In a roller coaster 24 hours, the campaign experienced some high and lows whilst continuing to maintain our roof occupation and blockade.
ASSAULT OF JANINE WATSON BY MCDONALD’S SECURITY
Late Wednesday night, Janine Watson who was celebrating her 50th birthday whilst occupying the roof of the Old Dairy, offered some birthday cake to McDonald’s security guards. They took the opportunity to pull her down off the roof. She grabbed the top of the fence on the way down resulting in her receiving cuts and bruises to her hands and two broken fingers. She was then assaulted on the ground by four security guards. In a deep state of shock Janine was taken to the hospital by fellow protestors where after being treated she rested overnight. Janine was interviewed by a number of media outlets the following day, refuting the information of police and McDonald’s security that she “fell from the roof” and was not assaulted.
Hear Janine tell her story on ABC 774
SUPPORT FROM VICTORIAN TRADES HALL COUNCIL
In contrast the campaign received a huge boost today with the following statement released by the Victorian Trades Hall Council:
“The Building Industry Group meeting today convened by the Victorian Trades Hall Council resolved to support the rights of the Tecoma community to protest against what they believe inappropriate development.
Building workers in Victoria have a proud tradition of protecting those things that make this state great. All Victorians are able to enjoy the City Baths, the Melbourne Market and the magnificent Regent Theatre because building workers refused to demolish these treasures.
In Tecoma, passionate local protesters are committed to preventing what they see as inappropriate development.
In those circumstances it is not safe to put building workers in the middle. Both in terms of access and egress from the site and in terms of operating large machinery, the work that is required can not be done where there is a constant threat of intruders.
Further, we do not believe that it is reasonable to put building workers in the middle of such a heated debate.
We seek that the Victorian Government take a proactive approach to resolving this dispute.
They should convene a meeting of the Local Council, the local MP, the developer, the VTHC and representatives of the protest group.
All of the parties should be working towards a resolution, and we commit ourselves to participate constructively in that process.”
Once again we would encourage everyone to pass on their thanks via social media to the CFMEU, ETU and other Unions THANKYOU!!!!
Whilst this union ban throws a major spanner in the works for McDonald’s, as the company building the proposed outlet in Tecoma is fully unionised, we will continue to maintain our picketline from 7AM everyday. Please get down there whenever you can.
SECOND ARREST FOR TRESPASS
Today on site a campaigner Marcia took the brave step to take a stand when she entered the construction site and jumped on the back of a contractor’s truck that had entered the site. Police arrested her and charged her with trespass and a traffic offence. She was taken to the Belgrave Police Station where she was held for an hour.
As a campaign we have pledged to stand by anyone who is arrested by linking them with pro bono legal representation, providing ongoing moral support, and fundraising to assist with any legal fees/fines that may be incurred.
Also, once again, the brave rooftop occupiers continued their elevated protest atop the old Dairy in the face of the violence meted out by the McDonald’s security.
