80,000 Queenslanders take part in Labour Day activities
An estimated 80,000 workers and supporters gathered at Labour Day events over the weekend calling to change the rules for secure jobs, fair pay rises and restoration of penalty rates.
There were around 20 events held across Queensland for the 128th year of celebrating Labour Day in the state.
Queensland Council of Unions General Secretary Ros McLennan estimated there were 40,000 marchers at the Brisbane event, which stretched kilometres from Wharf St to the Brisbane Showgrounds.
After reports from other marches, she estimated around 80,000 attended colourful marches and events across the state.
The Finance Sector Union and the Independent Education Union led this year’s Brisbane march, with events also occurring in 19 other locations throughout the state, including Bundaberg, Biloela, Barcaldine, Blackwater, Cairns, Emu Park, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Mackay, Moranbah, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Toowoomba, Tieri, Thursday Island and Weipa.
There were around 20 events held across Queensland for the 128th year of celebrating Labour Day in the state.
The combined United Voice and National Union of Workers group won the award for “Best Contingent” at the Brisbane march.
Ms McLennan told marchers that with less than two weeks until election day on 18 May, a change in government was the only way to change the rules and restore a fair go for working people.
She said Labour Day was a great time for community members to stand up and fight back against this divisive, chaotic and mean federal government.
“At the federal election, we’ve got our chance to teach Scott Morrison and his ineffective LNP MPs what it feels like to have insecure work and a pay cut
“It’s time to sack a boss … Prime Minister Scott Morrison!”, she said to cheers from the crowd.
ACTU Secretary Sally McManus also addressed the crowd, blasting the LNP for failing to outline any plans on how to increase workers’ wages or provide more job security for Australian workers.
Federal Shadow Industrial Relations spokesperson Brendan O’Connor said a Labor government would restore penalty rates, as well as address labour hire and job security.
