What’s happening in Victoria?
Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA was delighted to present at the Victorian Biannual ETU Delegates’ Conference and screen a short video created by Indonesian Asbestos Campaigners and the Sydney Branch of the MUA. ETU Delegates responded with a massive show of solidarity for the Asbestos. Not Here. Not Anywhere. campaign and a number of delegates donated directly to the campaign and signed up as new members of APHEDA.
In addition, Sam spoke with the CPSU National Office in Melbourne where their Global Solidarity Density increased by 28 % in one meeting and they also proudly showed their support for the Asbestos campaign. We also met with the newly elected CSPU SPSF Council and encouraged all Councillors to join APHEDA.
Young Workers involved in the VTHC Union Summer programme (yes, summer in winter is a thing down here!) also received an update about the work of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA and showed solidarity with the Asbestos. Not Here. Not Anywhere. campaign as part of their development as emerging union activists.
On Friday 29th July, the Union Summer crew and Melbourne APHEDA Activists had the opportunity to meet with APHEDA’s Middle East Quality Impact and Monitoring Officer Jeremy Smith to find out about our current work in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank. It was fantastic to hear first-hand about the continuing importance of APHEDA’s work in these communities and to encourage young workers to stay active in the global solidarity space.
The July APHEDA Activists Meeting was well attended with a great cross-section of Victorian Unions and a date has been set for the next meeting – Wednesday 10th August at Bar Estrella in Sydney Rd Brunswick – 5.30pm. Please RSVP to sbond@apheda.org.au if you can join us.