Ark Tribe verdict to be Nov 3

Date: 28 October 2010

Rank and file member Ark Tribe is due back in court November 3, where he will find out if he is to be found innocent or guilty for standing up for his rights.

Charged for not attending an interrogation with the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), Ark faces a possible six months imprisonment as a result.

While all Ark's supporters are hoping he is found not guilty to the charges, the fundamental issues underlying the ABCC and this case still remain.

* Construction workers have no right to remain silent
* They have no right to use a lawyer of their choice
* They have no right to discuss their interrogation
* They can be imprisoned for 6 months for failing to cooperate with the ABCC

The ABCC and their extraordinary powers

Much of Ark Tribe's legal defence was about whether the ABCC had exercised its powers and functions legally or appropriately.

Throughout the hearing it became obvious that while Ark Tribe was on trial for failure to attend a hearing of the ABCC it was, in fact, the ABCC and its organisation and practices which should have been on trial.

Even the United Nation's International Labour Organisation (ILO) has condemned the current Federal Government for maintaining these laws originally set up under John Howard.

In February, the ILO found the ABCC was biased against workers with laws targeting construction workers breaching convention on freedom of association and the right to organise. According to the ILO Australia now joins China, Burma and Colombia in denying workers their rights.
Ark's Park

The Ark Tribe Embassy will be at our newly appointed 'Ark's Park', Victoria Square in front of the court on Wednesday November 3. We expect a large turn out to hear the verdict and offer their support whatever the result.

For further information

Contact:	Dave Noonan, National Secretary
Union:	CFMEU Construction and General Division
WWW:	http://www.rightsonsite.org.au/index.php

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]