Fight for our rights rally

The IEU joined many other unions at the Fight For Our Rights protests in Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra.

Fight For Our Rights on 4 March was a national day of protest organised by Australian unions to fight federal attacks on penalty rates, cuts to the minimum wage, individual contracts and unfair conditions by employers.

The protest in Sydney took on a local flavour in the lead-up to the NSW State election, and as expected, drew thousands of unionists embracing all colours, creeds and stripes to gather outside NSW State Parliament House with chants against the power sell off and TAFE privatisation, among other hot button issues.

Signs were especially creative and articulated the general sense of camaraderie, solidarity and community felt by all who gathered on their lunch hour to rally and listen to inspiring speeches by other unionists.

Given the teaching commitments of many of our members, a strong showing by IEU organisers and members of the executive ensured that our presence was felt and appreciated.

Daniel Long
Journalist