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27 September, 1999Australian trade unions and churches have led in the campaign to put pressure on the Australian government to help protect the East Timorese people.
AUSTRALIA: Following the massive violence perpetrated against the people of East Timor, after they voted on August 30 by a margin of 80% in favour of independence from Indonesia, the Australian trade unions have been instrumental in getting their government to change its policy and to intervene to protect the people there.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union is taking part in the boycotts and demonstrations in response to the Indonesian government's inaction on the massacres. The union said that "we can be proud that the actions of ordinary people in Australia eventually changed (Australian) government policy." In addition to a very well-written letter to the prime minister (see associated link), the AMWU has called on all Australians to boycott imported Indonesian paper and products and supports its members who choose not to handle Indonesian paper and products at their workplace.
Ever since the Indonesian army invaded East Timor 24 years ago, occupying the entire territory, and resulting in the deaths of about one-fifth of the population, the AMWU has consistently supported independence for East Timor.
The IMF has sent letters to the UN secretary general, the Indonesian president, and to affiliates, with regard to the grave situation there (see website news item of September 9).
The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union is taking part in the boycotts and demonstrations in response to the Indonesian government's inaction on the massacres. The union said that "we can be proud that the actions of ordinary people in Australia eventually changed (Australian) government policy." In addition to a very well-written letter to the prime minister (see associated link), the AMWU has called on all Australians to boycott imported Indonesian paper and products and supports its members who choose not to handle Indonesian paper and products at their workplace.
Ever since the Indonesian army invaded East Timor 24 years ago, occupying the entire territory, and resulting in the deaths of about one-fifth of the population, the AMWU has consistently supported independence for East Timor.
The IMF has sent letters to the UN secretary general, the Indonesian president, and to affiliates, with regard to the grave situation there (see website news item of September 9).