BY LINDA HARRIS
SYDNEY, Australia - Thousands of workers rallied in Perth, West Australia, on April 29 to protest new antiunion industrial legislation. Union organizers hailed the rally as the biggest in West Australia's history, estimating 20,000 workers turned out.

The same day, interstate road and rail deliveries were halted and no airline flights left or arrived in Perth. Strikes took place at the Kwinana and Muji power stations in West Australia. Teachers, nurses and other public sector workers also took strike action disrupting communications and other services across the state.

The 24-hour stoppage was part of an Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)-sponsored blockade of West Australia. The actions coincided with the antiunion bill being introduced in the State's Upper House. (It has already been passed in the Lower House.)

A similar 24-hour blockade was organized in October 1995 when this legislation was first proposed. This resulted in the West Australian government withdrawing it.

The new industrial legislation will impose some of the toughest restrictions on union activity in Australia. It introduces compulsory secret ballots before any form of industrial action is taken and it increases fines on individuals and unions for illegal strikes. It severely restricts unions' right of entry into workplaces and effectively outlaws the use of union funds for political purposes.

The rally was addressed by Jennie George, the president of ACTU, who said the legislation contravenes international conventions on freedom of association.

The ACTU decided on April 30 to extend the campaign against the West Australian government nationally. Public sector workers are being directed not to collect State taxes and charges. The Transport Workers Union is continuing to organize rolling strikes disrupting freight deliveries.  
 
 
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