KENSINGTON: Almost 200 blind workers and their supporters, linked by white canes and united defiance, encircled Vision Australia’s Kensington base on Sunday in the latest demonstration against the organisation’s decision to shut two workshops it runs in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The closures, announced last month because of substantial financial losses, would leave almost 60 vision-impaired workers without jobs.
Sunday’s White Cane Chain event followed a passionate rally held in Melbourne’s CBD in mid-August.
The link of canes was the brainchild of Blind Workers Union vice-president Martin Stewart, who is adamant the standoff will continue until the decision is reversed.
“Never ever before have blind people used their canes in such a way,” he said. “It symbolises how we feel. We feel very protective of this workplace. There’s a real strength of feeling among us all . . . to ensure this place is not taken away from us.”
Mr Stewart said last month’s rally strengthened people’s resolve to continue fighting but had not had the desired effect of opening up the lines of communication between the union and Vision Australia.
“We’re hearing nothing,” he said. “They’ve gone into their bunker and, we believe, are deciding how to put these people away instead of providing the core service they should be.”
Mr Stewart said most workers would struggle to find jobs if the closures went ahead.
Kensington worker Gena Kacowicz started working at the factory when she left school at 19 and has been there for 28 years.
Ms Kacowicz, completely blind since infancy, said Vision Australia’s decision had left her gutted.
“It’s been difficult. I’ve been pretty upset about it,” she said.
“I can’t do anything else. No other employer would want us. There’s a lot of discrimination out there.”
Mr Stewart echoed the sentiments, saying the decision had caused anger, sadness, and loss of sleep for all those involved.
“It’s unfair. It’s unwarranted. And it’s unnecessary,” he said. “We have plans to fight to the very end. Those plans are to never give in and we will not accept the unacceptable.”
Mr Stewart said he believed Sunday’s action would have an effect.
“I don’t believe they’ll care about us so much but they’ll care about the damage it’s doing to the organisation and its reputation,” he said.
Vision Australia has said little since the announcement but says it is working with each staff member to find other opportunities.
It is expected to review the decision and make a final call at a board meeting on Tuesday.
Mr Stewart said he was hopeful more than confident of a change of heart.
“After that [board] meeting they will, unfortunately, probably reaffirm their decision,” he said. “We’re hoping the influence we exert on Sunday will change that outcome.
“They now see how important this place is to us. I hope they’re surprised enough to change their mind.”
