Fair go for pensioners, fair go for all

“Are we going to accept unemployment? Are we going to accept this ‘dole bludger’ terminology?”

It’s a startling series of questions, and not only because they’re coming through a sound system at around 100 decibels. They’re startling because they almost never get asked. In this neoliberal age, obscenities like poverty and unemployment are treated like the tides – natural phenomena that can’t be controlled or questioned, let alone challenged or changed by ordinary people.

Which is what’s so refreshing about being at a Fair Go For Pensioners rally. Retired unionists – lifelong fighters from the manufacturing, maritime and rail unions – make up the core of this group. On 23 February, FGFP rallied at Victoria’s state parliament, calling for a boost in government spending on jobs, pensions and other Centrelink payments.

They call for an immediate $100 boost to welfare payments, more widespread concessions on public transport, and urgent action to address the housing crisis. They defend the minimum wage and penalty rates.

“No”, we shout. No, we won’t accept unemployment. No, we won’t accept the unemployed being belittled as “dole bludgers”. Yes, we conclude, chatting to one another as the rally wraps up, yes, of course we’ll keep fighting.