Touch one, touch all: Ark Tribe supporters protest in London

Standing outside Australia House in London, union safety campaigners handed out flyers to passers by, some of whom were attending a concert by the Sydney Philharmonia Choir who were in town at the time. Imagine their surprise when they found out that not everything coming out of Australia is music to the ears. The protesters also handed a letter in support of Ark to the Australian High Commission.

Trade unions represented at the protest included the TSSA, UCU, NUJ, UNITE, UCATT. Members from other organisations such as the HAZARDS Safety Campaign, Labour Lawyers from International Centre for Trade Union Rights (ICTUR) and the Blacklist Support Group were also on hand to support spread the message about the ABCC and their charges against the rank and file worker, Ark Tribe.

Follow this link to a fantastic video of the protest

Ark Tribe trial update

After the final ABCC witness was dismissed on Thursday 22nd July and Ark’s legal team leading no evidence, the magistrate, David Whittle, informed the hearing that the transcript of the case could take up to a month to be made available. He decided that Ark’s team would have to supply their written submissions to him by 27th August and the prosecution by 3rd September; both are required to give any oral submissions on the 13th September.

Following the hearing on 13th September Magistrate Whittle will then deliberate on the evidence and at a future date make known his verdict.

Another rally is to be held on Monday 13th September to show the continued support for Ark Tribe and disgust at laws which could jail a worker for 6 months for demanding the same right to silence that all other citizens of this country are afforded.

Support Ark in court tomorrow

Ark Tribe is back in court tomorrow and by the time the weekend rolls around we should know his fate. It's as important as ever that people turn out in force this week to support Ark and protest against the continued existence of the ABCC.

If you're in Adelaide come down to the Magistrates Court and stand tall for Ark Tribe. See the box to the left for details of the Adelaide, Perth and Sydney rallies.

Ark Tribe in 2010 and the death of a construction worker in 1974

The charges laid against Ark Tribe by the ABCC are undemocratic, unjust and straight out immoral. As this article from Don McDonald AM explains, the way Ark Tribe and hundreds of other building workers are being treated flies in the face of rights won by building workers over 30 years ago. So much for the "Building Industry Improvement Act".