Dear Jura friends and comrades,

We have a problem. Australia currently has the lowest rate of strikes and industrial action in history. The Fair Work legislation, and previously the WorkChoices legislation, limits the legality of industrial action to a complicated system of “protected” action, where workers must vote in favour of industrial action, which can only be carried out during a limited bargaining period. Any industrial action taken outside of these strict laws can lead to union organisers and workers copping massive fines.

At the same time, there is clearly a need for industrial action. Australians work the longest hours of any OECD country. This work increasingly includes more and more unpaid overtime. The instances of deaths and major injuries on building sites has sky rocketed since the ABCC was introduced. The system of individualised work agre ements and the simplification of Awards mean that our work rights are continually being eroded.

Industrial action leads to better pay and conditions. It's no coincidence that Australia has a strong history of industrial action, and has also traditionally enjoyed some of the best pay and working conditions in the world.

This is where Project X comes in.

Project X is a new rank-and-file workers network that can do what unions can't or won't do. It's an independent network aimed at lending solidarity to workers’ led industrial campaigns and challenge management when workers are under attack. The purpose of Project X is to support fellow workers to fight for decent wages and working conditions. As workers from different industries and unions, Project X workers can operate without the same fear of employer harassment in a particular dispute.

And by communicating with fellow unionists and other members of the general public, Project X can help win industrial struggles by generating effective community solidarity and support.

Project X aims to make contact with other enthusiastic, like-minded workers who are or wish to be engaged in industrial action and support others who are in the thick of it. From this we would like to see the growth of strong, active, grassroots trade unionism. We also wish to assist people in other areas to develop their own networks.

Project X has no ties to any political party, group or ideology. We are not interested in seeking office within trade unions or engaging in political lobbying or parliamentary activity.

--> To learn more or get involved with Project X, come along to the meeting at 2pm, this Sunday, 28th Feb at Jura Books. Or email swsn -at- gmx.com

Also at Jura this month...

--> Juracoustic - a night of acoustic sounds in the library. This month's performers include Billy Burke. For a taste, check out http://www.myspace.com/billyburkemusic
Get in touch if you'd like to play, or just come along on the night! This Thursday 25th Feb from 7pm.

--> Fun punk rock in the library with Little Lungs (from Brooklyn, USA), Alphabet Snakes (Melbourne) and Bare Arms. 7pm - 10.30pm, Sat 27th Feb at Jura.

--> Volunteers are always needed to help keep Jura going. Can you help with shifts, library sorting or putting on events? Come along to the next Jura Collective meeting to chat about it. 5.30pm, Thursday 4th March.

--> Get your fresh, great value, box of of organic fruit and veg from the Jura food co-op. Pay in advance and pick up on Fridays or Saturdays. Email foodcoop -at- jura.org.au for more info.

Hope to see you soon!

In autonomy and solidarity,

The Jura Collective.

440 Parramatta Rd, Petersham
9550 9931
http://www.jura.org.au

Opening Hours:

Wednesday 2 - 7pm
Thursday 2 - 7pm
Friday 2 - 7pm
Saturday 12 - 5pm
Sunday 12 - 5pm