
Issue No 118		02 November 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Some Good News in Orange Squeeze

Swift action the by the CPSU has saved jobs and improved redundancy payments for over 300 workers caught by the corporate shakeout at Orange telecommunication this week.

Following an Industrial Relations Commission hearing on Thursday, Orange have agreed to a voluntary redundancy process and will now call for expressions of interest from staff when redundancies are unavoidable.

Orange have also agreed to try and find positions for displaced staff in other parts of their ongoing operation.

The union secured better than expected redundancy and notice payments for staff as well as a commitment to pay staff all monies owed on the date of departure, not months later.

CPSU spokesperson Stephen Jones said, "It goes without saying that we would have preferred fewer jobs disappearing, but it seems the tech sector is still in shake-out mode. On the positive side we have been able to ensure these workers are leaving with a few extra dollars in their pocket."

Orange has also agreed to meet with unions at least 2 weeks before any new redundancy announcements to considering union proposals for minimising job losses.

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  Issue 118 contents

Interview: Flying High
ACTU Secretary Greg Combet on saving Ansett jobs, defeating Howard and wooing a new generation of unionists.

Corporate: Howard's List of Shame
ACTU President Shaharn Burrow runs through the litany of corporate collapses and down-sizes that have cut a swathe through the Australian community.

Campaign Diary: Week Four: The Battle Lines Drawn
It was a week that saw the leaders launch their campaigns, kiss lots of babies and battle for space with a Holy Jihad.

Industrial: Desperately Seeking Solutions
They might not call it 'industrial relations' in the spin of modern politics, but all the major parties have released plans that will affect the way we work over the next three years.

Economics: Manufacturing Prosperity
Neale Towart looks at the hidden debate of the election campaign - the degree of intervention government should take through Industry Policy.

History: War And Politics
The Conservatives are trying to wage war and win the election. The pundits say it�s a tried and true recipe for electoral success. The 1940 federal poll suggests otherwise.

International: Globalising Labour
On the eve of the International Metalworkers Federation Congress general secretary Marcello Malentacchi argues all nations need to retain a manufacturing base.

Review: Security - Who Needs it?
What does it mean to be secure? Should we even need to ask? In his new book, Anthony Burke asks the tough questions.

Satire: Locksmith Promises "Greater Security" If Elected
A Melbourne locksmith has agreed to run for federal parliament, campaigning on the key issue of security.

» Workplace Blitz in Poll Lead-Up

» Abbott Under Pressure to Hold Seat

» Howard Double Dip Is Skyway Robbery

» Knowledge Nation Boosts IT Skills

» Stellar Win in Call Centre

» Unionists Barred Entry to Australia

» Shier's Famous Last Wordds

» Real Baby Bonus for Local Government

» Entire Town Joins Nurses' Strike

» Some Good News in Orange Squeeze

» Train Drivers Call for Level Crossing Action

» Posties See Wage Rise By Christmas

» Howard Fails To Stem Workplace Deaths

» Greenpeace Activist Gets Union Support

» Hotel Workers Name Their Odds

» Airport Screeners Strike Over Work Value

» East Timor Training Centre Copmpleted

» NSW IR Act Due for Five Year Review

» Organiser of the Year Nominations Open

» Activists Notebook

» STOP PRESS: Jakarta Shangri-La Hotel Workers Fined US$2 million