 |
To the Victors The Spoils
Revelations that private American lawyers, rather than the ILO, will rewrite the labour laws of countries levelled by the American military vindicate the warnings of those concerned by US unilateralism.
History: Nest of Traitors
Rowan Cahill uncovers a ripping yarn that could redefine the way we look at Australian involvement in World War II.
Interview: A Nation of Hope
Former PM Bob Hawke bemoans the demise of industrial relations but takes heart from the prospect of peace in the Middle East
Unions: National Focus
Noel Hester reports on a soap star rebellion, Howard�s plans to renuclearise South Australia, more historical atrocities in the north, the redundancy test case plus more in the monthly national wrap.
Safety: The Shocking Truth
It�s every power worker�s worst nightmare � and it happened to Adrian Ware. In a flash of voltage, his life changed forever, as Jim Marr reports.
Tribute: A Comrade Departed
From Prime Ministers to wharfies, the labour movement paid tribute to Tas Bull this week. Jim Marr was among them.
History: Working Bees
Neale Towart looks at a group of workers who got sacked so their boss could keep making the Bomb.
Education: The Big Picture
The NTEU�s Dr Mike Donaldson and Tony Brown join all the dots in the current debate around higher eduction.
International: Static Labour
Ray Marcelo argues there�s another side to the recent furore over Telstra�s use of cheap Indian IT contractors.
Economics: Budget And Fudge It
Frank Stilwell argues that Peter Costello�s latest budget plumbs fiscal policy to new depths.
Technology: Google and Campaigning
Labourstart�s Eric Lee argues the latest weapon for campaigning could be the humble search engine.
Review: Secretary With A Difference
Looking for a new job can be hard enough, without having to worry about sadomasochistic bosses and the threat of being spanked for forgetting to cross your �t�s, says Tara de Boehmler.
Poetry: The Minimale
The Labor Party leadership is in the news again, inspiring our resident bard David Peetz to song
Satire: Howard Calls for Senate to be Replaced by Clap-O-Meter
John Howard released a controversial policy statement today, arguing that the Senate be abolished in favour of a device measuring noise from the gallery of the House of Representatives.
 Rail Chaos Looms
Electrolux Blows Fuse at Fundraiser
ACM Loosens Handcuff on Democracy
Sick Call on Mum�s Job
Now For Industrial Shock and Awe
Brian Miller � Working Class Hero
Dynamite: Howard Handout for Rorters
Family Case to Nurture Mothers
Militants Lock Out Another 600
Tipping the Turtle � Fijian Style
Carr Goes Private
Wages Blemish Sound Budget
Westie Takes On Westfield �Hypocrisy�
Eleventh Hour Reprieve for Women's Centre
Activist Notebook
Politics
It�s Our Party
Long time union watcher Nicholas Way looks at the changing dynamics between the industrial and political wings of the labour movement. The Soapbox
Grass Roots
In his Maiden Speech, new MP Tony Burke argues that the ALP�s union links are nothing to be ashamed of.
Media
Opinion Forming Down Under
Evan Jones condemns the mainstream�s media coverage of the War on Iraq and the damage it is doing to our national psyche.
The Locker Room
Location, Re-Location!
It�s all fun and games until someone loses a club, writes Phil Doyle
In Defence of Cuba
The Story in General
Thinking of America
|
| other LaborNET sites |
|
Labor Council of NSW
Vic Trades Hall Council
IT Workers Alliance
Bosswatch
Unions on LaborNET
Evatt Foundation
|
|
|
News
Militants Lock Out Another 600
Car component manufacturer, FMP, has locked out 600 Ballarat workers for a month and threatened to dump its entire Australian workforce in a dramatic response to enterprise bargaining negotiations.
AMWU members employed by FMP have been attempting to negotiate an agreement with management for the past four months. Management have frustrated discussions with their refusal to address the key issues of securing employee entitlements, wages and hours.
FMP's Managing Director has issued a written threat to employees that they will close down the Ballarat site for good, at the cost of 600 jobs and move operations to Thailand "where wage costs are one tenth of those in Australia", if workers exercise their industrial rights.
State secretary, Dave Oliver said "We have enjoyed a healthy and co-operative relationship with this company for more than 20 years. Suddenly, a new management team moves in and its threatening workers and their industry and threatening regional Australian jobs."
"Our members are seeking to secure their employee entitlements as part of this bargaining round and for good reason. One of the parent companies of FMP is selling its operation to a company that is subject to Chapter 11 bankruptcy provisions in the US.
"Yet management refuses to sit down and genuinely bargain on these matters of critical importance. Instead they issue threats, grossly over-react, bring security guards on site and commence a misinformation process designed to intimidate workers."
The FMP response fits a pattern of hard line responses employers are taking around much of the country.
 View entire issue - print all of the articles!
Issue 184 contents
|
