Workers' struggle must go beyond parliament - May Day Leaflet
The following is the text of a recent leaflet produced by Spirit of Eureka and distributed at rallies around the country for May 1, May Day, or International Workers Day
Workers' struggle must go beyond parliament!
What is the situation that workers find themselves on May Day 2021? It is one of desperation! Before the pandemic the economy was already in a slump, which Covid-19 accelerated into a crash.
• Millions lost jobs
• Millions lost hours and had their incomes cut
• Many used-up their savings and paid leave
• 3.3 million people spent their super
• Many forced onto charities to survive
The Morrison Government was forced into implementing JobKeeper and JobSeeker primarily to keep business afloat during the pandemic/economic crisis. Now the Coalition Government has cancelled JobKeeper and slashed JobSeeker payments. Millions of workers now face insecurity, homelessness and destitution. To add insult to injury the Coalition, on behalf of big business, is trashing the hard won workplace rights, pay and conditions.
A decent Australian economy would guarantee workers’ rights; safe permanent jobs; sustainable green industries; manufacturing enterprises that stay in the country; and public ownership of key industries. The Coalition openly opposes workers and their unions, whilst Labor pretends to represent them and fears mobilising workers for a real fightback.
Australia’s working-class can’t rely on parliament and main political parties to win any gains. There is a crying need for an Independent Working Class Agenda, where workers organise and mobilise themselves nationally and collectively to fight back. Campaigning around employment, housing, health, education, childcare and transport are important issues for working people. It’s Time for workers to win!
Read more: Workers' struggle must go beyond parliament - May Day Leaflet
“I am not going to be talking about numbers today,” Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly told Australia’s Radio National on April 12. This echoed Upcoming Events
"WE SWEAR BY THE SOUTHERN CROSS TO STAND TRULY BY EACH OTHER AND FIGHT TO DEFEND OUR RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES."
FOR A JUST, SOVEREIGN AND DEMOCRATIC AUSTRALIA.
The Spirit of Eureka Committee was established in the lead up to the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade in 2004, to give a strong and united voice to the current struggles of Australia’s working people.
The Spirit of Eureka draws on the continuity and relevance of this important event in the history of Australia to present day endeavours and struggles for justice, democracy and sovereignty.
The Eureka rebellion laid the foundations for Australia’s continuing social, industrial and political struggles. It was advanced for its time and represents an important fighting tradition that continues to inspire our fight today.
