July 27, 2015
Hundreds of unionists gathered in Brisbane on Monday to protest against what they describe as “anti-worker” elements of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
The rally gathered outside the Joint Community on Treaties hearing in Brisbane.
The workers were addressed by ACTU President Ged Kearney, Labor Senator Sue Lines, ETU National Secretary Allen Hicks, QCU Assistant Secretary Ros McLennan, MUA Secretary Bob Carnegie and Queensland Senator Glen Lazarus.
A resolution was moved which recognised the importance of an economic relationship with China to Australia’s prosperity, but described the agreement as it stands as being not in the national interest.
“It was great to see so many Australian workers and their families come together to voice their opposition to this disastrous deal,” ETU national secretary Allen Hicks said.
The unions are concerned the agreement:
- Takes away employment opportunities for domestic workers
- Erodes industrial safety standards
- Exposes future governments to litigation
- Places unprecedented power in the hands of corporations, at the expense of Australian sovereignty
- Impedes future governments to legislate in the interest of the country
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Here here!! It’s bad enough reducing the qualifications for any trade qualification but what about the Government’s duty of care to the Australian general public in relation to dropping the electricity trade safety standards. I’m very disappointed in our federal member Bruce Scott for not responding to the two emails I have sent him on 1/7/15 and 20/7/15 regarding this issue. Does Bruce really care about how this bill is going to effect his constituents?