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HANDS OFF THE CFMEU!
A report from HSR Conference 2024
22 October 2024, Melbourne
To the rank-and-file CFMEU members, we stand in solidarity with you in your fight to return the CFMEU to democratic worker control run by rank-and-file members.’
This was the opening address delivered by an NTEU HSR delegate from the University of Melbourne to the 900 Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) attending the conference. The address of solidarity received two loud rounds of applause, reflecting the strong sentiment against this administration felt by the attendees.
‘Turbo HSR’ was the title of this year's HSR Conference. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this annual event is hosted by the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC), bringing together hundreds of HSRs from various industries across Victoria.
This year's theme focused on OHS skills for active HSRs. The panel of four HSRs was preceded by speeches from Wil Strack, Assistant Secretary of the VTHC; Joe Calafiore, CEO of WorkSafe; and Dr. Lisa Heap, labour lawyer and researcher.
Many workers attending the conference showed their solidarity by wearing ‘Line in the Sand’ t-shirts, referring to the campaign against the administration backed by the ETU, PPTEU and AMWU. It was also great to see comrades from various unions decked out in CFMEU gear in a display of solidarity.
From the early hours in the morning, a few comrades from the ‘Defend the Unions–Defend the CFMEU’ community campaign were present, flyering inside and outside the conference building.
The majority of people took the leaflets, engaging and sharing positive comments while many shared their discontent with the ALP. It is clear that many workers are disillusioned with the ALP, and the belief that the party no longer represents their interests is becoming increasingly widespread.
Despite the official stance adopted by the ACTU and the silence from many union officials, the HSR Conference demonstrated how workers, delegates, and HSRs – those on the job, day in and day out – stand firmly in solidarity with CFMEU members. They oppose the ALP government’s attempt to undermine the fundamental union right of members to determine their own futures and advocate for a better tomorrow.
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HANDS OFF THE CFMEU!