Melbourne had the third day of protest on its streets today. Building workers have been protesting at the Victorian government mandate on COVID vaccinations for all workers in the building industry. Many are unhappy that they are being forced to get a vaccine against their will.
Even the union leaders have come under fire from their members for not supporting their stance on mandatory vaccinations. Of course, solidarity is always strong in the building unions, but they seem to be fractured on the issue. Moreover, the unions believe that right-wing extremists are fuelling the protests, hell-bent on using the pandemic to sow distrust and discontent in the community.
Today the protest descended on the Shrine of Remembrance, which was built as a memorial to honour the war service of Victorian men and women. Heavily armed police surrounded the mob, moving in with rubber bullets and tear gas.
There are no signs that the protests will stop after today. On the contrary, the protesters say they will be back tomorrow and plan an even bigger protest for Saturday. The police will be out in force again tomorrow to ensure that any protest is met with the full force of the law.
Even the union leaders have come under fire from their members for not supporting their stance on mandatory vaccinations. Of course, solidarity is always strong in the building unions, but they seem to be fractured on the issue. Moreover, the unions believe that right-wing extremists are fuelling the protests, hell-bent on using the pandemic to sow distrust and discontent in the community.
Today the protest descended on the Shrine of Remembrance, which was built as a memorial to honour the war service of Victorian men and women. Heavily armed police surrounded the mob, moving in with rubber bullets and tear gas.
There are no signs that the protests will stop after today. On the contrary, the protesters say they will be back tomorrow and plan an even bigger protest for Saturday. The police will be out in force again tomorrow to ensure that any protest is met with the full force of the law.