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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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News
Burrow: Paid Mat Leave Just First Step
A national paid maternity leave scheme should be the centrepiece of a whole package of reforms to make Australian workplaces more family friendly, the ACTU says.
President Sharan Burrow says widespread community support for paid maternity leave proposals now being costed by the Federal Government could lead to a series of reforms to deliver real choice for working families.
"Improved childcare services and carer's leave provisions, reasonable working hours, secure part-time work, parental leave for fathers and greater pay equity for women will all help employees achieve a better balance between their work and family lives," Burrow says.
She says childcare is currently unavailable or unaffordable for too many families. In after-school childcare alone, there is a shortfall of up to 32,000 places nationally. The situation for working parents of sick children is even more difficult.
"Many women working part-time or casually have little or no leave available to meet their family responsibilities," Burrow says.
The ACTU last week announced a plan for 14 weeks paid maternity leave capped at average earnings of $900 a week and funded jointly by the Federal Government and an employer levy.
The Australian Industry Group this week announced support for 12 weeks paid maternity leave funded by the Government to the level of the minimum wage of $431 per week.
The proposals are being considered as part of a national inquiry by Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward, who will report to the Government later this year.
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Issue 145 contents
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