Dear Left Linkers
You are invited to support the NMIT Unionists final fling! Help us soak up
our legal debts by lapping up some fine wines.
No More Intimidation of Teacher Unionists Campaign Committee was organised
in April 1997 to assist sacked teacher unionists from Northern Melbourne
Institute of TAFE in their fight for reinstatement. These activists were
dismissed because they were effective advocates for workers rights at the
Institute. Over the past three years we=B9ve held rallies, protests and
petition drives to protest the discriminitory treatment of union activists
in the TAFE sector. In 1999 we fought a case in the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal to win the reinstatment of one of those teackers,
Alison Thorne.
Although we did not get Alison re-instated to her teaching position at
NMIT, because the legal system is stacked against complainants, we did
chalk up a few victories for other unionists. Firstly, NMIT management, was
found by a court to have been discriminatory towards union members at NMIT.
Secondly, protection against victimisation was extended. An employer cannot
discriminate against a union member who insists on working to her award or
industrial agreement - which is now considered to be lawful industrial
action. And the industrial action does not have to be occurring at the very
moment of victimisation. Employers cannot act against a union member
because they took industrial action in the past, or might take it in the
future. Very useful precedents for future victimised unionists!
Now we=B9re winding up the campaign with a final appeal to help pay off
legal debts. Your solidarity over the past three years has helped
us send a message to all employers: discrimination is wrong, and will be
opposed. Together, we will defeat union busting and casualisation.
By purchasing from us you=B9ll get to enjoy wine from many of Australia's
finest wine-growing areas, just in time for summer. Every bottle purchased
will help us recoup our legal costs. Your wine will be labelled with our
own distinctive labels, themselves a talking point! Buy up big for the
summer. Minimum order 3 bottles, but you can mix and match. Team up with a
comrade or two and share a dozen! Once again, thanks to all who have
dedicated their time, money and labour to this important campaign since 1997.
Phone or e-mail for a snail mail copy of the wine order form. To get your
order form call 03-9386-5065.
The last day for orders is 29 November, but the earlier you reply, the better.
Please help publicises this important solidarity effort by forwaring this
message to friends, including details in newsletters or requesting bulk
order forms for inclusion in your organisations' mailouts.
Cheers - and Solidarity Forever!
Peter Murray
Wine fundraising co-ordinator.
NMIT Unionists Campaign Committee.
PO Box 266 West Brunswick Vic 3055
Phone/FAX 03-9386-5065.
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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