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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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News
Deep Pocket Syndrome Stalks IRC
Fears that IRC proceedings will fall victim to the “deep pocket test” are behind demands for a cost-capping regime.
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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Issue 133 contents
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