon.
The Pilbara victory encourages us to struggle against the so-called Work Choices legislation. Since the law was enacted last month, mass sackings have occurred across the country. Some have lost their job for claiming workers’ compensation; others have been fired, then rehired on lower wages. May Day is a chance to voice our opposition. As in France, united action can defeat the unfair laws.
Before he died Rob Riley wrote: "Remember two important things - you cannot be wrong if you're right and you don't stop fighting for justice simply because those around you don't like it. You just keep on fighting."
Read "Penguins in Bondage": http://happystiletto.blogspot.com/
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