Published: 16 Aug 2013
MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin has congratulated the Australian justice system for vindicating trade union and community activist Bob Carnegie.
Eighteen charges brought against Bob Carnegie by construction firm Abigroup were dismissed by Federal Magistrate Michael Burnett in Brisbane Federal Circuit Court today.
“This is a big relief for Bob and his family in particular and the wider trade union and civil rights movement more generally,” Crumlin said.
“It goes to show that community and labour activists with courage and determination can protest unjust and unfair actions by powerful political industrial and corporate elites, even when faced with threats of personal financial ruin and even jail time to shut them up .
Carnegie still faces a civil suit brought on by the Lend Lease subsidiary.
“I want to thank every person who understood that Bob's struggle was also their's along with MUA members in particular who helped out Bob through his legal struggles, I understand there were hundreds of supporters from diverse community areas gathered outside of the court today to ensure justice was served,” Crumlin said.
“It seems the company is not happy with the Magistrate’s decision and wants to continue their witch-hunt. We call on them to stop this corporate bullying and hectoring, accept the judicial determination and reevaluate the failure of their internal governance and corporate policies which will bring them into great disrepute if persevered with"
“The Maritime Union of Australia and the International Transport Workers Federation along with other fair-minded people in Australia and internationally will continue to show our solidarity and support Bob and his family in any event.”
