E D I T O R I A L

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.

F E A T U R E S

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

N E W S

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

C O L U M N S

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.

L E T T E R S

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Hooray for Frank!

Dear Sir,

Over the past two weeks I have read in our metropolitan newspapers, much negative criticism of the City of Sydney, and in particular its relationship with its productive employees , a relationship that has been perversely represented by some bitter and resentful organisations , as irretrievably broken down , and I feel compelled to offer a different perspective.

That of a long term employee!

Let me say; I have no recollection of ever, in my years working for the City have I felt, not only such Job Satisfaction , Financial Security , Pride in employment , and a sense of ownership that empowers not only me , but all employees to be relatively autonomous in the delivery of their service to the community .

There has been unpleasant reference to our current General Manager (Sun-Herald14/7/02) and his Industrial Relations team as being an aggressive players. Well from my experience, over many years, and functioning in many roles,including Union Delegate, I have much praise and little criticism for the current management. In fact since the departure of Mr. Greg Maddock, a previous General Manager, the whole management style has changed, with an emphasis on outcomes and not personalities, reward for merit rather than fawning, with an overwhelming sense of pride through this ownership and participation.

The perception of Team Work, which previously appeared to be used as a personal weapon in the removal of those who were different, has reverted back to its true meaning, that of people successfully working together toward a common goal, and reaping the rewards.

Recently, much ado was made about "Kennards Hire", paying their employees a one off bonus for their employees helping out during the hard times; the City regularly rewards its staff for providing superior service to the city.

These rewards being previously doled out in an ad hoc and unaccountable manner, the new General Manager has once again ensured fairness and equity.

While the City is not a Garden of Eden (it could be) , and as one who has experienced the many "tears before bedtime" changes in the City , from the divisive agreement of Competitive Tendering , by the Union over seven years ago , I fail to see any justification for this current criticism.

If Lord Mayor Sartor, successfully moves on to State Parliament, he will leave a legacy which his successor will find hard to live up to.

We all learn from our mistakes and:

While making no comment on the past, today's' City of Sydney management certainly gives opportunities to Australian Aspirations, and I am one of those grateful Australians.

Yours in Solidarity

Andrew Mieni

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