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Issue No. 148 | 16 August 2002 |
Peak Performance
Interview: Labor Law Unions: Critical Conditions Bad Boss: Shifting The Load History: Peeking Out Safety: Flying High Corporate: Salaries High, Performance Low International: War on the US Wharves Review: And the Signs Said... Poetry: Tony Don't Preach Satire: Latham Dumps Rodney Rude as Speech Writer
Qantas Dressed Down Over Uniform Backflip Virgin Threatens Delegate Over Net Use Email Protection Hits Firewall Victorian System Needs Reform: AIRC Qld Public Sector Battle Heats Up Community Workers Eye Canberra Show Down Lift Techs Face Redundancy Lock Out Council Workers Win Picnic Day Fight School Support Staff Demand Recongition Black Chicks Talk At Refuge Fundraiser Colombian Left MP Applying For Asylum
Politics The Soapbox The Locker Room Bosswatch Human Rights
Another Capitalist Party? Justice For All? Kill the Photos! Right Wing Lackies
Labor Council of NSW |
Letters to the Editor Right Wing Lackies
Dear Workers Online editorial I am a Labor party member (inactive), and a union member. I remain deeply disappointed with the approach of the NSW Labor Council and this journal, towards the position of women in power-making decisions in the Labor Party. I note that this journal does not even bother to discuss the fact that the NSW Labor Council hostility to the Wran/Hawke proposals is to maintain the power of the NSW (overwhelmingly male) right wing unions, and that there is no desire in NSW to improve rank and file and women's involvement in the ALP. The NSW Labor Council continues to limit the role of women in the party. The role of unions in the Labor Party, while historically important, cannot overcome the fact that many private sector workers do not have the option to join a union, and many existing union members may question the usefulness of deduction of dues from their pay packet when they receive little help from their union with day-to-day problems at work. In my working life I receive many calls from government employees who are experiencing harassment and bullying at work, and, when asked if they have contacted their union, say that they tried, but received no help. In particular, the role of key right wing unions in NSW maintains the gendered role of the NSW Labor Party, and the limited role of women in it. Other States have adopted a more generous approach to women. NSW Labor appears to live in another age, when the role of women was to support their men. In fact, it seems that the only way women can advance in the NSW Labor is to be married or related to a member of the Right.
Unless the role of the NSW right-wing and male dominated unions is limited, Labor will not broaden it's appeal. The voice of women in your journal is also notable for it's absence. Does any woman actually write or contribute to it, or it's editorial content? Why is there no debate in it about the role of women in the party, or the role of affirmative action? Does Workers Onlinesimply have to reflect the views of the ruling right-wing male-dominated unions who hold power? I look forward to your response. Elizabeth Fletcher Ed's Reply: News that I am a right wing lackey would certainly surprise those backroom boys who are constantly braying for my sacking. as for content - we publish contributions - if you have a perspective, contribute.
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