Protest to cost $30 million
Hundreds of schools will be thrown into turmoil and construction will halt as up to 100,000 people attend the protest against federal industrial relation laws.
Traffic chaos is expected as people pour into the MCG from 7am and later march along Wellington Pde and Flinders St to Federation Square.
Premier Steve Bracks will address the rally, as will federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley.
Education unions said yesterday about 30,000 teachers would join the anti-WorkChoices protest, shutting down at least 19 schools and disrupting more than 200.
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Master Builders Association of Victoria workplace relations manager Lawrie Cross said lost productivity would cost $20 million.
"Employees who don't have written authorisation to attend the rally will be taking illegal industrial action and could be docked a minimum four hours' pay," Mr Cross said.
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Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry workplace relations manager David Gregory said total cost to Victoria would be at least $30 million in lost productivity and disruption.
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ACTU secretary Greg Combet said unions had tried to minimise the effect on business and schools, but it was important people had the right to protest against "horrendous" laws.
Asked why the rally wasn't held on a Saturday to minimise disruption, Mr Combet said: "One of the factors we took into account . . . was the availability of the MCG, which was pretty tight."
But the Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed the ground is not booked this Saturday.
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Mr Bracks upset organisers by attacking a public transport union directive for members not to check tickets so workers can travel to the rally free.
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