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Lights Out on The Hill
If it's any consolation, the Labor Party is not alone in tying itself into knots over what it stands for in the 21st century.
Interview: Change Agent
ALP national secretary Geoff Walsh on the changing nature of politics, the influence of the corporates and the upcoming review of the party.
Industrial: Balancing the Books
Jim Marr talks to one of the beneficiaries of the historic equal pay decision for librarians and archivists.
Unions: Breaking Out
When a bank executive stepped into the witness box to defend the gagging of a worker from talking to the media, the excuses collapsed into a sea of psycho-babble.
Politics: Pissing on the Light on the Hill
Paul Smith argues that those who don’t like the ALP's Socialist Objective should consider joining another party.
History: Of Death and Taxes
He was a conservative economist who became the darling of the Left. Neale Towart looks back on the myth and realty of James Tobin.
International: Now That's a Strike!
After one of the largest mobilisations of workers in history, Italian trade unionists are planning to do it all again.
Satire: Mugabe Voted Miss Zimbabwe: Denies Election Rigged
The newly re-elected Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, has officially been crowned Miss Zimbabwe, describing his triumph as “a victory for black fashionablism”.
Poetry: Flick Go The Branches
Once upon a time, the song “Click Go The Shears” could be heard echoing through the pubs of vibrant country towns.
Review: Red, Red Clydeside
Renowned folk singer Alistair Hulett is currently touring Australia with his new album ‘Red Clydeside’. He speaks to Nick Martin.
 NAB Gambles, Aussies Lose
Brogden's Worker Creds On The Line
Cole Cleans Up
Melbourne Faces Budget Day Gridlock
Equity Drive Gathers Steam
Unions Call for Middle East Peace
Queensland Casuals Step Forward
Worker Stood Down for Dunny Action
Zoo Workers in Wage Jungle
Indigenous Jobs on Union Agenda
Building Workers Honour Fallen Cop
Robbo and Latham to Go Three Rounds
ACT Health Workers Flex Muscles
Small Victory at Shangri-La
Casual Rights On Agenda As Full-Time Jobs Collapse
Workers Health Centre Offers Affordable Care
Activists Notebook
The Soapbox
What's Wrong With the Liberals
Liberal figure and ARM chief Greg Barnes argues that the modern Liberal Party has little to do with liberalism. Sport
When The Axe Comes Down
Phil Doyle braved the crowds at the Royal Easter Show to witness one of the giants of the wood-chopping game. Week in Review
Battle Cries
What an Easter – Sydneysiders soak up the sun saluting Sunline while, elsewhere, the dogs of war are slipping their chains. Postcard
Razor's Edge
Vince Caughley writes from Woomera where he participated in the protests over the Easter Long weekend.
Puplick's Sermon
Chikka's Legacy
Socialists in the UK
Organising Globally
Grape Disappointment
Union Resignations : Crisis or Opportunity?
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News
Casual Rights On Agenda As Full-Time Jobs Collapse
Revelations of a collapse in fulltime jobs, over the past 12 months, highlights the need for greater protection of casual and part-time workers.
Commenting on research published in the 'Australian Bulletin of Labour', NSW Labor Council secretary John Robertson says the notion of a 'fulltime worker' employed for 38 hours per week is becoming a "historical throwback".
The nationwide research shows part-time employment up 135,100 while the number of fulltime jobs fell by 59,700; total hours of work on average down 1.6 per cent and a 15.2 per cent increase in 'under-employment'.
Robertson says the figures shows that the Howard Government's only labour market success has been in hiding the real problems in finding fulltime work.
"More and more workers are being forced into precarious employment, which has repercussions for financial security and long-term employment prospects," he says.
The NSW Labor Council is addressing the issue on several fronts including:
- proposing a labour hire industry award to take away financial incentives for employers to shed full-time staff.
- increasing the rights of casual workers, including guaranteeing them permanency after a fixed period of service.
- extending full-time rights such as maternity leave to part-time and casual workers.
"What we have is an absence of leadership from the federal government. It is left to the union movement to provide structural support for people who are being left behind."
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Issue 130 contents
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