Union members facing bankruptcy over court fines

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union has sent an email to it's members about a strike action in Western Australia five years ago, which under the federal legislation covering construction workers at the time was deemed "illegal" (since when it is illegal to withdraw labour, except if you're in slavery?). They're now facing abject poverty as a result of demands to pay exorbitant fines for this "illegal" strike action.

Seriously, it's a fundamental human right to withdraw labour. I know from my own experience that at times strike action is the only way to get the boss to the negotiating table. The legislation made the withdrawal of labour illegal. In other words, work or face severe punishment. How is that anything less than corporate slavery? What's next? Ten lashes if the whip if you don't work?

I've got no spare money otherwise I'd chuck some in. The union is asking for donations from members (or whoever I guess) to help out these workers in paying these fines. Here is the email in it's entirety:

AMWU members in WA are facing the seizure of their homes, cars or other assets by bailiffs for being unable to pay fines imposed over a strike in the Pilbara five years ago. 

AMWU members are among unionists fined up to $10,000 each by the Federal Court for a 2008 strike against Woodside Gas it ruled illegal, with the Abbott Government’s building attack dog vowing to ruthlessly track down 33 unionists still unable to pay. 

The Fair Work Building and Construction agency is intending to make examples of these workers, sending bailiffs to their homes to confiscate property or forcing them to appear before the Federal Court for a means examination. 

It is almost unprecedented that unionists – including AMWU and CFMEU members – have faced such draconian personal punishments. 

“This vindictive action has nothing to do with fairness, it is about intimidating all workers,” said AMWU National Secretary Paul Bastian. 

“They’re trying to make these workers an example to anyone who dares to stand up for their industrial rights under the Abbott Government’s new industrial order. 

“We are calling on union members to show their solidarity by pitching in together to help some members who are unable pay off theses fines and save them from being potentially plunged into poverty.” 

Last September the Federal Court imposed fines exceeding $680,000 against 117 workers of CBI Constructions who were involved in the 2008 action, with $488,000 collected. 

About $196,000 still needs to be raised to help the AMWU members involved and to help pay off amounts still owed by the 33 workers. 

Members have set up an account for direct deposits, with all funds to be for the fines as union organisations are unable to supplement donations. 

“Helping out our comrades will send a strong signal to the re-constituted Australian Building and Construction Commission that the union movement will stand united and strong,” Mr Bastian said. 

The details are: 
Bank: Maritime Mining Power & Credit Union (MMPCU) 
BSB: 802 884 
Account number: 55723 
Account name: Stabiliser. 

For more information ring the WA branch on (08) 9223 0800.