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Issue No. 250 | 21 December 2004 |
Beyond The Law
Interview: The King of Comedy Unions: Ten Simple Rules Politics: Rampant Indivdualism International: Global Struggle Economics: Cashing in the Year History: Grass Roots Review: Cultural Realities Poetry: Y-U-C-K
Security Crisis at Sydney Airport
Predictions The Soapbox The Locker Room Parliament
Temporary Arrangements The Price Of Tea In China Goodthink Cry For Me, Argentina Ho Bloody Ho Amen Right Is Wrong Business As Usual All In The Family Swing Left Wishful Thinking
Labor Council of NSW |
Safety Good Guy Wears Black
Farrell rejected company claims his ETU hard hat presented visibility problems, arguing management spotted him from 100 metres when it called him in for a head-to-head about hats. "Originally we had white hard hats and different groups like fire crews, security or visitors would have distinctive coloured hats," Farrell said. "Then they changed the general helmets from white to what they called 'melon', but, well, everyone could see it was pink. "I continued to wear my white helmet until it expired and then wore the black one with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), logo." Management told Farrell the black hat had to go, despite the fact he had reflective stickers on it. It had even used photographs ot the man, in black, for safety promotional photos. Farrell was told he could not return to work unless he wore a management-approved colour. Management said it was an "equal opportunity" issue, as a staff member felt intimidated by the hat. Despite Farrell expressing concern that such an allegation must reflect upon him personally, he was assured, no, it was the hat. "They were clutching at straws," he said. When Bluescope tried to evict Farrell he could not be found. Later, because it had switched off his swipe card. The locked out employee had, in fact, been locked in for the night. The ETU workplace rep says that his black hard hat is a communications tool. "Anyone that had concerns knew I had a sympathetic ear," he said. "I could even point non-members towards their appropriate union." Bluescope's fashionistas have extended their regime to include shirts. "I think this place has lost the plot. If their number one priority is safety they should be encouraging people to be seen. As long as the personal protective equipment people are wearing complies with the regulations then that should be it," Farrell said. "It's not a fashion show."
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