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Two Wings Flapping
The one element missing from the current debate about the relationship between the labour movement and the ALP is any discussion about what's in it for the unions.
Interview: In The Tent
The Australian Services Union's Martin Foley on the dilemma facing trade unions affiliated to the Labor Party.
Bad Boss: The Desk Nazi
Everyone�s mail is on the money this week. Yep, Australia Post, courtesy of the born-to-rule attitude so beloved by the Workplace Relations Minister has been nominated for the Tony Award.
Media: Hold the Presses
The withdrawal of mainstream news outlets from the reporting of industrial relations is playing right into the bosses' hands, writes Andrew Casey
Workplace: Putting Bullies In Their Place
Ever wonder where the schoolyard bullies from your formative years ended up? Chances are they are still making someone�s life hell in an Australian workplace today. Even worse, one of them might be your direct supervisor.
Industrial: Women and Work
The last fortnight may well prove a turning point for working Australian women and their families, argues ACTU President Sharan Burrow
International: Whine and Dine
The political and industrial wings of British labour are at each other's throats, reports Andrew Casey.
History: Black Adder
Old King Cole had good tutors. Roger Milliss captured the style of conservative government witch-hunts in Serpent�s Tooth, his cathartic apology to his father, Bruce.
Review: Bad Movie
While the search for Australia's worst boss is well underway, Joel Schumacher's Bad Company seems to point the finger squarely at the US Government - albeit accidentally.
Poetry: I Remember
Dermott Ryder knocks our Resident Bard off his podium this week with a little ditty about a bloke called Honest John
 Builder Blows Whistle on Kangaroo Court
Alarm Over Unis in Detention
Unions Spark New Super Push
Abbott Trips on Entitlements - Again
Picnic Day for Union Members Only
Memo: John Travolta - Come Fly With Us!
Cole Comfort to Bodgey Builders
Unions Eye SA Casuals Victory
Burrow: Paid Mat Leave Just First Step
Mayne Warning � But Will They Listen?
Drought Relief Should Extend To Rural Workers
Coca Cola Action Bubbles Globally
The Soapbox
The Royal Circus
CFMEU organiser Terry Kesby gives a first hand account of his experience before the Cole Royal Commission. The Locker Room
Bravely Running Away
Phil Doyle is bewildered by the Australian Cricket team�s reluctance to join John Howard�s War On Terror. Bosswatch
Nothing Exceeds Like Excess
As the world market lurches under the weight of its own amorality, regulators and business lobbies are locking horns over the need for more rules.
Week in Review
A Share of the Action
Sharemarket jitters produce mea culpas from the magnate set but, as Jim Marr discovers, loyal followers in the Howard administration aren�t likely to join the chorus any time soon.
Make My Week!
Real Reform
Hooray for Frank!
Reform or Die
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Poetry
I Remember
Dermott Ryder knocks our Resident Bard off his podium this week with a little ditty about a bloke called Honest John
I remember a fellow, once called Honest John,
A leech and a lawyer, his good name has gone,
He steals from the sick and the old and the poor,
And most of the voters are begging for more.
But I am one of the old chums but I don't vote for you
May the flying cows crap on all those who do.
I remember John Howard when he first came to power,
A Napoleon, a colossus, the man of the hour,
Long knives in his service, and no time to sleep,
As he hacked his way to the top of the heap.
I remember the docklands and gauleiter Reith
He smiled like a rat or he snarled through his teeth,
He trained a foul army of treacherous swine,
But he failed, and he faltered, and he ran out of time.
I remember a Bishop, self-seeking and bold
A possible leader, cast out from the fold
A welfare utopia that encountered a hitch,
And kerosene baths from blonde Bronwyn the witch.
I remember Phil Ruddock and his camps of despair,
And the tormented children held prisoners there,
History must mark him for the worst kind of fate,
Flaming hell, if there is one, must be lying in wait.
I remember Tony Abbott, a fellow to fear,
Liberty and justice have no place here,
He'll slash and he'll burn, and his time will come,
And he's much further right than Attila the Hun.
I remember Daryl Williams and his grizzles and fights
To crush freedom of speech and destroy civil rights,
His sly secret police, with fresh sharpened claws,
Will arrest without charge and detain without cause.
I remember Costello, he lurks in the wings,
Bean counting and cunning he quietly sings
An anthem for you John, a requiem, a dirge,
He'll be cock of the walk at the next bloodless purge.
But I am one of the old chums but I don't vote for you
May the flying cows crap on all those who do.
I am one of the old chums but I don't vote for you
But the truth is there's no one to give my vote to.
Author's notes: I was at a small music and poetry gathering and a lady told me that my political songs were quite interesting but a little too subtle for the Australian audience. I waited for a punch line but there wasn't one so I was obliged to accept that she really believed her statement. Her words found a mark. So, making the transition from politics to nostalgia and avoiding subtlety at all cost, I wrote this song. I have an original tune but, once again, the traditional tune 'One of the Hasbeens' will work.
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