Union Organising is not a Crime

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The Cyprus Building, Wood, Mine and General Workers Trade Union PEO and the International Builders Union UITBB organised a demonstration on 29 September 2015 outside the Australian High Commission in Nicosia, Cyprus, protesting the Australian Federal Government’s attempt to persecute trade unionists with criminal charges for their unionist action. At the same time, a strong message of solidarity was sent to Australian trade unionist John Lomax who is being persecuted for his action.

Speaking on behalf of trade union PEO, its general secretary Michalis Papanikolaou expressed support to the Australian comrade, condemning at the same time the position of the Australian Federal Government. Given the opportunity, he also condemned the reinstatement of the “adjustment of strikes issue” on behalf of the employers in Cyprus, which aims to penalise strikes and trade unionist action in general. The participants in the event sent the message that, through collective action, they will fight to ensure the vested, sacred and non-negotiable right to strike. Many of the benefits and rights we enjoy today as workers, which we take for granted, were the result of great strikes. Upon completion of the protest, a resolution was approved and submitted to the Australian High Commissioner.

Update: It is with great pleasure that we have been informed of the dropping of charges against John Lomax. When we stand united, we can achieve great things.