MELBOURNE: Around 100 people gathered at Camp Eureka on a weekend just prior to Christmas to discuss the situation facing the trade unions. The camp, which was organised by the Victorian branch of the Progressive Labour Party, attracted rank and file members, shop stewards and officials from a wide range of unions across the state. Nor was the camp a mere 'talkfest'. Participants were united in the view that the camp was about thrashing out concrete ways and means for advancing the union struggle in what has been a difficult period. Although inspiring talks by guest speakers such as Dean Mighell from the ETU were a feature of the camp, there was plenty of time for discussion from the floor at plenary sessions and workshops. Another highlight was the Saturday night entertainment, at which a whole number of comrades surprised us with their hidden talents.
The deliberations of the various committees and workshops are to be knocked into shape and will be made available to members shortly.