Laws Punish Justice Seekers

John Howard’s atavistic industrial relations package may see people fined for campaigning against killer companies such as James Hardie, the Australian Council of Trade Unions is warning.

Hardies this week signed a $4.5 billion deal to compensate victims after months of pressure from asbestos victims, supporters and unions.

However, ACTU Secretary Greg Combet warned the Government's industrial relations laws would make future campaigns like the one against James Hardie much more difficult in the future.

"Many hundreds of thousands of Australian workers, especially those in the building and construction industry, have campaigned relentlessly to achieve this outcome from James Hardie," Combet said.

"But in the future workers and unions who run these types of campaigns could be subject to crippling fines, damages and prosecution from the Federal Government."

Combet said workers in the construction industry were particularly susceptible to attacks from the Government and its chief anti-union enforcer, the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

"Individual workers in the building and construction industry could face fines of up to $33,000 from the Government for attending a rally like those held to support the victims of James Hardie asbestos."

But Combet said unions would continue to campaign for justice despite the draconian legislation.

"While unions will not be intimidated by the Government new laws and will continue to stand up for justice and fight for the rights of working Australians, it is also important that the Australian public understands just how repressive these new IR laws will be."

Hardies compensation deal still depends on tax relief for compensation payments.

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Last modified: Thursday, 01-Dec-2005 15:56:32 EST