September 8, 2006
Don’t knock it – match it

Union challenges all MPs to dig deep for locked-out families

Unionist Andrew Little is challenging all MPs to match or exceed Cabinet Minister Steve Maharey’s $200 donation to the welfare fund for the locked-out Progressive supermarket warehouse workers.

“Steve Maharey is clearly a man of conscience and principle who has dug into his own pocket to help to feed the children of the lock-out workers,” Mr Little said.

“His action was one of compassion, which we challenge all MPs to match or better.”

Mr Little said that there should be little surprise that a Labour politician would feel moved by the plight of the locked-out workers.

“We’ve had politicians of all stripes – from the far Left to the far Right – come down to our picket lines and contribute to welfare funds over the years,” he said.

What was surprising, Mr Little said, was that National Party industrial spokesman Wayne Mapp appeared not to know the difference between a strike and a lock-out.

“Dr Mapp keeps referring to these workers as striking, when everybody knows that they have been locked out by their Australian bosses who are trying to starve them into submission,” he said.

Mr Little said that any wish by National MPs to donate funds anonymously could be accommodated.

“That seems to be their preferred method,” he said.

ENDS

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