Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition

Local posties' campaign to protect jobs and conditions

2008-04-16T16:32:00.003+10:00

Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition supports the local posties' campaign to protect their jobs and conditions.

Rally and cavalcade
10am Saturday
May 10
Footscray Post Office
182 Barkly Street,
Footscray

11 am at
Williamstown Post Office
70 Douglas Parade
Williamstown

Download Leaflet

The local community can help western suburbs postal workers' campaign by:

Letterboxing the support leaflet (or leaflets can be delivered to you)
Helping on the information stall this Saturday, 19 April at Williamstown shopping centre, between 10.00 am - 12.00pm outside Coles Supermarket, Douglas Parade. Posties need your help to collect names on a petition and hand out leaflets.
Joining rally and cavalcade on Saturday morning 10 May, starting Footscray Post Office travelling to Williamstown Post Office - details below and attached leaflet.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR POSTIE

Australia Post is closing our Delivery Centre and shifting us to West Sunshine in July, this year.
Australia Post is using this move as an opportunity to cut full-time jobs.
They want to employ new starters for only 4 hours a shift, and pay them 15% less per hour.
They even intend making some of the posties, out-workers.
This will lead to a rapid turn-over of staff and a reduction in the quality of your postal service. There will be an increase in wrong deliveries and in delayed mail.

We need your help!

Sign our petition
Display a 'save our posties' car-sticker, sign or banner ·
Attend the protest being held on:

Saturday, May 10 at 10 am
Footscray Post Office
182 Barkly Street,
Footscray & 11 am at
Williamstown Post Office
70 Douglas Parade.

more info: Joan: 96009100 or 0419345134 | 0417456001

Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition

2007-11-01T09:15:00.000+11:00

The Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition is a grass roots organisation of local workers, unionists, community members and groups building a broad based community and unions campaign in the west to oppose the draconian IR laws. Our members come from Footscray, Altona, Williamstown, Werribee, Yarraville, Sunshine, Newport, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing and Melton.

New site www.westcommunityandunions.org

We organise a wide range of activities in the west to inform, organise and mobilise many diverse sections in the community to oppose the IR laws.

ACTIVITIES

IR Community Information Stalls at shopping centres, festivals, schools, community events
Organising Petitions
Provide Information to the local community on the IR laws - public meetings, talks
Supporting unions and workers against whom the draconian IR laws are being used
Collecting Information on effects of IR laws on the community, local workers and families
Supporting workers and communities in struggle to defend and improve their working and family lives
Campaigning with unions to protect manufacturing industry and jobs
Collecting local history of workers' and communities' struggles

MEETINGS SCHEDULE
Fortnightly on Wednesdays
6.00 pm Maribyrnong Town Hall
Meeting Room 2,
First Floor, Hyde Street,
Footscray.
Entrance via car park rear of Town Hall, Hyde Street entrance.

Dates: 3 May - [17 May -21 May* venue change] - 31 May - 14 June - 28 June - 12 July - 26 July

Step Up the Fight Against the IR Laws - Put Howard Under Pressure

2007-04-05T16:50:00.000+10:00

Next Meeting
6.00pm Weds
11th April
West Footscray Neighbourhood House
(Above the West Footscray Library)
539 Barkly Street, West Footscray

All Welcome

UNION AND COMMUNITY FAMILY DAY
12 - 4 PM
APRIL 22nd
MYER MUSIC BOWL

picnic
music
kids' entertainment
comedy
short speeches

In preparation for the next big day of national action against Howard's IR laws the Western Suburbs Community and Union Coalition wants you to get involved by:

letterboxing the streets in your area
put up posters in local businesses and community centres
volunteer for stalls in Werribee and Sunshine
volunteer to participate in localised groups in Werribee and Brimbank

If you need leaflets or posters please contact Justin Mullaly on 0425743960 and he will arrange the best way to get them to you.

NEXT MEETING

2006-10-27T16:33:00.000+10:00

PREPARATIONS FOR 30 NOVEMBER

Wednesday 6pm
1 November
The Church Hall
next to Maribyrnong Town Hall
Hyde street, Footscray

Thanks to all who attended and contributed to a very successful WSCUC Planning meeting on Sunday, 22 October. Many great proposals for upcoming joint unions and community activities in the lead up to November 30 and over next 12 months in the west. Special thanks to unions and community organisations who sent their representatives to the planning meeting.

Please contact us if you can assist with leaflet distributions at shopping centres, railway stations, polling booths (on Sunday 25 November), in your local area, workplace or neighbourhood. (also see Survey Form)

Agenda:

Report from Planning Day
November 30 preparations
Sunshine Swimming Pool victory for the community - breaking news

PS. Fill out survey form to assist with the campaign. Please return the completed form to PO.Box 2293,
Footscray, Vic. 3011.

more info: Shirley 0417 456 001 or Justin 0417 896 297

Community and Unions Round Table

2006-10-06T09:46:00.000+10:00

Sunday 22 October
2pm - 4pm
Yarraville Community Centre
59 Francis Street
Yarraville

Get involved in building the November 30 rally.

Join representatives from unions, solidarity groups, community groups, migrant, church and welfare organisations.
Form links and discuss activities to build the fight against the Federal Government's Industrial Relations Laws.
Help support and defend workers and communities in the west.

more info: 0417 456 001 | 0417 896 297 | 97489959

Next Meeting

2006-10-02T22:36:00.000+10:00

6-8pm Wednesday
4 October
Meeting Room 3
First Floor
Maribyrnong Town Hall
Hyde street, Footscray
entrance rear Town Hall.

Agenda:
1. Unions and Community Organising Day - Sunday, 22 October, 2.00 pm, Yarraville Community Centre. Details to follow.

2. Reports:
(i) Local sub-groups
(ii) Delegates Meeting
(iii) Union Solidarity central
(iv) Sunshine Pool

3. November 30 national day of protest.

4. Other business

in unity Shirley, Justin, Billy

SUPPORT SUNSHINE COMMUNITY

2006-08-24T08:09:00.000+10:00

Save the Sunshine Outdoor Pool

PUBLIC MEETING

Thursday, 24 August
6.30 pm - 8.00pm
(Cnr Monash St & Station Place, Sunshine, Melways Map 40 J1)

In the early 1960s the hard working people of Sunshine helped to raise funds and build their outdoor swimming pool for the benefit of future generations of Sunshine community. The pool is a community asset and belongs to the people of Sunshine.

The Sunshine Mother's Group is calling on the Sunshine community and supporters to attend the public meeting and discuss the next steps in the fight to save the outdoor 50 metre pool.

COME ALONG, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND HAVE YOUR SAY!

Next Organising Meeting

2006-08-05T12:50:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 9 August
6.00 pm
Meeting Room 2
Maribyrnong Council
Footscray
entry via rear Town Hall, Hyde Street

All welcome
Agenda

Reports from western sub-groups - activities, community forums
Report from Union Solidarity central - planning day, 12 August
Western Suburbs Planning Day - Future activities
Sunshine Pool
Industrial Disputes and Activities
- CFMEU-WA charges and fines under new laws
- Australia Post
- Amcor Packaging and others
Request for assistance by local ANF members re: community health.
Other business

more info: Shirley 0417 456 001 | Justin 0417 896 297 | Billy 0412 590 827

Sunshine Pool Commemoration Ceremony

2006-07-28T16:57:00.000+10:00

INVITATION to Supporters of Sunshine Community Commemoration Ceremony

Sunshine Community Building the 50m Outdoor Pool 1958-60

Sunday, 30 July
1.30 pm
Grassy area around the pool - behind Kennedy street, Sunshine

The Commemoration Ceremony will pay respect to all those people, schools, community organisations and groups, unions, local businesses, churches, Lions Clubs, etc. who between 1958-1960 raised 7,500 pounds and much more than that in voluntary labour and materials to fund and build the 50m outside pool for the benefit of future generations of Sunshine residents.

The service will also call on Brimbank Council and the Bracks government to announce in writing a plan for the proper replacement of the old outdoor 50m pool that the Sunshine community fought and worked so hard to get in the 1960s.

Please distribute this invitation widely and bring your friends and family.

For further information please contact John Hedditch - 0411 261 268

Build June 28 rally - activities, how to get involved

2006-06-15T22:03:00.000+10:00

1. June 28 rally leaflet distribution in the west.

Download leaflets

Details of leaflet distribution in the west - shopping centres, railway stations, letterboxing.

If you can help please contact one of the leaflet distribution co-ordinators below.

2. Media Release - Hobsons Bay Council supports the rally, etc.

Below is the WSCUC media release on Hobsons Bay council passing motion to raise awareness and encourage community attendance at June 28 rally; details on 28 June rally; western suburbs community travelling together by train; and background information about the group.

The motion was one of the outcomes from the WSCUC Hobsons Bay members' meeting with the Mayor earlier this week. Council also agreed to publicise the rally, travelling by train, the group, etc. on their website, amongst other community places.

1. Shopping Centres

Saturday, 17 June - Highpoint shopping centre, 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm. Meet outside Myer entrance near the bus stop. Contact: Justin 0417 896 297 or Chris 0425 784 819

Saturday, 24 June - Werribee Plaza - 10.00 am - 2.00 pm. Contact Alan: 0431 423 230 or Fergie 0425 796 167

2. Railway stations

In the week leading to 28th June - contact co-ordinators:

Werribee Line - Alan: 0431 423 230 or Warren: 0419 357 695
inc. Hoppers, Laverton, Altona, Williamstown, Newport

We have volunteers to hand out leaflets at the following stations: Werribee, Hoppers Crossing , Westona, Altona, Williamstown, Newport - more help needed

St. Albans, Sunshine, Watergardens: Ken: 9311 3349

Watergardens (new large estate), St. Albans and Sunshine also need more help.

Tottenham, West Footscray, Yarraville, Footscray: Justin 0417 896 297

3. Letterboxing

Area contacts:
Maribyrnong municipality - Justin: 0417 456 001
Hobsons Bay/Wyndham - Alan 0431 423 230, Warren 0419 357 695
Brimbank - Ken 9311 3349

4. Leaflet handouts at Footy matches

Sunday, 18 June - 12.30 pm Telstra Dome (near Southern cross station) -

Co-ordinator: Dave Kerin 0412 484 094

5. Western Suburbs community travelling by train.

See below press release to local papers about the rally, travelling by train and Hobsons Bay council "encouraging" attendance at the rally.

Press Release

Hobsons Bay Council encourages community to attend June 28 IR rally in Melbourne

Western Suburbs community travelling together by train to the rally.

Train and trams free between 7.00 am and 1.00pm

At its June 13 meeting the Hobsons Bay Council passed the following motion supporting the 28 June workers' and community protest rally:

"That Council raise awareness and encourage community attendance to the 28 June Industrial Relations rally to be conducted in the Melbourne City centre commencing 10.00 am".

The June 28 mass rally in Melbourne is part of the national day of workers and community protests against the WorkChoices laws and Welfare to Work legislation. For Melbourne rally details see VTHC webpage: www.vthc.org.au

"This courageous stand by a growing number of local councils, churches, community and welfare organizations is an indication of the depth and breadth of community opposition to the Federal government's draconian Work Choices legislation and Welfare to Work laws." said Shirley Winton from the Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition, a broad based community coalition of local residents, community organizations, workers and community members.

"At last year's November 15 IR rally more than 200,000 people jammed central Melbourne to show their opposition to the IR laws. Six months later this opposition has grown even more with workers and communities again joining together determined to get rid of these harsh laws that Howard is trying to bring back from early 19th Century. Every day more evidence is coming to light about how vicious these laws are in undermining basic workplace rights and conditions and welfare rights. Our present workplace rights and conditions, welfare and community living standards have been won by working people and their communities and need to be defended."

The Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition is publicising the rally widely in the west. Leaflets are being letterboxed and handed out at most railway stations and many shopping centres.

The Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition will be travelling together to the rally by train. We encourage residents and members of the community to join the western suburbs contingent and travel together by train. Trains and trams will be free between 7.00 am and 1.00 pm.

The group will meet at 9.10 am, Footscray Station, platform 3, for the 9.20 am train to the city, travelling in the last two carriages. The group's banner will be on platform 3. Or meet the group at Parliament Station at 10.00am to march to Bourke street mall.

For more information about this media release, the rally and Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition please contact: Shirley 0417 456 001, Justin 0417 896 297, Billy 9748 9959.

Up date

2006-06-10T18:27:00.000+10:00

1. Brief Report from Planning Meeting

2. Next meeting - Wednesday, 14 June

3. Preparations for June 28 Protest Rally

4. Future activities

1. Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition Planning Meeting.

The Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition held a planning meeting on Sunday, 21st May, to co-ordinate and organise activities in the west for June 28th rally.

The meeting agreed that organising and mobilising in the west for June 28th rally will be the main priority in the next month.

To improve practical efficiency and deepen the work of the coalition in the west it was decided to decentralise the main group into geographical sub-groups in the west. The decentralisation is mainly to deepen our work in the community in the west. Each sub-group will undertake organising and co-ordinating activities and distribution of material in their own localities (ie where they live or work).

The main/central group will continue to meet on a monthly basis on Wednesdays with sub-groups meeting the other fortnightly Wednesday.

The following geographical sub-groups were formed:

Maribyrnong/Kensington - contact Justin 0417 456 001

Brimbank - contact Ken 9311 3349

Hobsons Bay/Wyndham - contact Shirley 0417 456 001

If you can help in the preparations for the 28th June, please contact one of the above in your area.

2. Next meeting of the main group - 14 June

Next meeting of the main western group will be on Wednesday, 14th June, 6.00-8.00 pm, Meeting Room 2, Maribyrnong Town Hall, Hyde street, Footscray (entrance rear of town hall).

Agenda:

1. Organising for 28 June
2. Guest speaker (details to follow)
3. Display
4. Web page
5. Planning meeting in August

3. Organising in the west for 28 June.

1. Travel by train together to the rally
Encourage workers and communities living in the west to travel by train with the Western Suburbs Community and Unions contingent to the rally. Meet at Footscray Station at 9.10 am and travel in the last two carriages. The group will get off Southern Cross Station (Spencer street) with others joining their unions, etc. at designated meeting points.

2. WSCUC leaflet publicising the rally, the group and the train.

WSCUC will bring out a leaflet publicising the rally, information about the group and encourage local residents and workers to travel by train with the group.

3. Leaflet distribution

(i) Community Information stalls in shopping centres - jointly with unions.
(ii) Letter boxing
(iii) Local community organisations and groups
(iv) Workplaces - with unions and rank and file members
(v) Approach local MPs to post out the leaflet
(vi) Local councils - webpages
(vii) Railway stations

4. Future Activities

An enlarged planning meeting in early August inviting local community groups, shop stewards, union organisers, migrant groups, to discuss future activities in the west. The planning meeting will also include a social get together of different groups, organizations and individuals.

Shirley

Coming Events

2006-05-13T20:32:00.000+10:00

1. Next Meeting -

Wednesday, 17 May
6.00 pm, Ground floor meeting room
Maribyrnong Library,
Paisley street Footscray.
Next to Forges car park - corner Paisley and French streets.

NOTE: Change of venue for the meeting.

2. Future Activities Planning Meeting

Sunday, 21 May, 12.00 pm - 4.00 pm,
Yarraville Community Centre,
59 Francis Street, Yarraville. (Near Mobil Oil storage site/docks)

Some suggested items for discussion:

Widening community and workers involvement
Informing and organising the community around the IR laws campaign, 28 June rally - community meetings
Supporting unions and workers against whom the IR laws are being used
Collecting information on effects of IR laws and welfare changes on the community, local workers and families
Campaigning with unions to protect manufacturing industry and jobs
Supporting workers and communities in struggle to defend and improve working and family lives
Collecting local history of workers' and communities struggles

Solidarity picnic a great success

2006-04-09T20:37:00.000+10:00

Workers and Community Solidarity Picnic
The solidarity picnic was a great success with more than 1,000 attending on the day. The group continues to receive many congratulatory messages. Sincere thanks to all our supporters for their time, donations and encouragement. For those who missed out on the picnic we reproduce below a strongly worded message from the Solidarity picnic to the Federal Government and big business:

"That this solidarity gathering of workers, unions and communities sends a strong and united message to the Federal Government and big business that we will vigorously oppose the draconian IR laws that attack our rights, working conditions and living standards.

"We call on our unions and communities to unite and stand together to defeat these laws. We call on our workers and communities to organise and mobilize at the grass roots and build a people's movement that will beat back the vicious attacks by the Federal Government and big business.

"In the western suburbs of Melbourne these laws will be used ruthlessly against workers in the disappearing manufacturing industry, the backbone of this community.

"We demand that the Federal Government governs for all Australians and not just their big business mates. We send a strong message to Howard and all those behind these attacks that Australian people will not be cowed by his threats but will work together tirelessly to organise and mobilize the biggest mass rally for the June 28th day of workers and community protest action against the Work Choices IR laws.

"Our fight will not stop there. We will not stop until we have industrial relations laws that support workers, their families and community. We will not stop until we have laws which defend workers rights and conditions and which defend and build community living standards.

"This is one of the most savage assaults on working people in Australian history. But just like all previous generations of workers and communities we will fight as one for our hard won rights, working conditions and communities. Australian people have a long and proud tradition of standing up for workers' rights.

"We therefore call on everyone to get invovled - join a union and get involved in your union, workplace and community. Build a mass movement to defeat these laws." Passed by unanimous acclamation.

Future Activities

Organising and mobilising for June 28th rally
IR Community Information Stalls at shopping centres, schools, community events, festivals, etc.
Petitions
Provide Information to the local community - public meetings, talks, etc.
Supporting local workers and unions on the picket lines
Supporting workers and unions against whom the IR laws are being used
Collecting information on effects of IR laws on the local community, workers and families
Supporting workers and communities in struggles to defend and improve their working and family lives
Campaigning with unions to protect Australian manufacturing industry and jobs
Collecting local history of workers' and communities' struggles

NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, 19 April, 6.00 pm,
Maribyrnong Town Hall,
Meeting Room 2.

More info: Shirley 0417 456 001 | Justin 0417 896 297 | Billy 974 89959

Workers and Communities Solidarity Picnic

2006-04-02T18:52:00.000+10:00

Download leaflet :English version | Spanish version | Greek version

Defend Workers' Rights and Conditions
Defend Community Living Standards

Sunday, 2 April
1.00 pm Yarraville Gardens
Corner Hyde St. and Somerville Rd
Footscray. Melway 42C8.
5min walk from Seddon Station.

Main Speakers:

Sharan Burrow, President, ACTU
Phillip Huggins, Anglican Bishop
Cath Smith, CEO - Victorian Council of Social Service
Kevin Bracken, MUA State Secretary
Michelle O'Neil, TCFU State Secretary
...and others

Compere: Corinne Grant

Entertainment: Chris Wilson and other national and local performers

Trade Union Information stalls
Community stalls
Food stalls

Bring along your family, friends and workmates. Why not organise a group from your workplace or community to come together?

Endorsed by: Victorian Trades Hall Council, Victorian Council of Churches, Victorian Council of Social Service, AMWU, United Firefighters Union, MUA, CEPU, Ambulance Employees Union, CPSU, Victorian Rail, Tram and Bus Union - Rail Division, ASU, TCFU, AEU, NTEU-Vic, Federation of Community Legal Services, Job Watch, Liberty Victoria, International Centre for Trade Union Rights, Western Suburbs Community Legal Centre, Union Solidarity, Civil Rights Network, (and more).

Download leaflet :English version | Spanish version | Greek version

Organised by: Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition
contacts: Ph. 0417 456 001, or 0417 896 297 | westerncommunityunions@gmail.com
PO Box 2293, Footscray Vic. 3011

IR Community Information Stalls

2006-02-18T23:01:00.000+11:00

Next Sunday, 26 February, we're holding IR Community Information Stalls at two Community Festivals in the west and need your help to distribute publicity for the solidarity picnic and IR laws in general.

Bayside Festival - Cherry Lake, Altona. 9.30 am - 4.30pm
Stall No. 54, behind Altona Civic Offices, Civic Parade, (access from Civic Parade near Pier Street corner), Altona. The stall is near the Culture Hub Stage.

Moonee Valley Community Festival - Queens Park, between Mt. Alexander and Pascoe Vale Roads, Moonee Valley. The stall will be located at the swimming pool end of the park - the communities section.

If you can help on the day for an hour or two please reply with your preferred festival and times. Or I can be contacted directly on 0417 456 001. Both community festivals are big.

in unity
Shirley

Newsletter update - Workers Picnic

2006-02-05T22:18:00.000+11:00

Newsletter update

1. Weekly Meetings
Next meeting will be held this Wednesday, 8 February, 6.00 pm. Meeting Room 2, first floor, Maribyrnong Town Hall - entry via rear of Town Hall from Hyde Street.

The group will be meeting weekly for next two months in preparation for the Workers and Communities Solidarity Picnic on Sunday, 2 April, 1.00 pm, Yarraville Gardens, Footscray. All Welcome. See details on Picnic below. Draft leaflet attached - waiting on more endorsements.

2. IR Community Information Stalls - West festivals
WSCUC will have IR Community Information Stalls at the following major Community Festivals in the West. We need help at the stalls to distribute Picnic Publicity through the festivals. If you can help for an hour or more please contact us on 0417456001.

3. Workers and Communities Solidarity Picnic
Sunday, 2 April, 1.00 pm, Yarraville Gardens, Hyde Street, Footscray.
The theme of the broad based picnic is: Defend Workers' Rights and Conditions, Defend Community Living Standards; A rich and proud history of struggles and achievements by communities and unions standing together in solidarity.

This type of broad based activity on the ground will help consolidate and build on the 15th November mass rally and continue widening and strengthening the campaign. It also assists in building unity, co-operation and mutual support between communities and the union movement for a more just and fairer society.

Main speakers will be: Sharan Burrows (ACTU President), Anglican Bishop Phillip Huggins, Cath Smith (Victorian Council of Social Services) and Kevin Bracken (MUA State Secretary). Other speakers are yet to be finalised and will include representatives from ethnic and community groups, religious organizations, unions and ordinary workers and members of the community.

Corinne Grant (Glasshouse) has kindly accepted our invitation to compere the picnic. Other national and local performers and artists have also been approached to contribute to the picnic.

Unions and community groups are being invited to set up IR information stalls. We are also working with unions and the community on a visual display highlighting 150 years of struggles and achievements by unions and communities standing together.

Endorsements and Financial Support for the Picnic
The solidarity picnic has been endorsed by the Victorian Trades Hall Council, most unions (including Firefighters and Ambulance Employees Unions), Victorian Council of Churches, Victorian Council of Social Services, Job Watch, Federation of Community Legal Centres and other community groups. All endorsees will be listed on the final leaflet.

To cover costs of this large event we are seeking financial support and contributions from sympathetic organizations, unions and individuals. As a grass roots community organization we have no funds or assets. To date our costs have been covered mainly by our own members' contributions and donations collected at IR Community Information stalls.

We call on our supporters to approach their unions and organizations to contribute generously towards this important community and unions solidarity activity that will have lasting benefits in the united campaign to defeat the IR laws.

The leaflets will be ready for wide distribution by mid February. Please help with distribution, publicity and fund raising for the picnic in your workplace, union, community and neighbourhood.
We welcome everyone able to assist in the preparations for the picnic in whatever way.

More Info : 0417 456 001, 0417 896 297

In unity
Shirley, Justin and Wendy

Community and Unions Solidarity Picnic

2006-01-29T22:12:00.000+11:00

Updates:

Community and Unions Solidarity Picnic 2 April, Main speakers confirmed - see below.
Meetings every Wednesday - next meeting 1 February
IR information stalls at Yarraville Festival and Bayside Festival - see below

1. Community and Unions Solidarity Picnic - 2 April
1.00 pm, Yarraville Gardens, Footscray

Main speakers confirmed:

Sharan Burrows (President, ACTU),
Anglican Bishop Phillip Huggins,
Cath Smith (CEO - Victorian Council of Social Services),
Kevin Bracken (MUA State Secretary)

The picnic has been endorsed by several unions and community groups - details on the leaflet.

National and local artists, perfomers and musicians are being approached to contribute to this important community event. If you know of anyone who can assist please contact us asap.

Please contact us if you can assist with publicising the meeting, contacting unions and community organisations, distributing leaflets, etc.

2. Meetings of the group

Between now and the picnic we will be meeting regularly every Wednesday, Meeting Room 2 or 3, 1st Floor, Maribyrnong Council Offices, Hyde Street, Footscray, rear of Town Hall. Entry via Hyde Street.

3. IR Information Stalls - at local festivals

We will be holding IR information stalls at the following two local festivals in February. Please contact us if you can assist at the stall or walk around handing out picnic leaflets.

A great opportunity to get IR information and picnic publicity to local working people and the community. And engage in conversation/discussion, make contacts, publicise the group and let people know that things are happening on the ground, etc.

Saturday, 11 February, Yarraville Festival, 8.30 am - 4.00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 25 & 26 February Bayside Community Festival - Cherry Lake, Altona.

Last year visited by 50,000 - 60,000 people.

In struggle
Shirley

Update

2006-01-20T16:43:00.000+11:00

In this update:

Community and Workers' Solidarity Picnic - Sunday, 2 April
Next meeting of the group - Wednesday, 25 January
IR Information Stall at Yarraville Festival - Saturday, 11 February

1. Western Suburbs Communities and Workers Solidarity Picnic will be on Sunday, 2 April, from 1.00 pm, Yarraville Gardens, Hyde Street, Yarraville.

Speakers, performers, endorsements and requests for financial support are being finalised in time for leaflet printing and distribution in the second week of February. In the meantime, please distribute the attached draft leaflet (or information on the leaflet) via emails, word of mouth, etc. to your friends, colleagues, workmates, families. unions, etc.

We're aiming for the picnic to bring together wide cross sections of communities, workers and unions. The theme of the picnic is *Defend Workers' Rights and Conditions - Defend Community Living Standards. The picnic will also highlight workers' and communities' achievements won through common and united struggle.

2. Next Meeting - Wednesday, 25 January - Maribyrnong Town Hall, Meeting Room 2, entry via Hyde street., rear Town Hall.

The meeting will continue organising the picnic; Yarraville Festival stall; and other activities.

3. Yarraville Festival - Saturday, 11 February - all day

Please contact us if you can help out at the group's stall and/or walk around handing out information about the picnic, the group and general IR information.

Shirley, Billy, Justin and Wendy 0417 456 001

Next Meeting

2006-01-07T22:10:00.000+11:00

Next meeting: Wednesday, 11 January (details below)

Dear all,

Greetings for 2006 from the Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition to all our friends. We hope everyone had a restful break and recharged their batteries for the coming year.

The year ahead is shaping up to be a period of struggles and challenges for working people and their communities.

Defending workplace rights and conditions and protecting the present standard of living in our communities will be the main task facing workers, unions and wider communities.

Present workplace rights and conditions have been won over the past 150 years through the collective action of unions and communities banding together.

The so-called "Work Choices" is no different to many previous attempts to push down working people's conditions and restrict the right to organise collectively. And this time again working people and their communities have shown already that they will refuse to bow to attacks on hard won living standards.

The Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition will continue to take part in the ongoing mass campaign to involve wide sections of the people in defence of workers' rights and working people's standard of living.

We're starting early in the year to plan our activities over next three months.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, 11 January, 6.00 pm

Meeting Room 2, Maribyrnong Council Town Hall, Hyde Street, Footscray. (Enter via rear of Town Hall from Hyde Street - take lift to 1st floor.)

Main Agenda:

Western Suburbs Community Picnic (late Feb.or late March) Theme along the lines of "Defend Workers' and Community Living Standards - Celebrate 150 years of working people's struggles and achievements."
Working with community groups and unions
Finances

Schedule of fortnightly meetings: 6.00 pm, Meeting Room 2, Maribyrnong
Town Hall.

Wednesday, 11 January
Wednesday, 25 February
Wednesday, 8 February
Wednesday, 22 February
Wednesday, 8 March
Wednesday, 22 March

Contacts: Shirley 0417456001, Justin 0417896297, Billy 97489959.

Non-Violent Protest Against the Racist Attacks

2005-12-15T18:50:00.000+11:00

Friday, 16th December 2005, 5.00 PM

Bourke Street Mall

At a time when governments and parts of the media explicitly or implicitly connect ethnicity/religion to terrorism, at a time when some people think it is OK to attack anyone because of their race or religion it is important for all of us to take part in actions that say: Racism is never OK and we will not tolerate it!

Yours in Unity

Ellen Kleimaker
Women's & Equity Officer
Ph. 9659 3575
Fax: 9663 2127
Mob: 0408 339 720

Call to support Colrain workers

2005-12-13T22:33:00.000+11:00

Striking AMWU workers need your support on the Picket Line.

137 Swann Drive, Derrimut (near Laverton, not far from Western Ring Road. Melways Ref. P39, G6.)

18 striking Colrain workers set up a 24-hour picket line last Thursday in support of one of the workers sacked by the company for refusing to scab on protected industrial action.

Workers at the plant have been resisting management's attempts to force them on AWAs (individual contracts). Management have refused to negotiate with the union, singled out an individual worker and stood him down without pay for refusing to carry out a management directive and continues to try and put pressure on workers to sign AWAs. The workers and their union have rejected AWAs and want a collective agreement (EBA). So much for Howard's Work Choices!

The striking workers need wide community support in what may well be the first taste of Howard's IR laws.

As this is one of very first attempts to enforce the new IR laws, it is something of a test case and therefore very important that these workers are given maximum support and encouragement.

The Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition have been asked to support the workers and their union on the picket line. Our banner has been erected on the site and our support has been warmly welcomed.

Please come to the picket line, even for a short time to show your solidarity and support for a group of courageous workers. The most critical time to attend is between 7.00-9.00 am, but even half an hour in the evening is very much appreciated.

Please distribute this request for support widely.

The AMWU picket line is outside Colrain's distribution centre in Derrimut (near Laverton) - 137 Swann Drive, Derrimut, Melways ref. 39, G6.

More information and updates:
Fergie 0425 796 167, tell him you're from the group; or our email address above.

In solidarity
Shirley

Get together & Important Event in the new year

2005-12-08T23:14:00.000+11:00

INVITATION

End of Year Social Get Together

Sunday, 11 December
from 12.00 pm

The Plough Hotel, corner Geelong Road, Barkly and Victoria Streets,
Footscray

All Welcome. Bring family and friends

Come along for lunch or just relax with a few drinks, meet other members of
the group and celebrate the end of a hard but successful year of struggle.

Note in your diaries an Important Event Early Next Year:

Western Suburbs Solidarity Picnic
Sunday, 26 February
Yarraville Gardens

More details in January.
We wish everyone a peaceful and safe Christmas
and New Year break.

Shirley, Justin, Billy and Wendy

Next Meeting

2005-11-18T16:07:00.000+11:00

WESTERN SUBURBS COMMUNITY and UNIONS COALITION

NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, 23 November, 6.00 pm
Maribyrnong Council Town Hall, Hyde Street, Footscray.
Meeting Room 2, 1st Floor - follow signs
(Entrance via rear of Town Hall car park).

Agenda
1. 15 November rally - review
2. Responses from local parliamentarians
3. Proposals for future local joint unions and community activities
4. Finances
5. Discussion of group's principles and objectives (brief)
6. End of Year Social Event
7. General Business

All Welcome

In unity
Shirley, Justin, Billy

PUBLIC FORUM

2005-11-01T14:59:00.000+11:00

PUBLIC FORUM

New Workplace Laws & Democratic Rights
Defend our Living Standards, Unions, Welfare and Democratic Rights

Thursday, 10 November, 7.00 pm
The Church Hall, 10 Hyde Street, Footscray
(next to Maribyrnong Town Hall)

PANEL OF SPEAKERS:
Cath Smith: Victorian Council of Social Services
Joan Doyle: Secretary, Communications Union
Fr. Stuart Soley: Braybrook/Sunshine Anglican Community
Rob Stary: Civil Rights Lawyer

Contacts: Shirley 0417456001, Justin 0417896297, Billy 97489959

Join the Western Suburbs Unions and Community contingent and our banner travelling by train to the:

National Day of Community Protest

Tuesday, 15 November,
9.00am Federation Square

We encourage residents and members of the community not in a union to join the western suburbs contingent and travel together by train to the rally. Meet 8.55 am, Platform 1, Footscray Station for 9.01 am train to Federation Square. Look out for our banner on platform 1.
We'll be travelling in the last carriage of the 9.01 am train.

Help wanted

2005-10-13T17:24:00.000+10:00

WESTERN SUBURBS UNIONS & COMMUNITY COALITION

Dear all,

REMINDER: Next meeting of the group Wednesday, 19 October, 6.00pm-8.00pm, in Meeting Room 1, Maribyrnong Town Hall, Hyde Street, Footscray. Entry at Hyde street, via car park rear of Town Hall. Look out for direction signs.

URGENT HELP NEEDED: Information stalls and leaflet hand outs in the lead up to the ACTU co-ordinated 15th November national community protest rally.

The government's draconian agenda to attack working people, unions and communities has been confirmed. It will set the clock back more than 150 years to early 19th century before workers were organised in unions and had any workplace rights to defend themselves against ruthless exploitation and suppression.

The Western Suburbs Unions and Community Coalition is working towards building a massive national day of protest on 15th November. We've had successful information stalls and leaflet hand outs in the west, some organised jointly with the AMWU. But we need many more to assist with leaflet hand outs at shopping centres and railway stations over next four weeks.

Please help by assisting at one of the following community leaflet hand outs:

Saturday 22 November - Yarraville shopping centre 9.00 am - 1.00 pm

Saturday, 5 November - Footscray mall 9.00 am - 1.00pm
Newport 9.00 am - 1.00pm
Williamstown 9.00 am - 1.00 pm

Saturday, 12 November Highpoint shopping centre - details to follow.

Leaflet hand outs at railway stations on the mornings of 9, 10, 11 and 14 November.

If you can help at one (or more) of the above please contact us: Shirley 0417 456 001, Justin 0417 896 297, Bill 0405 166 252 or Billy 97489959.

P.O. Box 2293, Footscray, 3011