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The Struggle Continues
While the romantic image of May Day may be one of international struggle to establish a workers paradise, the reality is far more pragmatic and practical.
Interview: If The Commission Pleases
President Lance Wright marks the NSW Industrial Relations Commission's centenary with an exclusive interview with Workers Online.
History: Protest and Celebrate
Neale Towart scours the globe to discover the spirit of May Day online – the celebration of the eight-hour day.
Unions: A Novel Approach
A union office has been transformed into a library thanks to efforts to provide books for children in detention centres, reports Jim Marr.
Industrial: Hare Tony, Hare Tony
Close your eyes and the Mad Monk sounds like a Hare Krishna, but increasingly the world is tuning out from his mantra about IR reform, writes Noel Hester.
International: Never Forget Jenin
Trade unionist Sari Kassis argues the word 'Jenin' now defines Palestinian demands for justice.
Politics: Left Right Out In France
The results of the first round vote for the French presidency have led to mass protests and calls for national unity, Paul Howes reports.
Health: Delivering A Public Health Revolution
Zoe Reynolds travelled to Cuba to discover how Australians are backing a ground-breaking child health project.
Review: The Secret Life of U(nion)s
Tara de Boehmler stumbles upon a juicy trade union sub-plot in the popular GenX TV drama.
Poetry: May Day, May Day
Rapper Swarmy G is one of the finalists in our workers anthem comp with this ode to May Day.
 Shonky Bosses Get Contract Brush
Kirby Bouquet for Equal Pay
Deep Pocket Syndrome Stalks IRC
Court Decision Threatens Thousands Of Jobs
Safety Summit to Set Accident Targets
Detention Centre Vets Song Lyrics
Fat Sheep Dip Into Workers Pockets
Government Con Drives SA Vehicle Blue
Dead Worker’s Family Calls for Safety Crime Laws
Netball Mum Bounces Back
Aussie Agency Backs War Crimes Call
Thumbs-up For Union Immigration Role
May Day Rundown
DOCS Worker Assaulted In Courthouse
Queensland Unions Move on Youth Exploitation
Activist Notebook
The Soapbox
A Humane Under-Belly
Presenting the annual Kingsley Laffer Lecture, Justice Michael Kirby argues that international human rights underpin Australian industrial law. The Locker Room
The Hidden Culture of Indigenous Football
Brian McCoy argues that indigenous footballers do not just bring thier skills to the game, they bring their culture as well. Bosswatch
Of Shares and Options
It was a week when Rio Tinto faced its shareholders, Ford faced a backlash and a bid to cap US executive salaries failed. Week in Review
The ANZAC Spirit?
Jim Marr wonders what the ANZACs would have said about our current treatment of the homeless and needy.
French Connection
Gold Star Student
Time for a General Strike?
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Evatt Foundation
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Poetry
May Day, May Day
Rapper Swarmy G is one of the finalists in our workers anthem comp with this ode to May Day.
Verse 1 The unions need you and me to join in unity
and stand hand in hand to expand our community
I disagree with the way - our rights distintegrating
who's with me? play your part - start participating
unions brought about lots of what you are handed
benefits and rights that you might take for granted
unions are the voice and silent we'd be stranded
you should be treated fairly stand up and demand it.
WHO will represent me when I'm left on my own?
WHO will fight for fairness when no caring is shown?
WHY's my pay shrunken to the size of a gnome?
WHY must I kill myself just to keep my home?
while the rich get richer - poverty's overgrown
savings is a term which is no longer known
getting fair healthcare's like getting blood from a stone
only wealth creates the wealth that tax shelters condone
meanwhile the hardest workers are all worked to the bone
just to pay the interest off their mortgage & loans
you own the choice to make sure you have a voice
ensure a better future for your girls and your boys
take the first step - talk to your union rep
make a change together or they'll assume we accept
keep your workplace safe - and your conditions correct
and approach your own future with a clear intellect
understand you need a union if you want to be heard
work hard to earn your pay - and get what you deserve. Chorus MAYDAY MAYDAY - solidarity's the only way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - It's about time we had our say
MAYDAY MAYDAY - we won't be held back no way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - our voices won't fade away MAYDAY MAYDAY - solidarity's the only way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - It's about time we had our say
MAYDAY MAYDAY - we won't be held back no way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - our voices won't fade away. Verse 2 Mayday Mayday - make a stand without malaise
we come in peace - why can't police come the same way?
a sad state of affairs our cries met with blank stares
caught by the curly hairs to obey what the bank says
the fact is if you think it's fine? - you gotta be blind
Austudy is well below the poverty line
now the cost of education is a life of debt
and you wonder why some have turned to crime instead
just to pay for books let alone pay the rent
while most these hypocrites have never paid a red cent
not investing in our future rather spend on defence
hospitals shut for velodromes just don't make sense
employees are expensed - intense pressure on those left
to reach the benchmark set - stressed to an early death
downsizing a rising trend - redundancies abundant
casuals see no currency - after all you're just a number
directors plunder funds until the company goes under
they're paid more than 10 workers - so really it's no wonder
let's turn the power of one into one unified power
to fight in unison and shout in spite of John Howard Chorus MAYDAY MAYDAY - solidarity's the only way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - It's about time we had our say
MAYDAY MAYDAY - we won't be held back no way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - our voices won't fade away MAYDAY MAYDAY - solidarity's the only way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - It's about time we had our say
MAYDAY MAYDAY - we won't be held back no way
MAYDAY MAYDAY - our voices won't fade away. Lyrics Written and Performed by - Adam Dunn (Swarmy G)
Produced by - Petar Branko Jovanic (ASIP)
 Listen to all the finalists at Wobbly Radio
View entire issue - print all of the articles!
Issue 133 contents
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