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Issue No. 133 | 26 April 2002 |
The Struggle Continues
Interview: If The Commission Pleases History: Protest and Celebrate Unions: A Novel Approach Industrial: Hare Tony, Hare Tony International: Never Forget Jenin Politics: Left Right Out In France Health: Delivering A Public Health Revolution Review: The Secret Life of U(nion)s Poetry: May Day, May Day
Shonky Bosses Get Contract Brush 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 Aussie Agency Backs War Crimes Call Thumbs-up For Union Immigration Role DOCS Worker Assaulted In Courthouse Queensland Unions Move on Youth Exploitation
The Soapbox The Locker Room Bosswatch Week in Review
Gold Star Student Time for a General Strike?
Labor Council of NSW |
News Deep Pocket Syndrome Stalks IRC
Labor Council is preparing a supplementary submission on the subject to the NSW Industrial Relations system five-year review. "Our concern is that if there is no capping mechanism the system will cease to offer working people affordable access to workplace justice," Labor Council secretary John Robertson says. "There is already a move towards more high-priced lawyers operating in the IRC, prompting claims for significant costs. That, in itself, mitigates against people taking their grievances there. "Unless we are careful, IRC procedings will become subject to the deep pocket test." Unions fear that important issues will be denied an airing if members are threatened with ruin when their cases don't get up. There are also concerns about lawyers changing the nature of the system, from one based on the practical application of natural justice to an environment where technical legal points-scoring holds sway. Traditionally, representatives of unions and various employer groups have argued the toss in IRC forums. In a recent case, however, the ASU, contesting a dismissal, was contronted by a barrister, legal counsel and a handwriting expert. It lost the case and had substantial costs awarded against it.
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