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The Secret Life of Us
The fact that casual workers are too scared to come forward and testify about the need for job security seems to prove their basic point � no matter how long or how well you work, you can never feel safe in your job.
Interview: The New Deal
US union leader Amy Dean expands on her agenda to give unions a real political voice
Unions: In the Line of Hire
Unions have lobbied and negotiated in a bid to stem casualisation and insecurity. Now, Jim Marr, writes they are seeking protection through a formal Test Case.
Culture: Too Cool for the Collective?
Young people are amongst the most vulnerable in the workforce. So why aren't they joining the union, asks Carly Knowles
International: The Domino Effect
An internal struggle in the biggest and strongest industrial union in Germany IG Metall has had a devastating wave effect across not just that country, but also the rest of Europe, writes Andrew Casey.
Industrial: A Spanner in the Works
Max Ogden looks at the vexed issue of Works Councils and the differing views within the union movement to them.
National Focus: Gathering of the Tribes
Achieving a fairer society and a better working life for employees from across Australia will be key themes at the ACTU's triennial Congress meeting later this month reports Noel Hester.
History: The Welcome Nazi Tourist
Rowan Cahill looks at the role Australia's conservatives played in supporting facism in the days before World War II.
Bad Boss: Domm, Domm Turn Around
Frank Sartor might have shot through but Robert Domm still calls the IR shots at Sydney City which pretty much explains why the council is this month�s Bad Boss nominee.
Poetry: Just Move On.
Visiting bard Maurie Fairfield brightens up our page with a ditty about little white lies.
Review: Reality Bites
The workers, united, may never be defeated but if recent episodes of Channel 10 drama The Secret Life Of Us are to be believed, this is not necessarily a good thing, writes Tara de Boehmler.
 Tough Women Draw Line at Sacking
Witness Protection Urged on IRC
Max Swings Axe at Safety
Sick Twist in Drug Testing
Sacked Mum Goes to the Top
Cuts Sour ADB Birthday Bash
Howard Enlists Russians for Military
Vic Workcover Invests in Worker Misery
Public Hole in Power Shortage
Whistleblower Sacking Sparks Zoo Walkout
Truckie With Conscience Wins Back Job
Indigenous Labour honours Tobler
Asbestos Blocks Liverpool Road Works
Activist Notebook
The Soapbox
Fighting Words
Craig Emerson gave what could be the most spirited Labor spray in a decade to the NSW Labor Council this month. Here it is in all its venom. Education
Out of Their Class
Phil Bradley argues that Australia's education system should not be up for negotiation in the global trade talks. The Locker Room
The ABC of Sport
Phil Doyle argues that the only way to end the corporate madness that is sport, is to give it all back to the ABC. Postcard
Locks, Stocks and Barrels
Union Aid Abroad's Peter Jennings updates on the situation in Burma, where the repression of democracy is going from bad to worse.
Bullies in the Ranks
It Is Still About The Members Isn't It
Tom's Purpose
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Labor Council of NSW
Vic Trades Hall Council
IT Workers Alliance
Bosswatch
Unions on LaborNET
Evatt Foundation
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News
Vic Workcover Invests in Worker Misery
Geelong workers locked out of their jobs for 13 weeks have called on Victorian Premier Steve Bracks to explain how Workcover is able to invest in worker misery.
Victoria's Workcover is a shareholder in Futuris Corporation, owner of Elders
Australia Ltd which has a 41 per cent holding in ownership of Geelong Wool Combers, site of a company lock out.
GWC locked out its 93 workers on May 1 when they refused to accept workplace changes and a 25 per cent cut in wages.
The members of the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia say they are appalled to find Workcover holds more than three million shares in the company responsible for their hardship.
"This lockout has caused workers to lose their homes," TCFUA secretary Michele O'Neil says. "One couple's wedding plans had to be postponed."
"Others are struggling to put food on the table and it's especially offensive when Workcover holds shares in the company inflicting that misery on workers.
"Workcover is supposed to make worker's lives safe and secure, not be part of lock out tactics that cause workers to lose their homes and their livelihoods.
"Premier Bracks needs to explain how this investment by a Government agency is justified."
O'Neil says the workers were prepared to negotiate with the company,
and that GWC should abandon the lock out and let workers back on the job.
She says the workers had never taken industrial action and the lock out was extreme action by the company.
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Issue 189 contents
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