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17 January, 2011
The spate of horrid flooding in the Australian state of Queensland has brought out the best in Australian trade unionism. Nearly all unions have either dedicated money to one relief agency or another, with some setting up their own benevolent funds to assist those in need.
The Mining and Energy Division of the Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union’s (CFMEU) Central Council on 12 January authorised A$250,000 to help families caught up in the devastating Queensland floods.
“The donation is our first step in providing hands on relief,” stated Energy and Mining General Secretary Andrew Vickers, who also serves as Chairman of ICEM’s Mining Sector. “Queensland and all of Australia will be affected by these floods as coal production grinds to a halt. The union will be there every step of the way supporting workers and communities.”
The Queensland branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has established a fund and kick-started it with A$20,000 in seed money. The funds will go to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
“This is an important way for our large union membership to show solidarity and make a positive difference to the devastated communities,” said State Secretary Andrew Dettmer. “The floods have had an impact on tens of thousands of AMWU members, their homes and workplaces in Rockhampton, Brisbane, Toowoombia, and throughout the south-east and Central Queensland.
Donations to the AMWU fund can be made to: AMWU Disaster Appeal Account; Bank: NAB; BSB: 082 057; Account Number: 188 989 948.
As of last week, members of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) have collectively donated A$100,000 to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal. In addition, the AWU federal office has contributed A$50,000 and the Victorian branch of the union also has donated. The AWU’s Queensland branch office was closed for a week due to the floods, and only reopened today.
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has established the Australia Flood Appeal Fund, with both the national office and the Queensland branch each seeding A$5,000 into the fund. The MUA has many port workers and seamen affected since the Port of Brisbane was shut last week, with vessels directed out to sea.
The MUA’s Appeal Fund for international money transfers: MUA-General Fund; Bank: Maritime Mining and Power Credit Union, George Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000, Australia; BSB Number: 062-006; Account number: 10001 0464; CBA Swiftcode: CTBAAU2S.