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Issue No. 134 | 03 May 2002 |
The Hijacking of May Day
Interview: Youth Group History: Back To The Future Industrial: On the Street Unions: The New Deal Legal: The Police State Road Women: What Women Want Politics: Street Party International: The Costs of War Review: Songs of Solidarity Satire: Bono Satisfies World Hunger for Preachy Rockstars Poetry: Woomera
Yarra Seamen Take Border Stand Kinkos Copies Anti-Union Script Nike Told to Shoosh on Sweatshops Rapper Wins Wobbly Anthem Prize Unions Target Labour Hire Bidding War Rally Targets Tight-Arse Costello Councils To Be Audited On Language Allowance Scope For Payback In Privacy Limitations Heavyweight Push For Medibank Private To Stay Public East Timor MPs Question Timor Gap Plan Artists' Union Bans Voice For Peace
The Soapbox The Locker Room Bosswatch Week in Review Tool Shed
M1 Open Letter Julian Online May Day Debacle Mothers Day Musings Greetings From Canada
Labor Council of NSW |
Review Songs of SolidarityBy Tara de Boehmler
The event began unofficially with a group rendition from the floor of 'Solidarity Forever' so moving that many pitied the first contestants to take to the stage. But stringed retro-poppers Mahuia Cooper made light work of the task with their song 'Union'. Its "union is our pride" chorus sounded like it was made to provide the backdrop of a television campaign promoting union values in the workplace. It conjured images of a workplace utopia filled with smiling faces belonging to a happy, well-rested, well-paid, appreciated, safe and secure workforce basking in the glow of union wins. Later in the night class act Dogbite sounded a call for joint action on the union workplace dance floor with their song 'Clout'. A simple request for fair wages, paid maternity leave and some holiday pay was punctuated by the observation that those who stand alone have no clout, hence the title. Aussie rock outfit, the Urban Guerillas, brought back wistful memories of the days when pubs and clubs throughout the land were falling over themselves to support local talent. Their energetic performance combined with the catchy lyrics contained in 'Touch One Touch All' made them a natural crowd pleaser and yet another force to be reckoned with in the competition stakes. One act that did not appear to place crowd-pleasing activities at the top of their daily 'to do' list was Western Suburbs hip hop rap act Swarmy G. Sprouting slogans accusingly to the bewildered audience about substance abuse, stepping on dirty syringes, plastic MCs, bad drugs and violence on the streets, Swarmy G then announced on a brighter note that he would f**k the blues and move on with nothing to lose. But then, just as some members of the audience looked like they were also getting ready to move, Swarmy G rooted everyone back into their seats with their powerful union finale 'May Day, May Day'. Artfully rapping in a broad Australian accent about serious issues facing struggling workers, Swarmy G easily whipped the crowd into a sing-along, fist-waving frenzy for the song's chorus "May Day, May Day solidarity is here to stay". Ending the number with the assurance that "your voices won't fade away" Swarmy G made it instantly clear there could be only one winner on the night ... them. But while Swarmy G might have fairly won the union anthem competition, there is potentially a much broader win to be garnered by all. The union movement is the natural champion of the live music scene. Like so many workforces ruthlessly slashed away at by corporate led globalisation and its Siamese twin economic rationalism, live music has also been squeezed out of venues throughout the state by clubs and publicans chasing pokie machine profits over patron satisfaction. Numerous talented musicians have had their means cut off and their voices muted as a result. Meanwhile the union movement holds many events that could be boosted by the inclusion of Australia's talented, diverse and terminally ignored live acts. Wobbly Radio's union anthem successfully highlighted the unlimited potential that could be tapped into by consciously forging a stronger alliance between social justice politics and the Australian music scene. Should the event start a wave, the future for all parties will look the brighter for it. CD featuring top entrants coming soon.
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