NZ: Solidarity Protest Outside Aus High Commission

120 people gathered at the Australian High Commission in Wellington in solidarity with the Australian wide community protests against John Howard's industrial relations reforms. The protest was organised by the Council of Trade Union (CTU). Members from a wide range of unions (Maritime Union, AUS, PSA, Unite!, CLAW, EPMU, SFWU), socialist groups (ACA, SWO/Workers Charter) and anarchists (some from the Wildcat Anarchist Collective) rallied for over one hour. 'Brass Razoo Solidarity Band' played for the crowd.

Speakers included Ross Wilson (president of the CTU) and Green Party MP Keith Locke.

Anarchists were there with several flags, a banner ("No War but the Class War!") and Wildcat handed out a leaflet in which they attacked the CTU for refusing to demonstrate against the fact that 600 Air New Zealand workers are being fired by Helen Clark's government.

A group of anarchists got in trouble with the police when they walked back towards town because they preferred to walk on the road. Police threats of arrests for obstruction were replied with chants – "No Justice, No Peace – Abolish the Police!". One anarchist was repeatedly called a 'cock' by a cop.

For more, see… Wellington Indymedia – www.indymedia.org.nz

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