AWU National Conference Draws Near

Next week over 250 AWU Delegates, Officials, Members and Activists will gather for the 2005 Biennial AWU National Conference "Stronger Together".

The Conference will begin on Sunday (6 February) with industry working parties and will run through untill Thursday (10 February).

Resolutions to be debated at the Conference include policies dealing with taxation, trades skills shortages, corporate governance, asbestos, hazardous facilities, drug and alcohol testing, electronic surveillance in the workplace, protecting employee entitlements and the Howard Government's industrial relations legislation.

Speakers so far confirmed include:

• Queensland Premier Peter Beattie

• Federal Shadow Treasurer Wayne Swan

• Federal Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd

• Federal Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Stephen Smith

• Federal Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs Senator Joe Ludwig

• ACTU Secretary Greg Combet

• United Steelworkers of America President Leo Gerard

• International Metalworkers Federation General Secretary Marcello Malentacchi

• Community (UK) General Secretary Michael Leahy MBE

• STA Super CEO Mark Delaney

• Dr Thomas Schneider

• AWU National President Bill Ludwig

• AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten

The AWU has set up a special website for the Conference which will carry live updates from the Conference next week - to view the website click here.