I am rallying on November 30 to show Howard that he can push the hard working Australians further and further under, but as a nation of we can survive and at the same time make Howard realise that not him nor his counterparts have the power to treat Australians the way they do and get away with! The power of people will win! Tom McCartney QLD

I am rallying to reclaim my working rights which have been unjustly and unfairly removed by the PM John Howard. My vote counts and my rights count! Vera Kaliczinsky NSW

I am rallying on 30 November because I DO NOT like the way things are going in Australia... especially with the new Work Choices and Mr Howard's IR Legislation that he has put in place.  He has stripped away the rights that our fathers fought for and only listens to BIG BUSINESS.  He certainly turns a deaf ear to the working man and all his decisions are made with the Australian Business Council in mind. It is time for the working people of Australia to make their voices heard and to go to the next election with the intent of putting Mr Howard out of business... H Low

I am rallying in protest of these unjust, unacceptable and grossly unfair workplace laws. I am also rallying for the people who are not able to do so. Our future. We should (and WILL not) be the generation that lets our rights and conditions be stripped away by a twisted and ideological driven government. I would also like Mr. Howard to ask employees of Spotlight, Feltex and even Kevin Andrews's office and see their understand why they are rallying?. Maybe Mr. Howard might learn something?? They are rallying in response to less pay and less conditions provided by their employers via AWA's. It is a proved fact by his own Office of Employment Advocate that AWA's cut pay and conditions such as penalty rates. These laws are a formula for social destruction. Howard just doesn’t get it, why should the workers of this fine county lower our standard of living to feed a few of Howard's big business buddies. What a disgrace! I call upon every worker in this county, Union or Non-Union to stand and protest against these laws as they WILL lower our standards of living now and into the future. Luke Hutchinson NSW

I want the wealth of this country shared between all Australians not just the privileged few. United we will make this a great country not by creating division. Unfair workplace conditions will only bring less productivity not more. Why should I work hard if there is no appreciation for it? Peter P

I am going to attend the Newcastle rally because of dignity and decency, although retired from the work force, but not the struggle to see justice done in the workplace, that Howard and Andrews has shattered. Also the exploitation of s457 visas and the demolishing of the conditions that I and my union fought for, to make Australia a better and fairer place to live in...all the conditions and the fabric of living that we used to enjoy were gained by the Trade union movement and that has been eroded by greed, the boss's give themselves huge pay rises, while the workers struggle to make ends meet...Yours In Solidarity.. with Workers Rights!!! Ross J Campbell NSW

I am attending the rally because the new laws are so ambiguous and tricky that they make it legal for employers to do what they want to whom they want. Then are not fair, they are un-Australian, and they are a slap in the face to those who have gone before us to achieve the conditions that we have taken for granted for so long. We all have an interest in standing up for our right, without them we are at the mercy of the rich. Janette Kruger SA

I will be rallying on November 30th to voice my disgust with the arcane laws the current government has brought on the Australian worker. Howard must be stopped if then future working Australians are ever going to have any opportunity of progressing in the future. Tim McCloud
QLD

Because I do not want to end up with the same working conditions and wages as the USA, where 25 per cent of homeless people have full-time jobs. That's why.
Stephanie Edwards SA

This is too important not to support.
My children's futures are at stake here.
My father and the generations who came before worked and fought too hard for our working conditions for Howard and his cohorts to come along and simply throw them away so that his big business mates can make bigger profits on the backs of hard working Australians.
Ross Warren NSW

Maybe I could be better off with an individual Workplace Agreement because I can negotiate from a strong position and my current work conditions are underpinned by a hard won Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (thanks to the Australian Services Union). But Howard's individual Workplace Agreements will hurt my family and my community, tomorrow if not today.

I don't want the dog eat dog society that Howard's individual Workplace Agreements want to create, the type of society that advances the strong at the expense of the weak, that perpetuates a master and servant idealogy. It's not Australian.

Howard's individual Workplace Agreements threaten a new era of economic oppression. I want my family and my community to live with dignity, to be treated fairly and to be paid a decent living.

If individual Workplace Agreements are to have any future, they must be backed by a strong Awards process and be able to withstand comparison to Award conditions. E Bryant, QLD

Dear Mr Howard PM,

After applying for hundreds of jobs, with 25 years work experience, I'm basically forced (with the threat of being breached if I refuse a "reasonable"job offer) to accept a short term contract: 6-8 weeks work, on call seven days a week, 6am-6pm for a flat $18 hour, handling highly hazardous substances (hydrofluoric acid). That's your idea of a flexible workplace Mr. Howard?

Mr Howard, I want a real job; a job that considers MY family commitments, MY age and respects ME as a human being.
Mr. Howard your IR laws are a threat to MY ideal of a "fair go".  I'll protest and if need be, I'll fight you tooth and nail.
"Get It" Mr. Howard, just like I "get it", in the neck.
Michael Pitt SA

Unlike John Howard I know exactly what this rally is about.  It has a number of purposes:
1. to raise awareness in local communities of the terrible impact that Workchoices will have on ordinary working families.
2. to demonstrate that workers will not just accept these draconian changes lying down.
3. to defend those workers that are already struggling to survive under the Howard Government.
4. to ensure that John Howard and his cronies are unemployed after the next election. Sharon QLD

I am rallying because these changes affect the lowest paid workers not the corporate high flyers,who get millions of dollars in salary and contribute very little to the economy. Howard is bashing our kids quality of living to the lowest minimum. M Barry

John Howard's workplace laws are driving employee rights back over a hundred years. Conditions some young Australian employees just assume all employers want to give their employees were won by huge campaigns and some employees losing their lives.  These conditions have just been knocked out in one hit.  those who are least able to negotiate are hardest hit - is the Australian way?  Do we want a huge criminal underclass like the US - of desperate people trying to survive? Julie Lundberg, SA

For hundreds of years workers around the globe have campaigned for fairer, safer, workplaces. People have been rewarded for the work they do, and given the power to stand up to employers when they haven't been treated fairly. If we let corporate Australia walk all over the workers by removing overtime rates, sick leave entitlements and the power to collectively bargain we move more towards a self-centred society interested in putting the individual first and punishing those less fortunate. Tom Dixon QLD

My kids are soon to be entering the work force.  In the past they could have applied for jobs reasonably confident that they would be covered under a suitable award etc. But now that is no longer true.  They have to be confident enough to be able to "negotiate" their own pay and conditions.
How fair is that? Andrew SA

I respect the benefits I have under my current work agreement (certified agreement), however this is about to expire and in negotiations for a new agreement it is obviously that conditions and being moved from "legislation" to "policy" making it too easy for my employer to change matters whenever they choose, with no consultation.
As a women who may access maternity leave in the future, and want part-time work arrangement to provide care for my children, I valued the assurances in the old certified agreement that this would be possible.  Now nothing is guaranteed in the same way, and a 2 week increase in maternity leave provisions is being fought by my employer.
I also need to work part-time currently due to ill health.  I fear that this will be another area that the government attacks and a lose of conditions with result.
Over 14 years in the public service I have occasionally accessed the comfortable work conditions we have.  This has result in my desire to work harder as I feel valued.  I no longer feel valued as an employee.
100 years of fighting for safe, comfortable workplaces has been overturned in one wave of the government's wand.
M West ACT

I'm rallying because I believe in the importance of relationship, equality and a fair go. I believe the 'Work Choices' legislation undermines the employee/employer relationship leaving it open to abuse and unfairness. We should be eradicating such injustice from society, not promoting it. TC

I am rallying because I don’t want my children left with the burdens of an inequitable industrial relations system.
Mark Brand NSW

The reason I will be attending the rally is that I wish to voice my disapproval to the removal of workers rights to collectively bargain, the anti worker, pro company, worst choices legislation. My kids deserve a better future because when the economy turns, companies will utilize the legislation to further reduce wages and conditions to maintain or increase their already exorbitant greedy profit taking. Attending will also indicate that we will no longer stand by and allow john Howard to continually lie to the Australian PEOPLE. He is not governing for all people he is governing(dictating) for business. By taking part I will be 1 more voice against his lying deceitful ways. Ray (Rev) WA

I am rallying because I am particularly concerned about the interaction of WorkChoices and Welfare to Work legislation, which will further marginalise and casualise women in the workforce. Women already fill the bulk of casualised jobs, so these two pieces of legislation will entrench existing disadvantage, especially in the case of single parents, whose casualised job status may mean that they are not able to meet the requirement to work 30 hours per fortnight in order to remain entitled to welfare payments. This is gendered legislation, and it removes protections for all workers. Laura Deane SA

I'm rallying on November 30 because its a just cause to protect the rights of workers and in particular in my case young workers who can be undermined more easily due to out particular financial situation. In addition, i study a bachelor of business majoring in economics and i believe the current IR implemented by the Howard government are unfair and undermine the strengths of Australia's workforce as a developed country and will reduce out competitiveness in the global market and reduce overall productivity and constrain the Australian economy by our lack of competitiveness caused by a weakened workforce. Jim Armstrong QLD

Because I can't afford not to!
The Government has deserted us so if we don't stick together we will be doomed to becoming third world citizens in our own country.  The Government uses fine words but they will not "butter any parsnips" in the households of regular Australians.  Actions speak louder than words and it is very clear from the Government's actions that they are NOT concerned with the standard of living of ordinary Australians - just Corporate Australia [no matter how many words they say about caring about families in Australia].
Not since the 70's have I seen such a need in industrial relations for us all to rally together. SM

I work in the industry of teaching English as a second language. These language schools which are often at Universities make huge profits and treat their workers dismally. Most workers are either part-time or casual and can be hired and fired at will, have their hours slashed at will and are generally too afraid to complain or raise their heads above the parapet in case  they lost their jobs altogether. They are paid by the hour to stand in front of a class but as anyone who is a teacher knows there are huge amounts of hours that need to be put in outside the classroom; for lesson preparation, corrections, mountains of bureaucratic paperwork and arranging excursions. Students have to be advised and counselled but all of this is unpaid work in what is, in reality, a very responsible job. The 'English as a second language industry' has been at the cutting edge of John Howard's brave new industrial laws for quite some time. Workers are not unemployed; just underemployed. Unless there is another main bread-winner in their family they cannot obtain a mortgage or pay for a car. I am getting towards the age of 60 now but in my lifetime I have seen the 'profession' of teacher slide every downwards into what it is today - a casualised, part-time skill where all the rights and priveleges are totally skewed towards the employers who are making mega-bucks out of overseas students. It is people like John Howard and his colleagues in Canberra who have slowly but surely brought this 'profession' down  with a step by step destruction of the 'fair go' industrial workplace.
Marita Bodman 

I don't like WORK CHOICES. These laws don't give me choices. I don't want these laws to stay, I want more choices not less. I want to voice my objection by attending these rallies to show John Howard I'm against his laws.
Alan McLean QLD

Because all the sacrifices our forebears made to get a fair deal for workers shouldn't just be trampled by this legislation. This is people's survival we're talking about.
Tina Bramley QLD

My fathers, father fought in wars to give us a fair go, good working conditions and fair pay. Your IR LAWS have the lowest pay increase ever known. I have a right to be paid penalty rates and better my family!....even your own department has admitted to this!
My grandfather would turn in his grave if he knew your so could caring government are abolishing public holidays and leave loadings Your government is taking more perks out of my family budget, building up your great economy and I have to find the extra money for fuel cost increases, interest rates rises (And four eyes Howard, don’t think I cant do my simple maths, a mortgage 20 years ago with an interest rate of 12 to 15 % on a $110,000 home is no where near as atrocious as a 6% interest rate on a $370,000 home mortgage. And you give me a pathetic 4% pay increase which doesn’t even keep up with inflation.
Yeah, Johnny and you say, "We don’t now what we are protesting about!" John WA

I will be protesting the new 'work choices' laws because they fundamentally skew the employer / employee relationship in favour of the employer. Allowing bosses to hire and fire at will, indiscriminately and with no explanation other than “operational reasons” places to much faith in employers to act fairly and professionally. Despite Kevin Andrews’ infantile denials, every single Australian can see that employees can now be sacked by their boss on any discriminatory ground - all the boss has to do is cry “operational!” and they have a get out of jail free card and bosses with less than 100 workers don’t even need one. They have impunity because their workers’ rights to claim unfair dismissal are a sham - not dissimilar to a democratic activist’s right in communist China to a fair trial. The Minister’s claims that sacking on discriminatory grounds is still illegal and employees still have a means of redress are meaningless as employers have a blanket defence and in any case the costs of pursuing it will be a solid brick wall in front of wronged employees.  This means that employees now carry a disproportionate amount of the risks associated with carrying on a business compared to the rewards they gain from working for the business. CF

I am a childcare professional - as is already known the wages and conditions of this industry are not the best. In my workplace since the IR laws came in every new employee is on contract and can have employment terminated at the whim of head office. Under the contract employees must give four weeks notice but only be given two weeks themselves, there has been a loss of pay for overtime (meetings and "social events") for all of us on contract or not, some have had their hours cut. Its ridiculous to think an employee has any power to barter with an employer - unemployment figures given by the Howard administration do not realise the full unemployment of Australia. Many unemployed people are not on centrelinks system for many reasons and unemployment figures don't recognise the casual workforce. Employers are aware of how easily they fill jobs and this will make some industries have less bargaining power. Only those with unique qualifications in high demand industries will have any bargaining power.

Being a child care professional and hoping to begin a family of my own, I believe in the rights of children to a better future. IR laws that allow a master/slave mentality are not the kind of future I want.

I feel so strongly about this that four weeks ago I notified my workplace I would not be taking five days holiday but only four that is I broke a nine day holiday (including weekend days) so that I could attend the protest on the 30th Nov without inconveniencing my place of work.

I don't want to fight my employer but I do want fairness for all. Ruth NSW

Because I don't want my kids working in an environment reminiscent of the Dark Ages here they have no rights. I want my children to be able to work in an environment where there is respect for work/life balance particularly the needs of families. Katherine Moyo VIC

Fair pay and decent conditions are the most important way we make our society fairer. Unions and collective bargaining won me the rights I have at work, and the fairness that I enjoy in the community. If we don't stand up and defend our rights now, we will be much poorer, in every sense.
Ben Spies-Butcher NSW

I am rallying becuase we have come out of the dark ages where workers had no rights, into the 21st century where workers had to fight to get rights and now John Howard again sent us into the dark ages of by taking away our rights. After a lifetime of hard work and protection of the workers, He is selling away the future generations of Australians, the youth of tomorrow. We will suffer through his actions, if we do not change this. Abdul Moos NSW

I am concerned about my working conditions when the new agreement is up for negotiation in 2007.
I am also worried about my children's future job prospects with increased casualisation.  One of my children was changed from a casual to an Independent Contractor after July 1 06 even though he was doing the same job.  He had been "casual" even though he worked five and sometimes 6 days a week. Now he has to pay his own tax and has to organise his own work cover and superannuation.  Unfair!
Jenni Guilfoyle VIC

Just one week after the new "workchoice" laws were passed, a colleague left our company. The management immediately called a meeting and said if anyone had thoughts of leaving as well, they would not accept our resignations and would forfeit our entitlements. What's more they pressed that they would sue us under the new laws, which we knew to be false, but still played on what were supposed to be our lack of understanding. Five workers have since been pressured into leaving after new applicants were interviewed and granted jobs at a rate much lower than what we have been paid. Dion Waterman VIC

I am rallying to save workers' rights.  For the sake of Australian families we must support the Labor Party in tearing up Howard's IR laws.  I am rallying on November  30 because our unions have worked hard to obtain better working conditions and wages for Australian employees.  Don't let Howard undo this our unions work.  We don't want to open opportunities for "slave" labour. Sandra Hodge TAS

I am a professional officer in Local Government and while I hope my future is secure due to an ongoing need for my service I am extremely concerned and angered by the Federal Governments attempt to erode my right to collectively bargain for conditions and salary increases in my workplace. I count myself fortunate to be employed in a Local Government area where the majority of elected Councillors are Labor and have provided staff an assurance we will continue to negotiate in a fair and collective way while ever Labor holds the balance of power. This has not stopped individual managers signing new staff on under AWA's and promoting the concept corporately. I see this as thin end of the wedge and feel most for young people new to the workforce, particularly those with little qualification, skill or experience. The changes to the IR laws leaves this sector of the workforce particularly vulnerable to mercenary bosses, and does not build a platform for an equitable and sharing society. Modern management practice encourages us to be resourceful, innovative and responsible while modern IR legislation takes away my incentive, does something not add up here or is it just me? LC

I am rallying because unlike the politicians who make the laws I will not be set up for life as far as super, golden hand shakes and other tax payer subsidised benefits go when I am stood down from my Job for whatever reason my employer chooses. I want to have 'A fair go' I don't want to just be an indespensible number on the books of a company - who can just say "We need to get rid of 100 of them (employees)". KU

I have worked as a registered nurse for 37 years. My hourly rate shows that I am not valued anyway for the work I do. The Liberal Govt clearly does not value me and the many others in this country who work outside the 9-5 Mon-Fri workframe. Penalty rates are the only thing that help me keep my head above water.
I am rallying to fight for shift workers rights to a decent pay, penalty rates in recognition of the out of business hours that we work so people can have health care around the clock and adequate leave so that we can continue to cope with a very demanding role.
The new IR laws have seen penalty rates eliminated or significantly reduced, shift allowances cut or reduced, pay increases significantly reduced, holiday allowances reduced. At the same time living expenses are rising. Mr Howard and his Liberal team cannot possibly have any idea how life is lived outside the Ivory Tower. Dianne Stebbing SA

Because although my rights at work may be affected to a certain degree, there will be others in smaller workforce areas whose lives could be devastated by the changes.
Pauline Aitken (aka Fieth) QLD

John Howard's IR laws are attempting to take away the conditions that have been hard won over many generations. These laws are not about greater economic prosperity for all Australians, they are about a better bottom line for the employers and and the corporations. John Howard's campaign against the unions is idealogically driven. He thinks that by introducing these draconian laws that he can strip the unions of their power and use divisive, isolationist  tactics to force employees onto AWAs. We have a message for him on November 30  - YOU COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG!!! Australians pride themselves on believing that everyone should be given a fair go. These laws will mean hardship for all Australians but they will bite hardest those who can least afford it. We will see the advent of a huge poor working class, forced to take on several casual/part-time jobs to try to earn a living wage, much as is experienced in the USA. Recipients of supporting payments will be hit hard as the minim!
 um wage is driven lower and lower as their pensions are based on a proportion of the minimum wage. Society as a whole will suffer as more people who were traditionally Monday - Friday workers are exploited to work on Weekends for no additional penalty rates. This will mean that there are fewer parents available to supervise weekend activities such as sporting events  and take on other voluntary work in their communities. Families will suffer.  Small/local business will suffer as there will be less disposable income available, what would you choose, food for your family or to rent a video from the local video outlet or jump in a taxi on that rainy night?  Soon to be retirees need to think hard about what their retirement will be like.... As we lose penalty rates etc. our final salaries are decreased and our superannuation payouts are based on final salaries. We must ensure that we get the message to the wider community that this is not just about worker's rights, this is about the rights of all Australians to be treated fairly and decently. R NSW

I am rallying for a fair Australia. If we don't stand up now, Australia will slide even further towards a society that promotes meanness, individualism, and conflict among its members.  The gap between the few that still have rights and entitlements and the rest of us will widen rapidly if we do not stop the madness of the current Federal government.  We must take a strong message to John Howard and his team to say this is not how we want to live. Every one in Australia should be entitled to opportunities and good life chances, including the next generation. Julia Cranney SA

My husband and I were unfairly dismissed on the same day from different jobs. Neither of us were able to pursue our rights to arbitration due to John Howards new "NO CHOICE " law reforms. Name withheld

To protect my rights and the rights of my baby when he enters the work force. Leigh Korbatits QLD

I am rallying because I am so opposed to the Howard Governments IR laws that I want to do something. I was in a haberdashery shop today and there were two people serving and one counter open. Normally there were two counters open and at least five employees serving. There were at least 12 customers waiting to be served, this was on a Thursday one of the busiest days of trading. Undoubtedly the firm has taken on board the IR laws and cut staff to save the payroll, I will be rallying and thinking of the "Spotlight" employees.  All I could think of was "Thank you John Howard, you bastard" Pauline O'Neill NSW

I am not politically minded, never have been! But when the broad spectrum of Society's leadership say "These laws are a bad idea!" I would be a fool not to listen! The fact our elected representatives do not shows how out of touch they are! My ten children deserve better. It's no wonder there is no need for a Politician's Union. They look after themselves at our (tax) expense. Paul De Graaff VIC

I'll be marching again in Sydney because I've got  two grand-daughters, one who is too young to walk and the other is too young to go to school.
They don't know what work or jobs are, their parents cannot afford to take a day off work because their mortgage, petrol, and taxes are crippling them. This is all to keep our useless MP's in the comfortable manner to which they have become accustomed.
I emigrated to Australia to give my kids a better chance not to be enslaved by a greedy government. I owe it to my grandkids to fight for their future, they don't want to go back to sweeping chimneys like their fore-fathers.
So yes wee Johnny we do get it and we won't submit to corporate and political greed.
We can't all be generals, someone has got to work to keep Australia alive!!! Peter Gilbert NSW

I am a teacher, I work with disadvantaged students who will have little chance of negotiating with an employer. Just to gain employment they may have to take conditions that no politician would be prepared to do. Few breaks, slave labour wages. They need someone to ensure minimum conditions. L Thomas NSW

As a student of History (BA Honours, Oxford University) a small business owner and an adviser to business management in Australia for thirty years, I am greatly concerned that the balance of power is being shifted entirely to the employer. John Howard can't touch me, but his IR legislation puts my children and millions of Australians at the mercy of their employer. History shows that the effect of this is disastrous. Maurice W VIC

I am proof the laws are unfair. I lost my job two days after they came in and all because I wasn't the boss' favourite anymore. My work was excellent and I couldn't be sacked for that so he waited until the laws came in. How is that fair? Dusty VIC

To rally the government that all people have a right to work with dignity and protection from being exploited.  The new IR laws are Draconian and take unfair advantage of our most vulnerable.  Enough is enough. Celina Bilander VIC

I am really concerned for my daughter's future. She knows how important unions are and have been historically. We could lose so many things that were fought for and especially affect women. Jill trotter NSW

As an educator of young people I am already seeing disastrous consequences of the AWA system.  Students who have studied in my course at TAFE have won positions fully expecting to be treated equitably, but although their employers have lavished praise on their progress, when the 3 month trial period has finished, the new employee is OUT!  Young people are being exploited and the Howard government is expecting them to negotiate terms for employment which are governed by complex laws that most people don't understand. What hope have they got? Tricia Anderson SA

I marched last year and would march again this year, however, I am presently in the UK. In my time overseas I have been working in schools doing relief teaching. The situation of teachers here is in stark contrast to that of teachers back in my home state of Queensland. Here, teachers seem to have very little job security. They are hired and fired by schools rather than the State, and are often on employment contracts that provide little job security. Each time a school is closed (which appears to be on the increase) to make way for a new academy, all teachers lose their jobs and are forced to reapply for new positions. In addition, teachers doing the same job can be on different wages, depending on the strength of their bargaining position within a particular situation. This seems to create division and uncertainty in the workplace. This in turn makes teaching less attractive as a profession, and is contributing to a driving down of standards. As I see it, this is the way we are headed if the current Howard industrial relations regime is allowed to stay (and indeed be expanded upon). I sincerely hope that Australian's take the time to show their opposition to these laws on November 30 ... workers need to stand up for their rights before we lose them for good. PA

I demand a say in the workplace, a say in ordering my life. The immense power that the Howard government has given to employers viciously undercuts democracy. I intend to fight this. Peter Forbes NSW

Because I am tired of the government telling me that I support what they have done.  Marching today...voting tomorrow! Rachael QLD

Because AWA's are the first step in breaking the unions in this country, stripping workers of every advancement  fought for and won over years of patient and persistent determination; to improve the quality of our teaching, working conditions, pay, job satisfaction and our ideal of, A Fair Go for all Australians.  Maree Hitchcox NSW

I am rallying because I am tired of living in country so focused on vocation and the economy that human needs are being forgotten.  I want my daughter to have the chance of a permanent secure job without selling her soul to get it.  I want the students I teach to have a chance for a secure future.  Our country is going down a very dangerous path and if we, the adults, do not lead the way in asking for an alternative, how will our children ever know the difference? Brenda Holmes NSW

It needs to be done. Makes me so mad when the rights which have already been hard fought and won are threatened and eroded by a government that just doesn't care. I don't take this lightly, and neither should anyone.
Sandra NSW

I can't rally because I will be at work all day even though I have plenty of reasons to, believe me! K Hulin QLD

I will not be rallying at the MCG to show John Howard I am unhappy with the IR law changes.Of course he will ignore the entire proceedings as he has done every other significant protest (and there have been many)since he became PM. I will be protesting for the benefit of the politically ignorant and disinterested, who,on the promise of another tax cut prior to the next election,will return to power the worst government in the history of this country.I hope that the spectacle of the MCG filled with angry protesters on their TV screens will spark an awakening of their otherwise vacant minds and create an image which will return to them at election time. And they will realise that there are other issues to consider other than the promise of another tax cut!  Peter Holt VIC

Because unions in this country fought hard for the good working conditions we have now. I don't want to see my children working for a basic wage of $5.00 per hour (as in America) where these poor people cannot afford health care. So, not only are my husband and I rallying but we are taking children out of school for the day so they know what's what in this country! B family

We have built something special in Aust, a community that looks after it's own, I feel these laws in the long term will consign millions of Australians to a life of working poverty. As a father of 4, I want to leave my kids with a "just society" not just a society. Anthony McGlone TAS


My husband, myself and our three children will be at the MCG on November 30.  We will be there because we are fighting not only for our working conditions but also for those of our children in the future.  I am a nurse and my husband an electrician. I am amazed at how many people I know who are workers like ourselves are so complacent about this issue or have no idea at all what it is about.  Our ancestors fought hard constantly to maintain satisfactory working conditions through the union movement and this government, hell bent on destroying the unions appears to be succeeding to a point because people don't care.  Once again, the old 'someone else will do it' mentality reigns.  My husband attended an information session the other day where he was informed that the next EBA had been agreed upon by employers and workers but the government's new laws mean that it will no longer stand.  I do not understand how this can be when neither party has an issue.  And to top it off the  union cannot go to the media to highlight this ridiculous mess because that may be viewed as coercion. Some democracy we are living in.  I will not stand back and let my children walk into an uncertain future.  I implore all families who can to be there on November 30 to do so.  If not for you, do it for your children. Marita VIC

For my grandchildren and for my grandparents who fought for the rights we had before Howard began eroding them.
Peter Atkinson QLD

Many elements of these new laws allow for the growth of a socially unjust labour system. Our current Federal politicians have been ignoring my opinions on this matter and those of all my friends who feel the same way. They are not recognising or acknowlegding the degree of public disapproval (if not the out right anger that exists over these laws). I have been incensed by blatantly dismissive comments made in response to our concerns regarding the social implications of these laws, particularly the long term implications. I am incensed by claims that I am somehow ignorant because I do not support them. How dare men like Andrew Robb be so arrogant, let alone ignorant! Mr Howard quotes "growth in the economy" as justification for these unjust laws. I'm sorry Mr Howard but I don't want to live with your society that is designed to skew income distribution further toward the rich. I'm not so blind as to not see how this ties to the US-Aust Free trade agreements and the "need" for a "freer" labour market. I am marching to let the government know this move toward vulnerability and lower wages for the vulnerable ( creation of an even larger working poor) is not my idea of a prosperous Australia...a booming economy to provide greater wealth for whom Mr Howard? The changes went far too far. I will be marching to let the government know this. It is also worth noting that, for the fifteen of us- (not hardline unionist or "lefties" as the government seems to want to label us as), who are marching together, there are another one hundred or more, who, although not marching (for many differing reasons) feel the same way. Take note, even your former supporters don't support these changes John. Elizabeth Chisholm VIC


I am rallying because I have a 15 year old daughter who is about to apply for her first part-time job. Can you imagine a 15 year old being able to 'negotiate' with her employer? Of course you can't. She will not have the protection of collective bargaining or the 'benefits' that we all fought so hard to gain- the right to sick pay, fair conditions, reasonable wages, anti-discrimination laws, etc, etc. I want her, (and her friends, her generation and future generations), to have a future where she has decent working conditions, where she really does get a 'fair go'. This will not happen under the new 'Work Choices' legislation and I want to tell the Howard government that I will NOT accept it, not for myself or anyone else. I certainly will not go down without a fight! Imagine what we could achieve if every single person who believe that these laws are wrong turned up at the rallies! They'd hear us in Canberra! Please everyone- urge family, friends, colleagues to go and support the rally. I don't think there has been a single issue in my living memory which will have such a devastating effect on Australian workers... we HAVE to reject this! We have to voice our opinion- long and loud so Howard has no choice but to hear us! Christine Dashwood NSW

Because I despair as to the sort of society we will hand on to our kids.  Because permanency was the reward for a middle to lower income.  All this contract and risk of immediate dismissal without recourse was only in jobs with very high incomes.  The moving of the goal posts was never in the deal.  If they want me on an individual contract with virtually no rights, pay me like a senior executive, with a huge bonus every year.  If you expect me to show up for an average wage, I have to be able to rely on it being there for life. Ross NSW

It will be our children who will face the social upheaval and family disruption as they are forced to accept the erosion of hard-fought workers' rights. We are close to retirement so the impact on us will be minimal Max Andren NSW

Australia has always been a great place to live, to work and to bring up a family.  The changes to the IR Laws mean that we will no longer be the "lucky country".  I want my son to have the best working conditions when he finishes his education ... not the conditions that these IR Laws are creating. I'll be there - on November 30 - to show that these laws are wrong!  Together we can make a difference - join us at the 'G'! J Duffield VIC

I know very clearly why I am rallying on 30 November.  I want to live in a country where everyone is treated fairly and workers are not exploited by unscrupulous bosses.  I want to live in a country where workers are not afraid to stand up to bosses when they are being treated unfairly.  Under John Howard's IR laws, these rights are at risk of being lost forever.
I want to be able to know that my union can bargain collectively for fair pay and conditions for all the people in my workplace.  On AWAs I won't even know what the worker next to me is even being paid. 
I want harmony both in the workplace and in society. John Howard's IR Laws are driving a wedge between the haves and have nots. 
I want to know that people on low wages are being looked after.  Currently average earnings increases for workers are the lowest they have been for seven years.
These laws must be removed.  Australia used to be the Lucky Country.  It isn't anymore.  Thanks to John Howard.
Lorraine Hines QLD

My son was working at a Civic Video store when he was a teenager.  The new franchisee changed and reduced his shifts and made inaccurate comments about his performance only to put in their family members as staff after they sacked him and all other older (over 18 ie more expensive) employees.  At the time he was able to claim unfair dismissal and receive compensation.  Under current legislation he would be unprotected from unfair tactics such as these. Mike Greenwood NSW

When the government takes actions that are not in the best interests of the people who they are meant to protect, there are very few options other than protesting. I am protesting because I am no longer protected in my workplace. When our EBA expires my pay and conditions are vulnerable. My employers, who are good and ethical people, have no choice but to implement AWAs with us. They don't want to - we don't want to. Our only alternative is to stay with an out of date EBA that means we can't receive pay increases or make any timely changes to our conditions. Work Choices gives us no choices. That's why I'm protesting. Vanessa Lynne VIC

To all Coalition Politicians,
You voted for unfair Industrial Relations Laws even though the majority of Australians didn't want them, soon it will be our turn to return the favour by voting you all out of a job!!!  Richard SA

I teach kids about the Industrial Revolution and the struggle of working people for the right to decent pay and conditions.We look at times when kids went down mines and worked in amongst working machinery; when people had to accept what the Employers offered with no chance of sticking up for themselves and when 12 hour days were the norm.We look at the efforts made to better these conditions and the jail sentences Unionists were handed out just for trying get a fair deal for the Workers.This is done in History classes...I want it to stay History! Dianne Manning VIC

First let me point out that I am a small business owner and I'm 60. I'm not a "battler" and I'm one of the people who is supposed to benefit from these new IR laws.  Nevertheless, I have rejected them from the first.  And why?
I've thought long and hard about this.  There are many many good reasons that others will articulate but what it comes down to for me is that no one asked me - did I want this? Did I agree with such sweeping changes?  This was never, as far as I recall, a platform during the last federal election.  It came in as a result of the current govt winning power in the Senate.  Howard then saw his opportunity to make these long held ambitions of his a reality.  He did not campaign on this basis. This is major social change by stealth and, as far as I'm concerned, about as unaustralian as you can get.  I appeal to the Labour Party to get its act together and show the people there is a real alternative for them to vote for.
I congratulate the Unions for their work on behalf of all Australians.  I'll be there on the 30th. Anne Bradley NSW

I was tempted to just give up and say so much has been done now by the Howard Govt, we can't wind it back and I felt so powerless, like I just wasn't hearing anything that I felt or believed in and then I said I am not giving up and I WILL fight it and I WILL go on the 30th Nov and rage against the UNfairness of this new order in IR. Name withheld

Because I am afraid my children will never realise the Aussie dream of owning their own home (or anything of value)because if they are ever fortunate enough to land a job that could afford the repayments there is no guarantee they will still have the job when the first payment is due. Lynne QLD

I am joining the rally because there is so much at stake, including mateship. How can you look a fellow Australian in the eye and call him mate when you are about to take his job for a lower rate of pay. Aussies are being forced to turn on each other. Chris QLD

The only thing I own is my labour, and the Howard government has taken away my tools to protect myself at work. That's not a fair go in my opinion. Daniel NSW

I am rallying in protest at the lack of fairness in the new IR laws. They are un-Australian and lack the basic quality of "a fair go". A responsible employer will work WITH his/her employees to achieve agreed goals but these laws are aimed at dis-empowering the employee and reducing their importance to nothing more than a commodity like electricity or machinery etc. Let's not lose the humanity in workplace relations. Kevin NSW

I am rallying on November 30 to give Howard and his government a warning: If they continue to implement IR laws that take away security for workers, then I will not be voting for them in the next election.
He can consider this rally a warning. Emma Stewart NSW

I believe that workers are entitled to fair, and liveable wages, as well as decent conditions of employment. I am not alone in this view as at the last rally in Cairns I talked to 3 business owners who were also attending and didn't want the IR changes. The reason was simple "our employees make our business the success it is if I don't treat them right I am out of business" It is about fairness, equity and dignity - or as we know it the AUSTRALIAN WAY - mateship or caring about each other. Mike "banjo" Patterson QLD

Because every Australian deserves a fair go and this includes the right to not be unfairly dismissed regardless of the size of the workplace. 
Every Australian has the right to a fair and just wage and this law will push down the wages of the most vulnerable in our society.  We have a special duty to protect the most vulnerable in our country and this law absolutely works against that duty. David Moore VIC

I am rallying for the workers of this country who no longer have a voice because they are too afraid to access a union.
Rose Peel NSW

I have been in the workforce as a teacher for a good part of 40 years. In that time I have seen significant changes to working conditions. It is shattering to see that the clock is being turned back, so that my children who are now in the workforce have to go through those struggles all over again. I would have hoped that the achievements gsined over the last 40 years would be a legacy to my children. I feel that as a generation of older workers, we need to have something positive to leave to the workers of today which are the future of the Australian workforce.
Jennifer VIC

Australian people fought very hard over many years to get the best conditions for living in the world. Today, because of the greed of the corporate world which controls the media and our politicians the living conditions of ordinary people has changed dramatically. Only the wealthy can afford tertiary education, the unemployment statitics have been rigged, people are working longer hours than ever before with less overtime rates and to the detriment of family life, the suffering environment is being manipulated by the coal industry and  the promise of more wealth for the shareholders of uranium mines because cheaper simple solutions like windfarms and solar energy are ignored.
When 10% of people are living below the poverty line and representation by unions has been made virtually illegal it is time for us to stand united in protest. Pam Harris NSW

I am rallying to assist the rights of Higher Education Sessionals to obtain permanent (full or part-time) employment. Dr Jennfer Herrick NSW

It angers me that during times with huge company profit growth, and executive wage blowouts we are willing to allow the next generation of workers to have none of the benefits which have made Australia the "FAIR GO" Country. It will change the face of the country forever. John NSW

I am rallying to stand up for those who do not have the capacity to make a stand for themselves. I am a strong self assured person who has had to battle for my rights against a work place - I did receive what was deemed my rights but it was a year long battle. There are those who require the consideration of a civil and caring society as opposed to a society that is built only on economic rationalism. We need a fair go for each end of the continuum in Australia. Elizabeth Goodwin TAS

I am rallying in protest at the Government's AWA policy, and especially for the people who can't be there in fear of being sacked, as I am lucky enough to be in a union that can protect rights such as protest. David Warwick VIC

I am rallying to support workers in their right to reasonable working conditions and pay..to show that i am one of hundreds of thousands who are dissatisfied with the Govt's so called work choices legislation...I am a unionist and proud of it..we are strong and determined and will not be defeated! Catherine Green NSW

I am rallying because of the governments greedy new laws. If there is one way to make the rich richer and the workers poor this is it. I'm disgusted the government would betray its own people so that big business can get richer. Howard calls this scheme "Work Choices" more like "One Choice". Little Johnnies way or the highway. I hope people start to see clearly why the unions are fighting hard. You should be ashamed of yourself John Howard. Pushing the little guy around to make you rich mates richer. Nathan VIC

I never thought I could fear my government enough to overcome my distaste for unions.  I was wrong.
art San d'Berg WA

I'm rallying on the 30th November because I am frightened of the outcomes of these new laws.  I currently work for  the Qld Government in a school and I'm concerned that if we have a change of government that we will be contracted to work only during the school terms.  This will mean 12 weeks without pay.   I am also concerned how these laws will affect my children.  These laws are changing Australia, making the rich richer and a even bigger gap between workers and employers. Sharon A QLD


We've been fighting for better conditions for 50 years and now they've been taken away again! I, for one, will be rallying on November 30 because I believe in rights of my fellow workers. Join the fight and win the battle against injustice. Mike Kennard QLD

I have retired from the workforce but will never let my father down by allowing the rights that he worked so hard for, to be whittled away by a government hell bent on disadvantaging working men and women. These are the rights that he believed in until his death and I continue to believe in. Allan McLeod VIC

I am rallying to protect the rights of workers that my parents and grandparents fought for - to ensure that future generations do not find themselves queuing at the work house door hoping for some work. If people cannot control their labor they are slaves, no matter how gilded the cage - John Howard is supposed to govern for ALL Australians and not just those that own and run large corporations. Greg Barwick VIC

I am rallying on Nov 30th as I believe it is important to take a stand over what I see as an erosion in workers rights. Most of my generation  do not remember what it was like not to have collective bargaining, to be without overtime and penalties, not have   access to decent leave and award conditions. Currently we have 57 clauses in the Nurses & midwives award and under the federal system it is  possible that this could be reduced to less than 10. As a Nurse I know that during my 33 years of nursing our union has fought hard to achieve parity in wages and conditions with other health professionals.At times we have had to take our issues to the State industrial commisssion to be an independent umpire. The new IR laws take away our capacity to do that. I am only 10 years off reiring but I worry about what sort of country this will be for my children and for future generations when workers have limited rights, limited access to important family time and do not have the ability to earn extra money for working unsocial or extra hours which keeps them away from their families.
I think this system is geared towards more power to employers and businesses and less rights for workers.
Angela Pridham NSW

My father fought for many years to get the conditions workers had until John Howard decided to take them away.  My father is turning in his grave. Rosemary VIC

Because I do not believe laws hampering the rights of workers to bargain collectively,or laws that impose unfairly on the rights of workers to enjoy proper remuneration and working conditions should exist. I want them overturned.
Fiona Press NSW

I'm rallying because I believe that John Howard wants to completely destroy the power of Unions, like Margaret Thatcher did to England. That is what the PM's IR Work Choices (should be called "Slave Choices") is all about. We would not enjoy the high standard of living we make today if it was not for Unions fighting for a decent pay for low income workers. Employers do not pay the incomes we get, out of the goodness of their heart. Not to mention the role Unions play in keeping the workplace safe. John Lopez NSW

I do not believe that the Coalition's reforms will move us further as a nation. On the contrary, they retrench the social progress that has been achieved since federation, and will result in Australian workers competing for wages at the low end of the international economy - not the high tech end where a secure trade position in elaborately transformed manufactures (ETMs) would ensure a high quality lifestyle for 'ALL Australians - NOT JUST THE FEW' (to quote Howard). I do not look forward to the Americanisation of our labour market, nor the wealth divide that it dictates, nor the increasing social conflict that will inevitably result from a more unequal, inegalitarian and unjust society. I strongly protest these directions and will demonstrate against them at every available opportunity. Furthermore, I will be encouraging everyone I know to dismiss Howard at the next federal election. Like many, many others who Howard offensively and inaccurately refers to as the 'lunatic fringe' I do indeed know what I'm talking about and why I'm taking this stand. Roz Averis
SA

I am rallying in order to lodge my protest against the industrial relations changes and because it enables me to carry my poster that tells the world what I think of our current prime minister. Besides, it's great fun! Janine NSW

I am rallying because I believe social justice and equality is for ALL Australian, not just those in the highest income brackets.  I believe working class Australians are already doing it tough, without John Howard's IR laws making it tougher.  Our prime minister has lost touch with his electorate! E Brown SA

John Howard is ideologically opposed to unions. Dating back to and before the last waterside workers disputes he has shown his preparedness to use fair means or foul  to destroy unions. In a perfect world where employers universally respected their workers basic rights and paid fairly for their labours we wouldn't need unions... But as long as there have been bosses there have been abuses of power and these proposed IR laws strip away the rights of workers and more fundamentally are designed to remove our last vestige of protection... the unions. John Howard you are wrong and this will be your political epitaph .. "took on the unions and lost". Andrew Hancock VIC

A a former student of 18th British History and avid reader of Charles Dickens, I am appalled that the Howard government wants to return us to the early days of the industrial revolution where workers had no rights and unions were outlawed. I am also concerned for my daughter's family; her husband's job will be terminated shortly and even though he is supposedly permanent, he and the rest of his colleagues will have to re apply for another job in another place. There are less placements than workers, so he may be lucky or he may be not. Even if he is, what about his less lucky colleagues? They all have  families to support and mortgages to pay, and it is almost Christmas! What sort of workforce are my children and grandchildren entering when the bosses want more and more power to sack you and reduce your wages and hard fought for entitlements while they give themselves millions of dollars in so called bonuses for doing exactly that! This is increasingly becoming a government by the rich for the rich, and nowhere else in the first world are there such draconian laws affecting the workforce. Shame Howard, shame! Olivia M VIC

100 years of hard earned conditions of the working people have been destroyed by a lying pro business government.
If these laws are not repealed by a Labour Government the division between rich and poor will widen to the stage where the government of the day will not be able to provide social safety net to enable people to live sustainable lives. Down with the Howard dictatorship! Philip Syratt VIC
I am rallying because I want to send a message to the Howard Government along with other workers that it is unacceptable to trample over workers' rights - rights that have been fought for for over a century. The new IR laws undermine human dignity, reducing workers to mere commodities. Our children who are entering the workforce for the first time, deserve to be encouraged, supported and treated with respect and fairness which AWAs undermine. It is not an equal power relationship between employer and employee and it is so dishonest to pretend it is. Living constantly with job insecurity (where you can be sacked for "operational reasons" at any time) undermines the spirit and well being and a demoralised worker is less likely to give of his or her best. There are times when we are sick, may experience family bereavement need time off for circumstances beyond our control and leave entitlements are a right, not to be traded away. Name withheld

The main reason is to protest the removal of the safety net, and to stand up against individual contracts that can undercut pay and conditions. This Government has gone too far - they have to be told in the strongest terms that they do not have a blank cheque to do whatever they like with our country. Daniel Kildea NSW

Because the day the IR Laws came into effect I was made redundant after 17yrs with no warning and no redundancy pay. I walked away without a cent and wasn't paid a full days wage on my final days. I was employed as a casual for the full 17yrs but paid far less than award wages let alone casual wages. My employer has been exploiting staff from the beginning and now seems to believe The Govt. has given her permission to do so. This has to stop.
LH SA

I'm rallying because I recognise the importance of protecting rights and entitlements that have been secured through the action of generations before me.  I'm rallying because I believe that the working women and men of this country have a right to a living wage, secure employment and safety in the workplace; rights that the Howard government are intent on removing.  I'm rallying because I believe that removing protections for those in society unable to negotiate with their employer on an equal basis weakens all of us.  I'm rallying because I believe that every worker deserves the right to not be dismissed because of workplace personality conflicts, or because they have the courage to stand up for health and safety in the workplace.  I'm rallying because I believe the removal of unfair dismissal provisions for workers employed in workplaces under 100 staff creates a two tier employment structure, and that workers in small business are just as worthy of protection as those employed in larger enterprises.  I'm rallying because I believe that my children (if I should have any) have a right to future employment that allows them justice and dignity at work.  I'm rallying because these laws do much more than simply shift the power balance away from those most in need of support; they impact on the amount and quality of time our youth will have to spend with their working parents, and our ability to engage in voluntary work - things that strengthen the cohesiveness of our society.  I'm rallying because I have no choice but to add my voice to the millions of Australians who are standing up for justice and fairness in our workplace and communities.  I'm rallying because the vision John Howard has for this country is not the sort of future I want for myself and my family. Rachel Davey WA

These new IR laws I believe take back workers rights over 100 years when workers had little or no rights at all Glenn Motley

I feel saddened to see the erosion of all the hard fought conditions that generations of good hard working unionist have fought for being taken away by this right wing government. John Howard has taken so much from so many. Now is the time to show him PEOPLE POWER    J.Edney NSW

Walmart staff didn't get a pay rise over in 10 years, John Howard wants U.S. conditions for OZ workers, My niece worked in a cake shop Thursday night and all day Saturday for $5 an hour for 3 years without a payrise. I am joining the rally for my grandchildrens future. B.D

Whilst I am an older worker with an ongoing position, I am concerned that these conditions will not be available to the majority of younger workers coming into the workforce. As a union member all my working life, I believe we need to be a collective to stay strong and have a bargaining position with this new legislation putting all our working conditions at risk. Fancy being sacked because the boss is hung over and doesn't like you! A definite possibility in the 'new' world.
The future situation was put very succinctly and I wish it was my quote " the sky won't fall in, rather it will be a rotting away of the floorboards" suggesting a slowly deteriorating workplace for all.
these are the reasons I will be attending the day of action. For our children's children; even though I don't have any I remain concerned about way younger people will be abused....we see the shonky employers every day in the work I do (there are also many good employers out there).
Sarah VIC

Because UNIONS are about bringing people together, Howard's AWAs are the exact opposite. Shouldn't the Federal Government be aiming to bring people together?
UNIONS are a valuable component of the democratic structure of our society because they encourage people to stand up and defend their rights.
UNIONS are worth fighting for! Gavin Sanders NSW

A contract with no pay increase for five years? What does your IR contract say John Howard?
Where are your new incentives to work hard and plan for better things in Australia for the next generation? Loma Bridge NSW

To ensure that Australia remains a decent caring country where business and the economy serve peoples needs NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND. Ian Turner NSW

The Federal Government has weakened the rights of our most vulnerable workers.  Every week I see workers in my country town struggling with their employment rights.  Work Choices made it even easier for bosses to abuse vulnerable workers by lowering their pay (taking away penalty rates) and threatening their job security.  Country workers are particularly affected by the changes to the unfair dismissal laws.  There are few employers with more than 100 employees, so therefore there are few secure jobs.  Howard and his mob "just don't get it" - they have no idea what life is like on the ground. Helen Collins VIC

I'm rallying because I want our country's children to have better working conditions than I do.
I'm rallying because John Howard has lost touch with ordinary Australians, he has consistently lied to us, he has stripped us of our working rights, our financial rights and our basic human dignity.
John Howard is the most ruthless politician Australia has ever faced, he is deceitful and will lead this country into an ever widening poverty gap between rich and poor.
Let's get him out while we still can, and show him that he's the one that 'doesn't get it!' Name withheld

When I came to Australia 32 years ago from Ireland I had a choice of jobs.  I had come from a regime where if I told a prospective employer what school I attended he could use that as a reason not to employ me.  John Howard has effectively taken us back to that time and beyond.  I am afraid for my future as an employee and for my children's future employment chances. SM

For two years I worked as a fencing sub-contractor, solely to a company that often sub-contracted itself. Costs and income were not secured and occasionally I would be committed to completing jobs that were uneconomical. I would be regularly stood down if no work was available. Job safety was often compromised, but because it was my responsibility as the sub-contractor my sole client did little in the way of encouraging improvements in work practice even after visits from workcover. I would worry about being noticed by workcover myself as infringements may have been issued, and potentially a loss of income due to the costs incurred to meet what should have been basic safety standards.
It was, in hindsight, free labour and capital, not a system of free enterprise. Without negotiating skills, or an overall market understanding I compromised my safety and my families well-being.
I quit the client and the job after accepting that my conditions were not going to improve. I was lucky to get a job in a unionised industry, that offered good conditions. If the job had not been available I would have been committed to making the most of what were a bunch of bad possibilities.
Why am I rallying? to minimise the growth of such an employment structure. To ensure I have strong, experienced, informed representation in negotiations. To ensure I am not reduced to the lowest common denominator. I am rallying for a fair go for all. Eugene NSW

Mr Howard has wiped out in minutes a fair system for workers that has taken scores of year to attain.
It is a very short-sighted action as,if wages don't keep up with the cost of living, and if the unfair dismissal laws are not upheld, there will be many more people seeking government assistance in the way of housing, health, education, pensions etc.
Lower wages and more people on the basic wage means less super put aside and less savings, so, again, a greater reliance on the government pension in an ageing population.
I would have thought any government would have preferred the business sector to shoulder some of this financial burden in the way of higher wages, overtime rates, higher super etc so that the majority of workers would end their wage earning days with some savings and a roof over their heads so they don't have to rely soley on government hand-outs! Amanda Finch NSW

I teach at an Indigenous school and for me personally the IR reform will not affect my pay in any major way because I am skilled and confident so negotiating with employers is second nature, but my kids, they are already discriminated against and lack any belief in their own work. Many unskilled people, indigenous or otherwise, think they are worth little, and will negotiate a contract to suit, despite the fact that often their work is flawless. I march for all the people who don't believe in their own worth, which with the way many are already being treated makes up a large proportion of the population. Gilroy Finau Hatcher QLD

I am 60 years old. In my work I have travelled extensively overseas. I used to take pride in the fact that Australia was regarded as a leading nation in the fight for social justice. In particular, in USA I'd take joy in taking the high moral ground by saying "that would never happen in Australia." because we were the land of the 'fair go'. Not anymore! I am ashamed of what Australia is becoming. Now the tables are turned. My overseas colleagues are the ones saying "what's happened to Australia? we wouldn't do that here". As far as I'm concerned Howard, Andrews, Ruddock, Hockey and their cronies are unAustralian and history will judge them harshly. That's why I'm rallying, to express my disgust at these people's bullying and cowardly behaviour.
Tom Sinclair VIC

I am, and always will rally for my right to provide a decent living for me, my wife, and most of all my two young girls.
Darren TAS

Pretty soon we will need 2 or 3 jobs just to pay the rent like they do in America!  Mr Howard, we ARE NOT the 54th state of the USA.  Our forebears must be spinning in their graves with what you are doing to our country. Robyn Townsend TAS

I am rallying to oppose Howard's vision for Australia.  His path is that of the USA where 15% of the homeless are in full-time employment!  This is not the country I want for me.  It is not the country I want for my kids.  It is not the country my father fought for in World War 2.
I am rallying on 30 November to say I want a fair Australia.  I want to live in a country that ensures a decent living standard for all; a country guided by socialist principles ensuring our great wealth is distributed among all the citizens according to not just effort, but also need.  A country where the corporate citizens are indeed citizens and treat their workforce as people rather than commodities.
I am rallying to inform my fellow citizens.  I am rallying to send a message to our elected representatives.  I am rallying to empower people to actively participate in the political process so our politicians formulate policy reflecting the will of the people and not their personal ideologies.
Michael Johnson NSW

I will be at the rally because I am appalled at what John Howard is doing to this country, economically and socially; and especially his intentions regarding the rights and entitlements of workers.  Val Marsden WA

The rights and entitlements that workers have negotiated over more than a 100 years has been stripped away by the new industrial relation laws. One way that employees could place pressure on their employer to consider their concerns was the ability to take industrial action as a collective group. This had become part of our democratic right, but under the new legislation unions and workers will be fined for taking such action. This legislation only makes employees scared to speak out individually about abuses of power and excessive demands placed on them by their boss. The only purpose it has is to increase profiteering and decrease the earning capacity of low level employees, who have limited scope of negotiating on  contracts or understanding their terms. Unions were established to protect workers' rights. The current Liberal government has diminished those rights. Peter Dal-Ben VIC

It is hugely ironic that John Howard has portrayed himself as the battlers' friend. In reality he is the enemy of the worker, and intent on changing Australia into a stratified society of, on the one hand, privileged bosses wielding almost absolute power over employees' wages and rights, and on the other, obedient staff who accept through fear whatever pay and conditions they're offered. Howard has a warped view of how Australia should socially be structured, but it will not prevail. All power to the workers in their campaign, especially on their Nov. 30 day of protest. Also, keep your memories VERY fresh about Howard's anti-worker legislation, and vote the Coalition out of power next year. Bill Jennings QLD

I am rallying to protect the rights of all workers. The government seems intent on making this country have a large group of working poor so that it can bully them into accepting unfair conditions, while allowing the uncontrolled increase in corporate greed to destroy our way of life and the environment as well. Peter Smith NSW

I Need My Rights !!! B.C.Mottram NSW

These IR changes will destroy the conditions that workers fought for over the last 150 years. I owe to those who came before me, and to my children, to fight for our hard-won rights and against the exploitation of the workers of this country by the economic rationalists. John QLD

I am against the Howard Governments extreme IR laws. Workers have the right to have collective bargaining arrangements and be rewarded for their hard work. AWA's are a backward step and strip away the workers entitlements that have been fought for over many years. Why change a system that has served us well. Chris Doran
QLD

In my job I feel threatened every day that I will lose my job as a result of Mr Howard's workplace reforms. I work in a call centre for a phone company and I'm afraid that if I don't sell enough broadband applications I will lose my job, I'm not naturally the best at sales and afraid now that I will lose my job as I do things honestly not dodgy stuff. Thanks Mr Howard Ben NSW

I am rallying because though i am in an industry deemed illegible for workchoices (and with a court order deeming them not eligible for 5 years) i am still being paid, under a new contract i had no option but to sign, according to the new rules until i win the battle to not be! If i can be so effected by the new laws how would someone be coping in an industry that they are aimed at. I have never felt so disempowered in my life. Brett Davis NSW

As a secondary teacher of students many of whom work, I have been asked to look over the contracts they have been asked to sign and I hear about their workplace conditions. I am concerned that there are too many arbitrary decisions made by employers and the students have little or no understanding of what they have agreed to and no bargaining power anyway. Name withheld

I want to see my children and grandchildren have access to the same kind of collective bargaining resources that have helped me and thousands of others to survive and cope in the workforce.  Nobody should be left to struggle alone in an often intimidating environment. Anne McCarthy NSW

In my role as a Union Delegate and Official, I am seeing first hand, through visits to many council depots, the damage being done by these so called workchoices. We really do have to put a stop to the rot. People are suffering at the hand of our own Government. SA

I'm rallying for job security - because my friends and I need to know whether we'll have a job next week, and next year. Without it, we can't plan our lives. Katherine Clifford
VIC

My 21 year old son has been treated appallingly in several different jobs and lost the jobs (casual) unfairly, sometimes because he's been asked to do something dangerous.
Erst Carmichael NSW

I am concerned that my children will be exploited in their future work places under these laws. I am also concerned that in my own work place should the budget become tight those workers on higher increments will "no longer be required". These laws do not encourage performance. I also disagree with the abolition of an independant tribunal.
Leonie VIC

I was at a previous job, and would've been sacked without three warnings, which I based on personality differences (of course there is two sides to every story).
Without the protection of the Tribunal, I would've been fired, no doubt. Instead I had the courage, and the law on my side to refuse to step aside.
I ended up working there for 2 and a half more years, and ended up being in the good books for my hard work, which is what it always should be.
Taking away rights and enabling employers to fire possibly by personality disorders flies in the face of what people are hired for in the first place, how you work.
You can't always get along with everyone, we need rights to make sure that you cannot fire without a reasonable explanation. Matthew P. VIC

Liberal party values de-value people and there lives. It makes big business profit margins more important than the way we live and our place in the world.
The people who don't earn huge wages are the ones that will be hurt. We'll march forever because there's nothing right about people being paid less for the same work or feeling afraid because they can be fired without reason.
If you can be fired without an explanation, this make it impossible to contest. What if your boss decides he doesn't like your background - doesn't like you because you're black or Asian? You can be fired for that 'reason' without your boss being legally wrong. This injects a racist loop hole which de-values people and equality that we aim for.
Stefan Raabe VIC

I am rallying against the draconian IR laws that the Howard Government has passed. I want to make it very clear to the decision makers that erosion of the rights of employees is not acceptable. A workplace where employees want to work and enjoy working there is a workplace which has increased productivity because the employees have the well-being of the company at heart. An unhappy workplace is a recipe for decreased productivity, high absenteeism and increased stress levels. The Howard Government is and has created unhappy workplaces.
The Howard Government's IR policies are undermining his stated aim of making Australia competitive in the world market.
The well-being of people and the economy are interconnected. Look at the total cost of the current IR policies on Australian Society.
The Howard Government is constructing an Australian Society to serve an unsustainable economy. What Australia needs is an economy structured to create the kind of sustainable society that Australians want! There's a big difference between these two approaches!! K. Hulsman QLD

Because the Howard Government have been wrongfully allowed the power to interfere in industrial related matters under the provisions of the Australian Constitution 1900. The provision in the AC1900 states in Chapter 1 Part V Cl:51 (xxxv)Conciliation and arbitration for the prevention and settlement of industrial disputes extending beyond the limits of any one State:
This is a totally different meaning to what Howard has leglislated thru parliament.The above sub-clause means on a re-active basis only.
But if his government can use the High Court judges to  interpret a provision which clearly states the federal government's restriction in this area, then we are open prey to more extended powers granted through the judges in the High Court on any Constitutional issues put into controversy by any fed. government. Constitutional issues should be judged by 12 electors, not any Howard appointed judge/s. Any change or amendments to the AC 1900 should be referred to Section 128 of the AC 1900.
Geoff Teague WA

My wage has depleted due to loss of penalties. My income fulltime is no longer capable of covering rent. I will have to bankrupt to survive, or stop working. What sort of policy is that? Mike ACT

I want my sons to have a better working life than I have had, not a worse one! If my sons have to spend 50 years in the workforce, like the rest of us, I want them to have some influence over what happens to them there.
Joanne Sullivan VIC

I'm Rallying because I don't trust the Howard government.  They are taking away the most basic protections from the most vulnerable workers.  They say they don't intend these laws to hurt anyone, but then again they said they had proof of weapons of mass destruction prior to the war in Iraq and we all know what a disaster that has turned into.
Graham Ramsay ACT

Howard's arrogant government has lost it's way. It can no longer claim to govern for all Australians (not that it ever did!). Those in the mortgage belt, including many unionists, who voted for the coalition last time on the promise of low interest rates now realise that the lies Howard told are being repicated in the changes to workplace law we are now suffering. Ray Hingst QLD

To let John Howard know that I wont tolerate anything less than equality in any relationship. My rights at work need to be protected so I can maintain an equal footing when dealing with an employer. Without employees a business cannot operate. If you value your employees and treat them with respect your business will thrive. In a country as rich as Australia there is no need to create an underclass of working poor to increase the wealth of the ruling few.
Toni McPherson QLD

I'm rallying because when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. Ann-Maree NSW

Why I am rallying on November 30? I am rallying because we are now on the really slippery slope to perdition with this inhuman, unfeeling, uncaring government and I would urge all who have a sense of community to not only attend the rally on November 30 but vote them out of existence at the next Federal Election and do not vote for the Liberal Party or National Party candidates at the upcoming State Election both here and in NSW, because if we have State Conservative Governments and a Federal Conservative Government then all workers rights will disappear for good. VOTE LABOR get rid of the ROT!!! Ed Smyth VIC

Because John Howard has casually discarded the wisdom of greater men than he. He has thus abused the working conditions of the vast majority of Australian people and by his neglect advanced the interests of the few. He and his government are traitors to those who have fought and worked to make this country great. He is renowned only for his dishonesty. We DO understand you Mr Howard. Very well indeed. Reg Boyle NSW

Because the Howard government has lost touch with the working Australian and has lied to Australians for long enough. I refuse to have all the hard work done by myself and many other Australians to get better conditions for my fellow workers changed on the stroke of a pen. I am also doing it for my kids so they have a fair future in a democratic society as generations before me have fought for. Brendan Hummerstone TAS

Of course I am rallying for this cause however the idea of sitting in the MCG while doing so is extremely interesting and exciting. How come the MCC allowed it and how did the campaign afford such a magnificent venue for such a worthy cause. I am rallying for my children to have an equitable remuneration and working conditions for their labour. Barbara VIC

I am rallying on November 30 because the WorkChoices legislation as it stands will lead to greater inequality and less social cohesion in Australia. Philip Comer VIC

I will be rallying because I believe that oppression of one section of the Australian community by another, as is being encouraged by the present IR laws, will lead to a fractured society, anger, and ultimately to violent reaction.  I do not want to leave such a legacy for my descendants. Shirley Pitcher WA

The proposed legislation places priority on economic outcomes for business not people. 
To allow business to stand-down workers during non-peak periods and effectively to entrench casualisation as the "normative" employment option will, in my opinion, undermine the financial and emotional security and well-being of Australian families and individuals. 
The profits companies make are made for them by the people who work in the business. 
What kind of economic policy directs and allows companies, in contemporary Australia, to treat our most important asset, people, as a liability.  These attitudes extend and entrench the climate of fear, generated by the "campaign against terror", in the work place.  
The "fear of losing your job" has historically been an effective instrument of social control.  In a democratic, multi-cultural Australia and, in fact in any country, the denial of work-place-rights is not part of the social contract and must be vigorously rejected. Freda Watkin VIC

Work Choices seems to be about Employers having more choices about employees working conditions and employees having none!  This legislation will change the culture of the workplace in ways that will be ultimately damaging.  These laws undermine job security, leaving people feeling unconnected to the workplace.  I cannot see how this can be good for job security and consequent productivity.
I believe these laws are designed to undermine the collective power of employees, crippling the union movement and reducing the working standards for all.
Natalie Twine QLD

Give me my Labor Party anyday to return my quality of life and stop Petrol prices are up, mortgage repayments are up and AWA's make it difficult for people need a permanent job to qualify for a loan. Health, education, food - the cost of all these staples have increased, while our pay stagnates and in many cases goes backwards under the IR laws. Bullying & harrassment has to be tolerated daily as there is no one who will address it.  MY QUALITY OF LIFE HAS GONE! RO

I am sick and tired of people that  don't have to worry about increases in interest rates and threats of job security telling us how to do our jobs. We have all had training for our jobs and value our contributions to society without these politicians who have everything handed to them on a plate destroy our livelihoods and families because they think they have the right.  I didn't do years of study for someone else to tell me how and when to do my job and then take away everything that I value with the stroke of a pen. LEAVE US ALONE, without us you people in Canberra are nothing, sod off. David Coombe SA

My working life is finished, but I was glad to be represented by a strong union from the time I started teaching in 1971. The union ensured that my working conditions were fair, but more importantly, enabled my colleagues and me to provide the best possible education for the kids we taught. My first campaign was one to guarantee that all teachers entering classrooms would be profeesionally trained. From then on the union worked with us to keep class sizes down, to provide adequate prep and correction time, to develop great programs, to provide valuable professional development. I am really worried about future workers who will miss out on the support and security I enjoyed in my career. Kerry Echberg VIC

John Howard's government claims to represent the Australian people, yet his IR laws clearly only serve the interests of business, and not the overall Australian people. He either doesn't understand, or chooses not to want to understand that there's more to life than money. I believe our quality of life as Australians will suffer badly if his un-Australian laws remain. Both they and he MUST go.
Peter Smith NSW

I will be protesting at the campaign on November 30 because while I worked on a construction site in Darwin 2005 as a permanent full time employee I was sacked without notice while I was off work due to a sporting injury. I made an attempt to get my job back at the industrial relations commission with no success. My employer failed to even register the work place agreement and I should off been covered by the Federal Award but I was not. My employer systematically ripped off all the employees on the site. Travel, district and other allowances were not paid to employees on the site. The income protection insurance was cancelled and another policy replaced the original one with inferior conditions. Now I am left with a permanent injury that prevents me from returning to my usual occupation. My income protection payments were stopped at 52 weeks and they should off been paid for 104 weeks. This happened to me before the new IR laws came in and I would hate to know how hard working Australians will be treated now in similar situations. Reggie VIC

I'm rallying on Nov 30th because I don't want to live in a world where workers are treated as expendable. People need jobs, families need money and it shouldn't be a big ask to be treated with some respect and decency. We left the feudal system behind for a reason. Our society developed beyond the system of a hierarchy of peasants and noblemen. Taking a step back only hinders our progress and obliterates the work of centuries. I don't want my children to grow up in an IR law ruled country.
Kate VIC

I am rallying because I think these laws hurt the most disadvantaged members of our community, all in an attempt for Howard to win favour with Big Business. When will large businesses sacrifice a little profit so a family can have food on the table? We need to look at our priorities as a society. I am fortunate that I have not been directly involved in AWA's yet but I worry for those people who have got a raw deal. LW

John Howard only reinforces the distance he and his party are from the workers of Australia by his statements that we don't know what we're rallying for.  We're rallying to protect ourselves and future generations from regressing to the past.  Our forefathers and foremothers fought long and hard for the rights we have/had and I'm not going to let them down by not doing my bit today. Lynette SA

Myself and my family are going to the rally because this is just not an attack on our rights at work, but on the Australian way of life.This land has enough for all to live prosperously not just the few.The egalitarian society that this country has been for 100 years is just being taken from us.By going to this rally we will keep up public awareness of this issue.Its hard enough to make ends meet now with higher interest rates,fuel,food costs etc than having your pay lowered buy bosses who look at these laws as a good way to save money, therefore delivering it to their own back pocket. Steve Garcia NSW

I'm rallying because John Howard and his Liberal Government are totally out of touch with the Australian people. They are destroying our long fought for rights as workers and it's impacting dreadfully on all Australian families. It is (and has been for quite a few years now) painfully obvious that the Liberal Party is only for and about big business. Large business companies and multi-national conglomerates are laughing in their collective pockets. Factories, service centres etc are closing down (leaving only a minimally staffed administrative office in Australia) and jobs are moved overseas.
These particular companies AND the Liberal Government are happy to profit from the Australian workers and taxpayers but not to offer us employment, fair pay or fair working conditions. The new IR laws are just the next stage in destroying our once great nation for the benefit of a small percentage of already wealthy individuals and large for-profit companies. Tina Clausen QLD

I am 71 years of age and retired but in support of those who do work, I will be there, as I was last year to rally against the IR laws which I totally disagree with.
The government seems to want to turn back the clock, for reasons I am unable to fathom.
After the hard fought-for rights of workers in the 20th century, why should the ideology of our Prime Minister be permitted to change the face of working conditions in the 21st century. Power be to the Unions and let common sense prevail! Name withheld

To stand for the world I want. Not the world big buisness wants and certainly not the world that John Howard, doing its bidding, would have us have.
In my world, people work to live. They work to afford a home to live in, food on the table and to provide for their children. And, when all that's done, to spend time with family and friends.
In my world, workers and employers enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship which gets the job done and makes money. My world recognises that the gauge of a healthy society is not economic indicators but community well-being. These new laws will give us the exact opposite.
Amanda Kane NSW

My daughter has a disability, how will she get a job, how can i be sure that she wont be taken advantage of or have her rights protect with the new laws????? Name withheld

Unfair cuts to pay, overtime rates, erosion of workers' rights in general. Lata VIC

I am protesting to keep the rights that my grandfather fought for so that my kids and grandkids have a fair go. 
Sure Johnny you would like to think we don't know what we are protesting about my son has just worked hard for 4 years in an apprenticeship and was put off.  He has a casual call-in job now and is expected to use his own car for work deliveries and pick-ups etc with no extra pay, otherwise he doesn't have a job.  He has no super cover and cannot afford to keep one going himself.  You little Johnny are allowing this to happen, workers are not allowed to have rights in your eyes.   We are rallying John Howard to let you know we know what we are rallying about lower wages, higher fodd prices, higher petrol prices, mortgages going up, childcare fees going up and we damn well know what you are doing to our country.
Don't you get it - How can we go to work when our wages will barely cover the cost of fuel and/or childcare - not to mention we have to eat and educate our children on top of that. 
Step out of your bubble John Howard and start helping the people that gave you the power you are abusing and using against them. Leanne TAS

As a Exserviceman and a Granddad I feel democracy is slowly being taken from Australians with out the majority of our people knowing If we keep traveling down this path my grandchildren will be working  3 or 4 part time jobs as they do in the USA, and will be working for Asian wages A house as we know it to day will be for the rich, trailer parks or there equivalent will be the norm, not the exception Our future generations will not be able to get home loans because they will only have part time work and small wage to exist on It is not for mywife and I  that I rally against the work reforms it is for my grandchildren and every other child. Name withheld

It is not the business of civilised governments to promote the predatory and exploitative advantage of the few at the expense of the quality of life of the many. That is not why we elect them. Rather, it is the business of government to give effect to the democratic principle of One Person:One Vote. When our elected representatives, as at present, betray that principle in a cynical attempt to deliver up a fearful and powerless workforce to the local agents of global greed, it is time to bring them to heel. I owe it to myself, my family and my society to oppose the government's Industrial Relations legislation and to be seen to do so. Bill Nethery NSW

Our small non-profit company, with 16 employees, had been working on an EBA for SEVEN painful years.  With a change to the Board and some fresh blood on the union's negotiating team, we suddenly started to make some progress late last year, and by March 2006 the negotiating reps had finalised a document to be taken back to staff and management for a final decision.  It wasn't a good agreement from the workers' perspective, but we were so tired of the process that we were prepared to accept quite a poor wages outcome in exchange for some certainty over our conditions.
But that's as far as our EBA ever got. Howard's IR changes came in at the end of March and suddenly some of the things (such as a backdated pay increase) that both parties were ready to agree on became illegal.
Now the workers are fed up, and they're demanding a much better outcome from the EBA.  In response, the Board has hardened its position too.  We'd been on the verge of signing an EBA, but Howard's IR changes put an end to our "agreement", and his legislation is propelling us towards an all-out industrial dispute.
Howard's laws have replaced negotiation with conflict, and now we're all losing out. Chris Chaplin VIC

Because these laws are completely unfair. John Howard is a criminal who cares only about short monetary gain, and seems incapable of seeing the cost to people now, in the future, and future generations, and the environment and society as a whole now and in the future.
If people take to the streets in a peaceful manner to demonstrate opposition to his plans he calls them extremists.
Who is he and those few people close to him actually representing? What is his motivation? Jimi Smith QLD

I am retired and so am no longer in the workforce. I'll be rallying for my children and grandchildren's sake.
Frank Catt NSW

I'm rallying because l don't believe that one person should have the power to make radical changes to the IR laws simply because of their own personal views. It wasn't broken (has stood the test of time)so it doesn't need fixing!
Gerard Borg NSW

Ill be rallying to prevent the Federal government from giving employers open slather on wages & conditions & setting us back 50 years,we must vote out the Howard government if we wish to maintain our living & working conditions Robert Bell NSW

Basically Australia is no longer a place where a fair go exists. Due to liberal policies that favour greed of the corporations. As an educated, professional middle aged female I feel vulnerable to the loss of fairness, I see an ever widening gap between my earnings and those of our fat cats, the disparities between the lowest and the highest paid are too great. There is a chasm opening up in Australian society and its being dug vigourously by John Howard. My son has no protection from unfair workplace practices where employers fail to provide award level rates and don’t acknowledge workers rights to additional pay for overtime and shift work. My own experience is that employers do not see 'workers', even professional workers as having equal rights to access benefits derived from their work. A fair go brought me here and kept me here - John Howard does not respect the very people he claims to represent. as a professional person I find his approach downright irresponsible to the community that is or was Australia. Juliet Albany WA

There is nothing fancy about the new IR laws. They are simply a very effective way to  reduce the wages, working conditions and bargaining power of almost all employees.  They are wrapped up in  bare faced lie called "work choice " in which of course no person actually gets to choose any option apart from the offered one.
I find it particularly dangerous for a range of other reasons.
1) This Government seems to have effectively destroyed a balanced Industrial Relations court. There is no legal  way to combat this situation.
2) They have developed a formidable "legal" structure to back up its ambitions with sanctions and arbitrary difficulties to any collective action
3) They are forcing the unemployed, single parent pensioners and disability pensioners to be desperate work seekers forced to accept any work offering under pain of loss of benefits. This will put even further pressure on current workers.
4) And finally the depressing of workers wages will almost inevitably cause a  very dangerous recession when  effective demand is reduced with the systematic lowering of wages.
This government has to go before its actions irrevocably damages the life of millions of people Joe VIC

These laws are an affront to existing workers, those to c