More than 1000 unionists on Sydney’s streets protest against the FTA with China

On Friday morning, thousands of protesters from several trade unions rallied in Sydney streets to criticise the Federal government for signing Free Trade Agreement with China as it would put local jobs, pays and conditions at stake.

Back in June when the deal was signed, the government said history-making was in the process as it promised to reduce and eliminate tariffs of selected Australian exports to China such as dairy, seafood, wine and coal. However, workers lined up outside the parliament, condemning the agreement as it gives permission to Chinese investors to bring in foreign workers to work projects worth more than $150 million.

The unionists, who gathered from all major sectors such as manufacturing, construction, mining and transport unions, planned the rally at the time of a federal committee meeting to make it more appealing to the government and to influence a wide range of Australians, reported ABC .

Meanwhile, Michael O'Connor, the CFMEU national secretary, promised that he would fight the decision of the agreement. "We are ... trying to make sure they don't put downward pressure on wages by exploiting people they bring into this country on a short-term basis," he said. He asserted that it wouldn’t turn into reality.

The rally started after the launch of a controversial union advertising campaign focusing on the effect of the FTA on Australian jobs. The ad, which was aired during an episode of "Masterchef Australia," shows a father telling his son that he doesn’t even bother looking at the FTA as China is allowed to bring its workers to the country for different projects.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the campaigning as part of “xenophobic politics .” However, unionists stuck to their opinion whereas the Labor party was inclined towards renegotiating it.

Last week at the ALP national conference, Labor promised to fight for the rights of the Australian workers before coming to a consensus about the deal. It also moved a motion to pursue all legislative and parliamentary options to scrutinise the agreement.

Business groups said that the two-way trade between Australia and China, which is estimated to be around $160 billion, would expand Australian businesses to a large extent.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.