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Brand Spanking
It took the Easter Bunny, a couple of diplomatic crises and a bit of classic Howard wedge politics to shift industrial relations off the front pages, but if you think the story is over, forget it.
Interview: Head On
John Buchanan has been warning that WorkChoices would be a car crash. Now he surveys the damage.
Unions: Do You Have a Moment?
CFMEU Mining national secretary Tony Maher lets fly at the new industrial laws.
Industrial: Vital Signs
In his new book, Craig Emerson argues that destroying unionism will not be in Australia's long term interests.
Economics: Taxing Times
Frank Stilwell argues that there are progressive alternatives to the slash and burn approach to tax reform.
Environment: It Ain�t Necessarily So
Don't let anyone tell you that jobs and the environment are opposities, argues Neale Towart.
History: Melbourne�s Hours
Neale Towart reluctantly pays homage to Victoria's celebration of the eight hour day.
Immigration: Opening the Floodgates
John Howard is deciding more and more foreign workers should come into this country - without the rights of citizenship, writes John Sutton,
Review: Pollie Fiction
For someone barely 25 years Sarah Doyle has an enviable track record in theatre behind her.
Poetry: The Cabal
Poetry returns to Workers Online with this rollicking ode to employer power.
 Costello Plans Super Swindle
Control Freak Turns Hand to AWAs
�Clean Start� Sweeps Into Action
Fleas Leave Andrews Scratching
The $130 Question: What is He On?
Howard Stings Liberal Mum
Apprentices Assume Missionary Position
$80,000 for Friendly Act
David Phoenix Rises Again
Rights At Work Worth Playing For
Qantas Sackings Grounded
Eight Hours Play
TWU Boss Gaoled
Activist's What's On!
Politics
Democracy in Action
Former NSW Premier Neville Wran's speech to commemorate 150 years of responsible government. Politics
The Westie Wing
There has been activity aplenty in the NSW Parliament this month, reports Ian West. The Soapbox
From Chaver to Cobber
John Robertson, Unions NSW Secretary, hosting Passover at Sydney Trades Hall discovers the first comrades followed a bloke called Moses. Postcard
Postcard from New Orleans
Mark Brenner surveys the long-term impact of Hurricane Katrina on the regions workers. The Locker Room
My Country Right Or In Lane Five
Phil Doyle observes the golden shower at the recent Commonwealth Games, and asks what it means for the last great unpredictable drama. Obituary
Vale Bill Hartley
Unlike some of his comrades, Bill Hartley never departed from his position as a radical nor did he die rich in assets, writes Bob Scates.
Say No To Optus
Lying Lies And The Lying Liars Who Tell Them II
What Tax Cuts?
Belly Says It�s Time
A Word Of Warning Stop
Mexican Revolution
Well That Clears That Up Then
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News
Eight Hours Play
Building workers who won the eight-hour day 150 years ago would be dragged before the courts and fined if they attempted it today, says CFMEU assistant national secretary, Dave Noonan.
On April 21 1856 stonemasons working on Melbourne University, led by two former Chartist activists, James Galloway and James Stephens, walked off the job over the issue of the eight-hour day.
The stonemasons marched from the University of Melbourne to Parliament House, both then under construction, calling out workers at building sites on the way.
"It was a burning hot day and I thought the occasion a good one, so I called upon the men to follow me, to which they immediately consented," wrote Stephens of the landmark day.
Thousands rallied in Melbourne to mark the 150th anniversary of the eight-hour day, which was seen as a landmark achievement by workers in the fledgling colony.
"Thank God they had the foresight, and the opportunity, to do it 150 years ago," says Noonan. "Howard's industrial police force would prosecute and fine our members if they tried it today."
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Issue 303 contents
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