 |
A Free Vote
This week’s charade of the Senate amending the Howard Government’s workplace laws raises fundamental questions about the sort of democracy Australia has become.
Interview: The Binds That Tie
Dr Don Edgar has demolished the Prime Minister's credentials as a family man.
Unions: Worth Cycling For
Pedal power joined the Your Rights At Work campaign on a 350km journey to take a message to Canberra’s politicians, wrties Phil Doyle.
Industrial: The Elephant in the Corner
Jim Marr takes a look at what the government has secreted away in the WorkChoices package, revealing what is really at stake - and what can be done about it.
Legal: A Law Unto Themselves
In this extract from the Evatt Foundation's 'State of the States' Jeff Shaw & Monika Ciolek look at the constitutional issues rasied by WorkChoices.
Politics: Ethically Lonely
At a forum in the Australian Stock Exchange sponsored by big end of town solicitors, you would expect at least one person to be in favour of John Howard’s industrial relations laws, wrties Rachael Osman-Chin.
History: Women, Unions, Banners and Parades
Trade union banners reveal more about union history than their male designers and makers intended, writes Neale Towart.
Women: Relaxed and Comfortable?
Suzanne Hammond from WEL argues there are many hidden nasties in WorkChoices for working women.
International: The Last Social Democrat
A trade union leader's victory marks beginning of class politics in Israel, wrties Eric Lee
Review: The Corpse Bride
Come to a world where decay, loss and broken dreams are everywhere - and it's not the Federal Senate.
Culture: Tony Moore Holds His Own
In his new book, Tony Moore argues that today's generation of political leaders has much to learn from Bazza McKenzie.
 Read His Lips: WorkChoices Too Much
Joyce A Christmas Goose
Workers Leave Boss in Tool Shed
Costello Chokes On Asbestos Compo
Telstra Hangs Up on Former Staff
Bank Check on Bras
Bill of Work Rights on Agenda
Funny Film - Scary Message
Sign Of the Times
Unions Chip In for Lauren
Company Raids Own Ship
Activist's What's On!
The Soapbox
Whitefellas - You Just Can’t Trust ‘Em.
Racial stereotyping is a bad business. That said, Graham Ring has discovered a segment of society that drinks too much, behaves unreliably and can’t seem to adapt to change. Sadly, the conclusion is inescapable… The Locker Room
Fore!
Phil Doyle slices one into the car park. Parliament
The Westie Wing
Ian West makes a midnight dash to Workers Online, slides his State political report under the door, then heads back to the Macquarie Street Chamber of Horrors…
Million Mum March
Pension Pinching
John Bares All
Radicalising Yoof
Tom A World Away
|
| other LaborNET sites |
|
Labor Council of NSW
Vic Trades Hall Council
IT Workers Alliance
Bosswatch
Unions on LaborNET
Evatt Foundation
|
|
|
News
Costello Chokes On Asbestos Compo
Federal treasurer Peter Costello is the only obstacle in the way of asbestos victims being guaranteed $4.5 billion dollars in compensation from James Hardie.
Long time campaigner for asbestos victims rights, Bernie Banton, was jubilant and emotional after the building company signed off on the agreement last Thursday.
Banton thanked unions for their tireless efforts in achieving such a big win after such a long campaign, singling out the efforts of Paul Bastian from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and Andrew Ferguson from the CFMEU. He also praised the longstanding efforts of fellow campaigner Jan Primrose.
Banton, accompanied by his family, was given a standing ovation by a meeting of Unions NSW following news of the win.
James Hardie, who have been locked in negotiations with unions, victims and the NSW Government, will also put another $3 million into education and research on asbestos related diseases.
The funding agreement for Australian asbestos-related personal injury claims will kick off with $154 million being placed in a trust fund, with the balance to be paid into the fund over the next 40 years.
Up to 35% of James Hardie cash flow will be paid into a Special Purpose Fund (SPF), with compensation payments determined by the Dust Diseases Board.
The agreement hangs on the federal government allowing the money to be claimed as a tax deduction by Hardies, and for income from the fund to be tax-free.
As part of the resolution of the long running dispute all bans on James Hardie products have been lifted by unions.
 View entire issue - print all of the articles!
Issue 292 contents
|
