In an increasing hostile political climate, unionists and labour activists in Australia are facing Government-driven restrictions on their rights and criminalisation of their activities. The government has instituted a long running Royal Commission against trade unions while at the same time having conservative think tanks prepare reports that recommend cutting wages and conditions. Earlier this month, the attacks became very direct when a CFMEU organiser, Johnny Lomax, was arrested and charged with ‘blackmail’ for the act of trying to secure better wages for fellow workers.
In an increasing hostile political climate, unionists and labour activists in Australia are facing Government-driven restrictions on their rights and criminalisation of their activities. The government has instituted a long running Royal Commission against trade unions while at the same time having conservative think tanks prepare reports that recommend cutting wages and conditions. Earlier this month, the attacks became very direct when a CFMEU organiser, Johnny Lomax, was arrested and charged with ‘blackmail’ for the act of trying to secure better wages for fellow workers.
