
Issue No 117		26 October 2001

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News

Nauru Guards Claim Back-Pay

By Andrew Casey

The LHMU Security Union is seeking a compensation payment of nearly $7000 for each security union member who was sent to Nauru to act as a security guard at the refugee detention centre set up by the Australian Government.

" We are taking action in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, and we expect to take similar action in the NSW jurisdiction, on behalf of security union members who were not paid under the relevant awards and legislation," Jeff Lawrence, LHMU Security Union National Secretary said.

" Australian workers should not be expected to accept discount wages and conditions just because the Australian Government decides, as a public policy decision, to shift refugee detention centres off-shore.

" We believe that both the Australian Government and the Australian employer have an obligation to maintain Australian standards for Australian workers.

" We are disappointed that Tony Abbott, as the responsible minister, has refused to intervene to protect the rights of Australian workers.

Delegate Discrimination

" The union is also concerned by allegations that one of our members was discriminated against because he had the guts to organise the Australian security guards to act collectively to defend their workplace rights.

" This member - who was the union delegate - commenced work in Nauru on Saturday October 6 but was sent home on Monday October 8, it seems because the company was unhappy that he was recruiting security guards to form a union to protect their workplace rights.

" Again we ask of the Australian Government, is it their policy to deny basic rights to organise a union - just because they have chosen to shift the workplace to Nauru, rather than keep it in Australia?," Jeff Lawrence asked.

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  Issue 117 contents

Interview: Brothers In Arms
Labour historian Marilyn Dodkin explains how she exposed ASIO ties with Labor Council's Cold War leadership.

Politics: Defending the Faith
Launching 'Brothers', Premier Bob Carr gave his own take on the allegations that union leaders worked with security agencies during the Cold War.

History: Surviving the Split
In this extract from 'Brothers' Marilyn Dodkin, looks at the manouverings around the establishment of the DLP.

International: Viral Attack
Postal unions in the USA are mobilizing to protect their members from the widening repercussions of an apparent bio-terrorist attack.

Unions: A Living Wage
The ACTU this week unveiled its claim for the 2002 Living Wage Case. Here's what they'll be arguing.

Campaign Diary: Week Three: Wave Them Goodbye
In a week when our boys and girls went off to war, Labor fought a desperate battle to fight the election on the home front.

Human Rights: Colombia's 'Dirty War' Against Unions
It might be tough being an organiser in Australia under the Howard Government, but spare a thought for Colombian trade unionists.

Review: Red Rag Unfurls
Ian Syson is an upfront, knockabout bloke. He heads up a new, small, independent publishing outfit called Red Rag Publications.

Satire: New Hope for Labor: Mackerras Tips Liberal Win
The electoral hopes of the Labor party have revived dramatically, after the perennially unreliable analyst Malcolm Mackerras forecast a huge victory for the Liberals.

» Unions Call for Air Price Floor

» With Friends Like the Banks, Who Needs Kiwis?

» Living Wage Claim For GST Rises

» New Compo Showdown Looms

» NIDA Tax Rorts Embarrass Howard

» First Case Under NSW�s New Pay Equity Principle

» Veil of Silence on Public Sector Outsourcing

» False Start for Race Day

» Union Proxy Campaign Gets A Boost

» Nauru Guards Claim Back-Pay

» Unions Await Final Triumph

» PM Claims No Aged Care Nursing Home Crisis!

» Eighty Woolies Cleaners About To Lose Jobs

» CFMEU Gets Disabled Athlete A Start

» Malaysian Solidarity Action in Sydney

» Activists Notebook