More than 170 union activists and others gathered for Socialist Alternative’s first union day school, held at Melbourne’s Trades Hall on the weekend of 15-16 November.

The school opened with a large meeting “Reports from the frontline”. We were privileged to hear from John, one of the delegates of the Yallourn 75 – power workers locked out for 100 days after taking industrial action during their enterprise bargaining campaign. He gave a detailed account of the challenges associated with taking lengthy industrial action.

We heard a wonderful report from a participant in a campaign against the privatisation of a council-owned nursing home, while Tim Gooden, Secretary of Geelong Trades Hall and member of the Socialist Alliance, painted a grim picture of mass lay-offs in the Geelong area. Bob Carnegie, who recently defeated contempt charges arising from a nine week dispute at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, also spoke.

The working class is international: this was emphasised in a message from Alnem Pretencio, vice-president of the Philippine Airline Employees Association, who reported on the union’s victory after an epic two year strike. Jameela Jubran, a Palestinian socialist, also reported on the establishment of a militant union federation in Palestine.

One of the most popular sessions was “Being a strong delegate in a challenging workplace”, which included delegates from the ASU, CPSU, NTEU, ANMF and NUW. Hearing Marcus Harrington, a delegate with the NUW, speak about his experiences building union power in his distribution centre was particularly inspiring.

The school provided an opportunity for young unionists to learn from those with decades of experience. Sessions with John Cleary – former Builders Labourer and ETU organiser and a member of the Communist Party’s building and metal branches in the 1970s – and long-time militant and current MUA member Ian Jamieson were insightful.

The school was a great way for unionists from around Australia to discuss the important issues facing our movement. It was also an opportunity for union activists to network. Socialist Alternative and Red Flag are proud to have hosted the event. We look forward to more in the future.