Resistance Conference
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2000 11:14:48 +0800
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RESISTANCE CONFERENCE
Thu, June 29 to Sun July 2
@ Melbourne, Daniher Hall, 8 Orr St, Carlton
phone (03) 9639 8622
Hundreds of socialist and anti-corporate activists from around Australia
will be joined by international guests from Pakistan, Nepal, Cuba,
Indonesia, East Timor and Korea at the 29th Resistance Conference starting
in Melbourne this coming Thursday.
The theme for the conference is 'We have a world to win - fight for
socialism'. This theme reflects the need for the various movements for
social justice, environmental sustainability and women's liberation to join
together in a united movement to create a society free of injustice. "As
well as international collaboration and solidarity, the conference is a
crucial forum for young radical s to come together and plan our strategy in
fighting the Australian government's role in international oppression" Sam
King, one of the conference organisers explained. The conference will
discuss and decide on Resistance's campaigns to strengthen the revolutionary
youth movement in Australia and the region. Delegates will discuss how to
transform the growing anti-corporate sentiment among young people into an
active commitment to fighting capitalism.
The conference will include an action on June 29 outside the Nike city store
in Melbourne to expose the exploitative work practices of this oppressive
multi-national. Resistance is demanding that Nike sign the Homeworker Code
of Practise and that they must provide safe working conditions, a fair
living wage, freedom of association for its workforce and freedom to join a
trade union. Nike has been renowned for its exploitation of outworkers.
Outworkers are predominantly women, often recent migrants, with little or no
English, who work from home due to the lack of other job opportunities,
child-care services and social security. It is estimated that there are more
than 300 000 home-based outworkers in Australia with many unaware of their
rights. Wages are often low, safe working conditions are not enforced and
there is little access to trade union protection. This action is part of a
wider campaign leading up to the S11 protest occurring in Melbourne,
September 11-13 during the World Economic Forum's Asia Pacific Economic
Summit. The conference will discuss the politics of globalisation and plans
for S11.
The conference will hear from activists involved in concrete anti-IMF and
anti-neo-liberal struggles around the region. A highlight of this will be
the feature panel, 'Fighting capitalism- from Seattle to Jakarta to
Melbourne'. Rainer, National Student League for Democracy in Indonesia
member will discuss the anti-IMF struggle in Indonesia. "The conference will
be an important time to raise international solidarity amongst activists in
Australia. We realise that in our struggle against the IMF we are not alone.
What we face is an international problem, that is, capitalism." He explained
to Green Left "Our new government is applying neo-liberal policies which are
affecting all working class people. In July they will start privatising
university campuses as a pilot project with more to follow in the future.
The conference gives us an opportunity to share our experiences, find out
what is happening and work out ways to fight corporate tyranny together".
Other speakers on this panel include Rizwan Atta from the Labour Party of
Pakistan and members of Power of the Working Class (PWC) Korea. Julian
Coppens, Resistance member and S11 Alliance activist will speak on the
campaign as well as Kim Bullimore, Democratic Socialist Party (DSP) and
Indigenous Student Network member who will outline the anti-Olympics
campign.
Solidarity with the East Timorese has been a priority for Resistance since
the Dilli Massacre in November 1991. Now with independence East Timor faces
many challenges in rebuilding their country. Lurdes Goncalves da Costa from
the Timorese Socialist Party (PST) will explainca the situation faced by the
Timorese, the strategies which are being taken to rebuild East Timor and how
we can .
Images from anti-corporate campaigning around the world a multi-media
presentation and a world music dance party will be part of the cultural
events. The conference will be an inspiring and educating experience. Come
along! Get involved! We have a world to win - fight for socialism!
LL.VF
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