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Issue No. 252 18 February 2005  
E D I T O R I A L

Wood for the Trees
In the book that may never become a film, �Eucalyptus�, a father will not give his daughter away unless her suitor can name every tree on the property.

F E A T U R E S

Economics: Super Seduction
Sharks are circling your super. From July 1, banks and financial planners will have access to the nesteggs of an extra four million workers.

Interview: Bono and Me
ACTU Sharan Burrow lifts the lid on the rock star lifestyle of an international union leader.

Unions: The Eight Hour Day and the Holy Spirit
Rowan Cahill bucks conventional wisdom to argue the eight-hour day began in Sydney.

Economics: OEC-Who?
The OECD calls for more reform. But, Asks Neale Towart, who is really doing the calling?

Technology: From Widgets to Digits
How can unions grow and continue to successfully represent workers when their traditional structures are rooted in an industry, craft or fixed location?

Education: Dumb and Dumber
Unions are leading the fight against a political agenda that does away with smart jobs.

Health: No Place for the Young
The support of union members is required to help get young people out of nursing homes, writes Mark Robinson

History: The Work-In That Changed a Nation
February 17 marks 30-years to the day that sacked coal miners at the NSW Northern District Nymboida Colliery began their historic work-in at the mine.

Review: Dare to Win
The history of the militant and often controversial BLF is as surprising as it is fascinating writes Tim Brunero.

Poetry: Labor's Dreaming
With another change at the helm of the Labor Party, our resident bard, David Peetz, can't help but dreamily drawing on some political history.

N E W S

 Families On the Rack

 Detention Centre for Darling Harbour

 Transit Officers' Close Shave

 Truckies Drive Mac Attack

 We Have Way of Making You Walk

 Howzat � Murali Spun Out

 Show Me The Money

 Walter�s Mates Pay

 Retailer Sells Out Workers

 Financiers Squash Capital Idea

 Taskforce Stands Over Families

 Big Australian Changes the Rules

 Bodyguards Stabbed In Back

 Big Brother Stirs Up Porridge

 Carr Sees Trees for Wood

 Activist�s What�s On

C O L U M N S

Politics
Titanic Forces
There are book reviewers who have not read the book they have just reviewed and there are critics who have criticised films they have not yet seen. I want to review a novel that has not yet been written.

The Soapbox
Labour and Labor
Grant Bellchamber looks at the relationship between both sides organised labour

Postcard
Aussie Unions Help Tsunami Victims
The union movement�s aid agency reports back on its relief effort in Asia.

The Locker Room
Game, Set and Yawn
Phil Doyle asks if tennis is evil or just boring

Parliament
The Westie Wing
As a reshuffle of the State Ministry settles in and the Federal Government throws down the gauntlet, 2005 promises to be a new and vital chapter in the struggle for workers and their families, writes Ian West in Macquarie Street.

L E T T E R S
 Toxic Talk
 Millstone Revealed
 But Then Again
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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News

Big Brother Stirs Up Porridge


Government agents are threatening gaol in a bid to dig up personal information on 18 Queensland workers who struck to reclaim their car parks.

On January 20, a federal Workplace Services inspector threatened their Karrabin boss with prison if he didn't hand over home addresses and wage records, immediately.

Employees struck for 24 hours, last year, after an accident highlighted their demand for Bradken Resources to clean up the car park.

Frustrated workers went ahead with their action in the face of an Industrial Relations Commission order.

A demand for the personal details of workers involved in the action landed on the desk of the company's HR manager, a month later.

When they weren't forthcoming, Workplace Services investigations director, Peter Bache, threatened the HR manager with a six-month gaol term.

AMWU State secretary, Andrew Dettmer, labelled the tactic "bloody disgusting".

"Members go out on strike, allegedly against the orders of the Commission, and now are subject to kangaroo court justice from an inspector with a political drum to beat," says Dettmer.

The Karrabin rail wagon manufacturer is only accessible by car. Shortly after last year's strike the company cleaned up the carpark and parties believed the dispute had been resolved.


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