australian unions picket slorc emba

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Subject: australian unions picket slorc embassy

The following is a press release from the Australian
Capital Territory Trades and Labour Council regarding
a 12-hour goods and services picket on the Burmese
Embassy.


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T R A D E S   A N D   L A B O U R   C O U N C I L
of the Australian Capital Territory Inc.,
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PO Box 279
Dickson, A.C.T. 2802		Tel: (06) 247-7844
17 Woolley Street			Fax: (06) 257-6638
Dickson, A.C.T.


PRESS RELEASE:  A.C.T. Trades and Labour Council
Places 12-Hr Goods and Services Picket on Burmese Embassy
Wednesday, June 12th		6.00am to 6.00pm
Speeches at noon

Following on from representations from the exiled Burmese 
Federation of Trade Unions, the A.C.T. Trades and Labour 
unanimously voted to impose a picket on the Burmese Embassy
to demonstrate to that country's military regime that the 
Australian union movement has deep concerns about the human 
rights abuses and political violations in their country.

TLC secretary Jeremy Pyner said today: "The Australian union 
movement has a proud tradition of supporting oppressed workers 
anywhere on the globe, for an attack upon one is an attack upon 
all.  The military regime in Burma has an unenviable record of 
human rights abuses, the denial of basic political rights 
including the right to associate in trade unions.  The recent 
arrests of members of the NLD and the continued restrictions on 
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, only highlight the military's on-going 
campaign against social and political justice."

The TLC will continue rolling pickets on the embassy in a 
demonstration of solidarity with Burmese workers, and to bring 
pressure on the Federal Government to cease formal relationships 
with a military regime which has blood on its hands.

"On matters such as this, there is no room for platitutes; either 
you approve of the Burmese military junta, or you don't.  If you 
don't, then statements need to be made," Jeremy Pyner concluded.

For further information, please contact the undersigned on 
(06) 247-7844

Jeremy Pyner
Secretary / Treasurer

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