VANGUARD - Expressing the viewpoint of the Communist Party of Australia (Marxist-Leninist)
For National Independence and Socialism • www.cpaml.org
Above: NSW MUA Branch Secretary Paul Keating was one of 17 arrested at the ZIM blockade. Photo: UnionistsforPalestine
The members and the leaders of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) are leading the way in working class action in support of the Palestinian people in their struggle against imperialist backed Israeli Zionist regime.
Last Sunday, there was a demonstration against the unloading of an Israeli ship at Port Botany in NSW. Fifteen people including the MUA NSW Secretary, an MUA Organizer and MUA rank and file Delegates were among those arrested on the usual "nonpolitical" charges of obstruction of vehicles and failing to comply with police directives to move off roadways and the like.
The hundreds of people at the demonstration peacefully assembled at the Patrick Terminal at Port Botany.
They demanded that federal and state governments ban Israeli ships owned by Israeli shipping company Zim from all ports in Australia.
They also demanded the federal government action broader sanctions against the Israeli Zionist government.
The MUA is leading by example in support of the Palestinian people. It is far in advance of many official union leaderships who remain silent, presumably because they do not want to go public against the ALP government. History will not judge their silence well. They will fade away as irrelevant while unions that take a stand against oppression will be like the MUA - HERE TO STAY!