
Issue No 120		23 November 2001

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Letters to the Editor

Ancient OHS - The Wergild Sysstem

In light of what might be ahead for injured workers I was amazed to read recently about the wergild system of compensation for injured workers in ancient times and I quote: "under the wiergild system, every Anglo-Saxon, in common with other Germanic and Scandinavian peoples, knew the exact value of his life, and that depended on his rank.

The life of a churl was worth two hundred shillings; that of a thane ... six times as much, and the price to be paid for injury, like the loss of a hand or a leg, was calculated in proportion."

Have we come full circle with the way negotiations are happening now? One can only wonder.

The book is a work of historical fiction titled "Sarum" by Edward Rutherfurd and published by Arrow Books and I believe much of what is said is factual although I have not been able to validate that the wiergild system did exist. But ....

Keep up the excellent publication.

Noelene

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Issue 120 contents

Interview: Civilising Capital
Peter Butler is a global investor with a difference. He believes that environment, shareholder democracy and workers rights make good business sense.

Industrial: All In The Family
In his opening submission to the landmark case, ACTU assistant secretary Richard Marles argues working hours are vital to life.

Unions: Saving Cinderella
It is a modern day fairy tale - a Cinderella from the suburbs, worked like a slave from morning to night injured and then abandoned.

International: Recognising China
Gough Whitlam draws the links, past and present, between recognition of China and the continuing struggle to achieve a genuinely inclusive Australian democracy.

History: The Speakers Square
A new book lifts the lid on Melbourne's radical past - including the soapboxes that dotted the city in the 1890s.

Economics: Back to the Pack
The big story in this year�s State of the States League Table is the end of the long reign of New South Wales at the top of the heap.

Satire: Man Reneges On Promise To Leave The Country If Howard Re-Elected
A Sydney man has decided he won�t leave Australia despite the re-election of the Howard Government.

Review: When Hippes Meet Unionists
A new book investigates how links between politics and culture reached a high point in the 1970s

» Calls for ALP Fundraising Code

» Mad Monk Keeps IR

» Ignored Warnings Bring Tragic Results

» ACTU Executive To Mark Union Bounce Back

» Workers Will Lose from Unfair Contract Changes

» Tassie On Top, While NSW And WA Slip

» Costa Gets First Union Call

» Hamberger in Hot Water

» Egan to Pay for Welfare Win

» Sweet Victory for Sugar Workers

» Selectron Demise Spells Death of Tech Inustry

» Telco Industry Growth Hits The Wall

» Shocking Conditions in Clothing Industry

» Workers Force Council Backdown

» New Dili Project Launched

» Airport Guards Welcome Work Study Case

» No News is Bad News for the Bush

» Getonboard Closes Doors

» Activists Notebook

» Organiser of the Year Nominations Open

» The Soapbox

» The Soapbox

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» The Cost a Costa

» Unionism and the ALP - a Workers View.

» Is 60-40 Good Odds?

» Ancient OHS - The Wergild Sysstem

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