
Issue No 14		21 May 1999

News

CPSU shows it cares…

By Dermott Browne

Public sector workers have thrown their weight behind CARE Australia's Yugoslavia Refugee campaign.


	CPSU Delegates Ian Hodgson and Melissa Fellows, hand over their workplace donations to National Organiser Paul Ingwersen.

A recent joint effort by the CPSU and CARE in the ACT raised more than $19,000. The money will provide much needed food, shelter, clothing and medical supplies for the hundreds of thousands of refugees in camps around Yugoslavia.

The union's campaign was successful because of the organising efforts of key individuals like CPSU delegate Dierk von Behrens from the Immigration Department.

Like many Europeans of his generation, Dierk has experienced the horrors of war first hand and knows how vital aid efforts like this are.

Dierk explained "I was a young child living in southern Germany after the war. My father was a P.O.W. and my mother, brother sister and I were starving. We were trying to grow our own food, living off dandelions, stinging nettles and wild mushroom - which often resulted in poisoning.

"As a result of infection, cold, undernourishment, and having no shoes for years, I developed hilus gland tuberculosis.

"It was then that we received the CARE packages. I still remember, with tears even now, our delight at opening those parcels. Chocolate, condensed milk, tins of corn, dried potatoes and even some clothing from acquaintances in Australia!

"No words could express how grateful we were, and still are."

Encouraging others to organise workplace collections, Dierk said "They are human beings like us and they are suffering cold, misery and starvation. You do not know them, but, for their sake, please act."

Care Australia's spokesman Brian Doolan said, "The money raised by the CPSU will make a real difference. Trade unions have traditionally taken a global view and it is great see to the CPSU take advantage off its unique position to mobilise large numbers of workers in support of people in desperate need.

"There are many committed trade unionists among our staff in Macedonia and their spirits were greatly lifted when they heard about the CPSU campaign." said Mr Doolan.

If you would like to make a contribution contact CARE on 1800 020 046 or send a cheque to:

Care Australia

Locked Bag 8400

Canberra ACT 2601

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  Issue 14 contents

Interview: Madame President
The new President of the NSW Legislative Council Meredith Burgmann has spent most of her life opposing authority. Now she has a chance to exercise it.

Unions: The ACTU Faces the Labour Hire Challenge
The enormous growth in labour hire and contracting out employment is creating a big challenge for unions worldwide.

History: The Wartime Women’s Employment Board
During World War II policy makers were forced to embraqce a unique wage-fixing method.

Labour Review: What's New from the Information Centre
View the latest issue of Labour Review, Labor Council's fortnightly newsletter for unions.

Review: Origlass Biographer Keeps Red Flag Flying
The self proclaimed 'ultra-democrat', Hall Greenland, has described his relationship with the Balmain legend Nick Origlass as "Freudian".

International: Paddy's Payback
But for the Timorese many Australian diggers, like retired wharfie Paddy Kenneally, would have died at the hands of the Japanese during WW2. Now it's time to return the favour...

Campus: Tales from the Frontline
This week's successful VSU protests seem to have killed off Kemp's ideological agenda. We go live to the protest

» Call For IR Crisis Talks as Country Conference Looms

» Workers Sacked for Body Hire

» British Union Secures Free Net Access

» Cab Charge Wars: SBS Workers Fight for Their Lives

» State Wage Case Smooth - Except for Brack

» FOI Loopholes Could Leave Public Servants Exposed

» Drug Summit Misses Tokin’ Gesture

» Public Will Lose Again From Rail Sackings

» Robin Hood Strikes Again

» CPSU shows it cares…

» Unions Take Action on Timor, Stolen Generation

» Guest Report

» Sport

» Trades Hall

» Piers Watch

» Faction Calls Miss Point

» Don't Ignore the Class Divide

» Timor: Look at the Map!

» Songs of the Revolution Feedback

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