A Unions NSW combined delegates meeting has voted for a mass mobilisation against the budget on Sunday, 6 July. Hundreds attended the 12 June meeting at the Sydney Masonic Centre.

Unionists spoke of a long list of attacks packed into the budget, and calls of “Shame!” evidenced the fighting mood in the room. “What the government is really interested in conserving is the bank accounts of its corporate mates”, said HSU member Jo Di Pietro to rousing applause.

Union flags were spread thick throughout the crowd, with representatives from the FBEU, ANMF, PSA, NTEU, CPSU, CFMEU, MUA, FSU, USU, AMWU and Teachers Federation all present.

Retired CPSU member Lee Smith recalled the struggle of generations of workers to win the eight-hour day, sick leave, annual leave and universal health care. She challenged unionists in the room to take up the mantle. “Now it’s your turn”, she said.

Ignoring a clear sentiment in favour, Unions NSW secretary Mark Lennon blocked an amendment that would have called on the ACTU to organise national industrial action and rallies against the budget. The amendment was moved from the floor by Susan Price, NTEU delegate and Socialist Alliance member.

CFMEU member Dennis McNamara argued the point of order from the floor: “We are holding a democratic meeting. The amendment needs to be put and voted on”, he said. But Lennon refused to allow delegates to vote, instead trying to dampen the palpable enthusiasm for a more serious response to the budget.

Nonetheless, it is essential that rank and file union members turn our efforts to making the rally on 6 July as big as possible. A sizeable and vibrant mobilisation on the 6th is the next step in building the basis for industrial action against Abbott and his big business mates.