A solidarity mural for workers standing up for us all

A large cigar is being lit atop an offshore gas platform by a greedy capitalist wearing an Esso top hat. He’s weighing down heavily upon the workers below, who are under the water.

I was invited to paint this large mural at the Longford gas plant picket, which has just passed 90 days in length. The artwork is inspired by the 200 onshore and offshore gas workers who are fighting against a new workplace agreement. The dodgy deal that’s being forced on them cuts wages by 30 percent and wipes out important conditions.

One of the main concerns is a section of the new agreement that would force offshore workers to work a shift rotation of two weeks on and two weeks off, instead of the current one week arrangement. “It’s already hard enough on workers’ families with the current shift arrangements”, said Owen Booth, an offshore worker.

Because the gas plant is located in a part of Victoria renowned for its gusty winds, its owners also want to transfer the costs and risks associated with rough weather to workers. A clause in the new agreement would mean that workers would not be paid for any periods in which the weather prevented active work, though they would be required to remain at the plant.

The workers maintaining a presence outside the gas plant are taking a stand for their own working rights and against the attacks rapidly mounting against the whole working class. I was proud to stand alongside them.