
Issue No 11		30 April 1999

News

Unions’ New Years Eve Plea

Unions have called for New Years Eve to be declared a public holiday to compensate people forced to work during the party of the millennium.

The NSW Labor Council will ask the State Government to follow the lead of the Blair Government which has declared December 31 a public holiday.

Tens of thousands of workers who miss celebrating New Years Eve with family and friends currently will receive base rates only if the change is not made.

Labor Council this week endorsed the call from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance to pursue the issue as a matter of urgency.

MEAA assistant federal secretary Mark Ryan many of his members working in the media, entertainment and on major events would be rostered to work New Years Eve.

He said the BBC has offered an additional 200 UK pounds to staff who work on any part of December 31, 1999 or January 1, 2000 and an additional 300 UK pound if any work is done between 9.00pm December 31 and 900am on January 1.

"It doesn't seem too much to ask fair-minded employers and the Government once in every 1,000 years to give those working on such an occasion something extra," Ryan said

Labor Council secretary Michael Costa said the issue was also of concern to workers in the hospitality industry, where New years Eve would be a particular busy night.

And thousands of other workers across the finance sector, state utilities and general business will be placed on stand by because of concerns about the millennium bug.

Costa called on employers to back the public holiday in recognition of the significant sacrifice workers who miss New Years Eve would be making.

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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!