Thousands of unionists marched through Melbourne today demanding the state Government grant clemency to the former state secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.
Johnston has been jailed for a minimum nine months, over his part in two resistance protests on Melbourne businesses three years ago.
Michelle O'Neill, from the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union, read Johnston's message to the crowd.
"From my prison cell in Lodden, I thank you all for attending this rally," she read from the statement.
"I hope this rally is a start of the campaign to fight the Federal Government, which has decided to criminalise all your unions and union activity.
"Our challenge must be to say 'no more unionists are to go to jail'."
The Defend Craig Johnston Committee says he is a political prisoner.
By Just Us 25 November 04
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