
Issue No 11		30 April 1999

Letters to the Editor

Unionists Return From Timor

Congratulations on "Workers On-Line".

Following up on your East Timor story, the education unions AEU and IEU, together with APHEDA, the union movement's overseas aid organisation, visited Dili at the invitation of Fretilin in mid-February.

We saw the way in which the Indonesian military, ABRI, has formed and armed the violent pro-integration militias. We also discussed projects on the needs of East Timor's education sector.

As a result we are developing aid projects in early literacy and school curriculum reform.

We met the embryonic trade union organisation and are asking unions to join with us in providing funds to help with organising and trade union training. Contributions can be made through APHEDA.

It was a privilege for me to represent the AEU and to begin the process of helping a country whose people Australian governments have betrayed.

The union movement should be in the forefront of restoring our honour as we have opposed our government's policy all along. Fretilin is very aware of the support of many Australians over the years.

Rob Durbridge, Federal Secretary, AEU

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Issue 11 contents

Interview: The Young Republican
Jason Yat-Sen Li stole the show at the Constitutional Convention with his community consultation compromise. Now he faces a bigger challenge, convincing Australia to vote Yes.

Unions: ACTU Moves on the Republic
The ACTU Executive has endrosed the Australian Republic -- but it's given Howard's Preamble the short shrift it deserves.

History: And A Hundred Years Ago
Just as it was a hundred years ago, it is important that trade unions and their members are actively involved in the current republic debate.

Reader's Forum: John Passant
A Workers Online reader explains why he'll be voting "no".

Review: Mountain Men and Women Framed
Working Lives, a history of working people from the Blue Mountains, looks back to illuminate future challenges.

Labour Review: What's New at the Information Centre
View the latest issue of Labour Review, Labor Council's fortnightly newsletter for unions.

International: Performers on the World Stage
Australian performers know better than most the importance of identity, self and place. That's why they are committed Republicans.

» Unions Challenge: Reclaim the Republic

» Freeloader Legislation on the Agenda

» Unions� New Years Eve Plea

» Skill Shortage Leads to Tiling Crisis

» Apprentice Chefs Get Fairer Share of the Pie

» Rail Workers Strike for Passenger Safety

» Living Wage Sparks New Activity

» ACTU Endorses East Timor Action

» WorkCover Troubles Can�t Hit Injured Workers

» NSW Young Labor Turns 50!