Top > Business > 2006 > December > 2006-12-04

Mass Protests against Labor Law in Australia

Tens of thousands of Australians paralyzed several major cities in the country Thursday, in protest of controversial new labor laws. Organizers estimate that more than 100,000 people marched in 200 sites across the country, in what was designated as a day of protest against the new laws the conservative government let by Prime Minister, John Howard, legislated. The government says the new laws are designed to increase productivity and weaken the strength of unions by encouraging workers to sign personal contract with their employers. Those who appose the law say it will lower wages and harm working conditions, as well as, make it easier for employers to fire employees which in turn will lower job security.

The biggest demonstration was held in Melbourne, where 60,000 protesters assembled. Kim Basely, Labor Party leader, who spoke to the crowd at the rally said: "Friends, I am here to tell you that we intend to tear up these laws." Another protest held in Sydney drew 40,000 people who marched in downtown Sydney, led by political and union leaders. In Perth 20,000 people rallied and Canberra, Australia`s capitol had a protest of about 1,000 people.

The day of protest was held after the Supreme Court rejected the claims of several Australian states and Unions that the laws were unconstitutional. Australia`s Minister for Workplace Relations, Kevin Andrews said "In the six months or eight months since Work Choices came into operation, we`ve seen growing jobs in terms of numbers, record low unemployment, wages continuing to rise, record levels of low disputation in the work force," Andrews told reporters.