All across Australia this morning half a million people took a stand against the Howard Government’s IR laws.

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Rights at Work supporters started streaming into the MCG before dawn in Melbourne. In Sydney, marchers stopped traffic. Community venues across the nation were filled to capacity and people spilled out into the street. Still more supporters, with family commitments or unable to take leave from their jobs, emailed and called the ACTU to pledge their support for the Rights at Work campaign.

By rallying in such huge numbers, we are not just opposing the Howard Government’s unfair IR laws. We are making a statement about the kind of Australia we want to live in.

Today, less than a year out from the next federal election, we showed all political parties that we believe in a safety net for all Australians, protection from unfair dismissal, collective agreements when workers want one, and a regular and fair setting of the minimum wage.

What is the next stage in this crucial fight?

Get active in your local group. There are scores of official Rights at Work groups across the nation. There is a group in your state. We understand that not everyone can afford to give a lot of their time to get active. That’s why we have made it as easy for you as possible. Get in touch with the convener of the group nearest you. You can find all the details of your closest group on the ACTU website. Any action you take, big or small, helps the Rights at Work campaign.

Help the union movement grow. Thank you to all the supporters who are dedicated union members. It is up to you to spread the word to others that joining a union is the most vital, and fundamental action an individual can take as part of the Rights at Work campaign. Already, hundred of people have joined a union online and over the phone with our simple and easy Unions Australia joining system.

It is vital for our campaign that our movement for change keeps growing.  

This year we won the battle. The public know that the IR laws stink to high heaven. But our challenge over the coming months is even bigger. In 2007, there will be a federal election, probably around October. That is when we face our biggest fight.