It’s an institution that remains sacrosanct for many AMWU members across Australia. So much so that for lifelong unionist Max Stewart, not even a hernia operation will stop him taking part in his annual May Day rally.
Mr Stewart, a spray painter from United Group Rail in Townsville, is a proud AMWU member with a life-long commitment to the union movement. Although he’ll be recovering from surgery, he plans on being at the rally this year.
“By marching you’re paying respect to past members and those that have done the hard yards. But you’re also showing that we need to keep going and fighting to build on what’s been achieved.”
Like the many hundreds of fellow AMWU members marching in Queensland, Mr Stewart recognises that the day remains a very public commemoration and celebration of workers’ rights.
“The rallies are still very prominent and still get a lot of spectators. The general community always comes down and cheers and acknowledges the workers and what the movement is about,” Max says.
“I like to go along because I want to show my community in Townsville that I feel very strongly about all aspects of being a worker and being a part of our movement.”
While the day carries extra significance in Queensland as a gazetted state public holiday, in other parts of Australia, particularly Victoria, May Day celebrations are focussed around the historic wins, such as when stonemasons working on Melbourne University and the Victorian Colonial Parliament House won the 8-hour day in 1856.
But for Max the day is not just an opportunity to reflect on past wins. It is an opportunity to consider the fight ahead for workers as they seek to build on rights and conditions.
“I feel strongly about the eight hour day. It was an important achievement. But when it comes to my workplace I’m trying to get us little more time off for compassionate and bereavement leave. At work we currently only receive two days leave.
“So improving that is something we need to do, at the moment that’s one of my pet passions…as well as encouraging as many people from work to get along to the rally,” he says.
New South Wales
Sydney
March: Sunday, May 6th. Assemble Hyde Park North. March commences promptly at 12 noon.
Toast: Tuesday, May 1st at 6:30pm. 1st Floor, Cyprus Community Club, 58-76 Stanmore Road, Stanmore. Tickets $40 per person, Tables of 10 available. Includes 3 course meal, refreshments and live band.
Wollongong
Toast: Friday, 4th May at 6:30pm, Hellenic Club, Princes Hwy, Figtree. $20/$25 (RSVP by 27th April) – Maurie Mulheron, President, NSW Teachers Federation will propose the May Day toast.
March: Saturday, 5th May, 10am, Lowden Square to Wollongong Amphitheatre.
For bookings and information: Elizabeth 42 292 888 or 0421 862 313. Email mail@sclc.com.au
Gymea
Toast: Friday 27th of April at 7pm. Tradies, 57 Manchester Road, Gymea. Guest speaker Ms Sally McManus (NSW Branch Secretary of Social and Community Services (SACS) of the Australian Services Union. $30 per person (2 course meal and table wine provided). RSVP Monday 23 April 2012.
Newcastle
Toast to May Day dinner: Friday April 27th at 7pm. Newcastle Panthers King Street, Newcastle West.
March: Saturday, May 5th – 10am, Hamilton Station Park.
Victoria
Melbourne
Film night: Tuesday, 1st May at 7pm. Democritus Workers League, 538 High Street, Northcote
Wreath laying at 8 hour monument: Thursday, 3rd May at 5pm. Victoria Parade (opposite Trades Hall).
Multicultural Event: Thursday, 3rd May at 6pm. New Ballroom, Trades Hall. Speakers and cultural items hosted by a number of Ethnic organisations and followed by a multicultural smorgasboard.
May Day March: Sunday, 6th May. Assembling at 1pm for departure to the Treasury Gardens at 1:30pm.
May Day Concert: Sunday, 6th May. Straight after the March and speakers’ platform.
Western Australia
Fremantle
Esplanade Reserve Fremantle: Sunday 6 May, 12 noon. Free live entertainment, food, rides, slides and activities for everyone.
South Australia
Adelaide
May Day dinner: Tuesday, 1 May, 6pm, Cypriot Club, Welland. Guest Speaker: Hon Michael Kirby QC. Ticket Price: $42 waged, $27 unwaged, Table of 10 $375.
May Day march: Saturday, 5 May from Victoria Square to Torrens Parade Ground (Adelaide). Gather at Victoria Square, Adelaide at 10:30am. Arrive Torrens Parade ground at 11:45 for a BBQ, Drinks and Kids activities.
Port Adelaide Workers Memorial: Sunday, 6 May at 10am, Corner Commercial Road and Saint Vincent St (Black Diamond corner) Port Adelaide.
Queensland
Brisbane
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Monday, 7 May 2012.
10:00am March commences from the Cnr of Wharf & Turbot Streets.
11:00am Family Fun Day at the RNA Showgrounds on Oval 1
For further information contact QCU Office 3846 2468 or by email info@qcu.asn.au
Bowen
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Monday, 7 May 2012.
9:30am. Assemble at Post Office, Powell Street.
10:00am Family Fun Day (7 May 2012) including annual Tug of War, best dressed bike & homebrew competitions. QRI Hall, George Street.
Cairns
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Monday, 7 May 2012.
9:30am Family Fun Day including inter union Tug of War
Cairns Esplanade, Opposite Cairns Base Hospital
10:00am March assembly and start point
Cairns Esplanade, Opposite Cairns Base Hospital.
For further information contact Heath Mitchell 0400 070 316 or by email heath.mitchell@unitedvoice.org.au
Gladstone
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Monday, 7 May 2012.
10:00am March assembly and start point
Council carpark, Central Lane
11:00am Family Fun Day including annual Tug of War
Gladstone Marina Parklands, Goondoon Street, Gladstone
For further information contact Phil Golby 0419 657 801 or by email phil.golby.amwu@bigpond.com
Gold Coast
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Sunday, 6 May 2012.
8:30am March assembly and start point - Southport Workers Club, Scarborough Street, Southport
9:00am Family Fun Day Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
For further information contact Beau Malone 0430 824 609 or by email beau@etu.org.au
Ipswich
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Saturday, 5 May 2012.
9:30am March assembly and start point – march commences at 10am – Ellenborough Street, Ipswich
11:00am Family Fun Day - Timothy Moloney Park, Mary Street Ipswich
For further information contact Steve Franklin 0419 414 016 or by email steve.franklin@amwu.asn.au
Rockhampton
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Monday, 7 May 2012.
9:00am March assembly and start point, Riverside Carpark, Archer Street
9:30am Family Fun Day, Victoria Park, children’s playground area, Huish Drive, Rockhampton
For further information contact Craig Allen 0419 769 125 or by email c.district@rtbu.com.au
Sunshine Coast
Family Fun Day to be held on Sunday, 6 May 2012.
10:00am Family Fun Day, Cotton Tree Esplanade, Maroochydore
For further information contact Robyn Sugden 0421 121 602 or by email robynsugden@hotmail.com
Townsville
March and Family Fun Day to be held on Monday, 7 May 2012.
10:00 am Assemble in Anzac Park, The Strand
10:30 am March along The Strand to Strand Park
11 – 4 pm Family Fun Day Festivities with free children’s rides, children’s races, free ice-cream, live band, speeches, food and bar
For further information contact - Margie Dale on 0409 596 260 or by email margie@asuqld.asn.au