Nationwide protests against industrial reforms in Australia

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2006

SYDNEY (AFP) — Tens of thousands of Australians have rallied against controversial industrial relations laws, temporarily bringing parts of the country's major cities to a halt. Organisers estimated more than 100,000 people marched at 200 venues around the country in a national day of action against workplace laws enacted by Prime Minister John Howard's conservative government.

Critics say the laws passed 12 months ago strip power from unions and erode job security, wages and conditions. The largest rally was in the southern city of Melbourne, where an estimated 45,000 people crowded into the Melbourne Cricket Ground before marching on the city centre. Australian Labor Party leader Kim Beazley promised to repeal the laws if he won national elections due late next year....