 |
Independent of Facts
John Howard's mastery of the big lie was evident again this week.
Interview: The Month Of Living Dangerously
When the mobs took over the streets of Dili it was the people of East Timor that bore the brunt. Elisabeth Lino de Araujo from Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA was there to witness what happened.
Unions: Staying Mum
Penrith mums, Linda Everingham and Jo Jacobson, are at the heart of a grassroots campaign to boot Jackie Kelly, out of federal parliament. Jim Marr caught up with one half of the sister act.
Economics: Precious Metals
There's a lot of spin around AWAs in the mining industry, but Tony Maher argues all that glitters is not gold.
Industrial: The Cold 100
The Iemma Government has come up with 100 reasons why WorkChoices is a dud, with 100 examples of ripped off workers
History: The Vinegar Hill Mob
This month's Blacktown Rally was not the first time workers had stood up for their rights in the region, writes Andrew Moore.
Legal: Free Agents
Is an independent contractor a small businessperson or a worker? The answer depends upon whether the contractor is genuinely �independent� or not, writes Even Jones.
Politics: Under The Influence
Bob Gould thinks Sonny Bill Williams is a hunk; he reveals all in a left wing view of The Bulletin�s 100 most influential Australians, questioning the relevance of some, and adding a few of his own.
International: How Swede It Was
Geoff Dow pays tribute to the passing of Rudolf Meidner, one of the architects of the Swedish model of capitalism.
Review: Keating's Men Slam Dance on Howard
These punk rockers are out to KO WorkChoices. Nathan Brown joins the fray.
Howard Chews Up Lollipop Men
Ridout: WorkChoices �Revolutionary�
Voters: WorkChoices Rotten
Terror: WorkChoices Rule
Bussies Go Gangbusters
Strikers Drive Deal
Australia Faces Jobs Meltdown
Fat Lady Sings at Opera House
PM's Pick Burns Fire Fighters
Spooks Tail Early Risers
Telstra Boss Gets Crossed Line
Prof: Fair Pay Should Be Lower
TNT Snub is Dynamite
Activist's What's On!
The Soapbox
Work Choice: US Military Style
John Howard has learnt a few lessons on workers rights from his Texan buddy, writes Rowan Cahill. Politics
Westie Wing
As Pru Goward slams into the glass ceiling of the NSW Liberal Party, Ian West considers how women are faring under the Howard-Costello Government. The Locker Room
A World Away
Phil Doyle is pleased that a display of subtle beauty and athletic grace has been overtaken by some good old-fashioned mindless violence
Balancing Act
Swimming Uphill
Help is at Hand
 |
other LaborNET sites |
 |
Labor Council of NSW
Vic Trades Hall Council
IT Workers Alliance
Bosswatch
Unions on LaborNET
Evatt Foundation
|
 |
 |
News
PM's Pick Burns Fire Fighters
One of John Howard's model employers has told its fire fighters at army bases in NSW and Victoria to sign AWAs leaving them $8000-a-year out of pocket or leave.
ESS, owned by UK-based Compass Group, sprung the individual contracts the day before an enterprise agreement was due to be finalised.
The contracts rip up to $8000 a year from fireys' pockets at Victoria's Bandiana army barracks and take away conditions from fire fighters at bases near Wagga Wagga.
They also force fireys to cover for security guards on breaks.
Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) country organiser Greg Matthews said fire fighters doing security would have to wait for military police to replace them if a fire broke out.
Compass Group won two categories at the Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Awards in 2003.
Meanwhile, NSW fire fighters have won paid asbestos tests after putting the torch on the fire brigade.
The brigade will provide free lung tests for the state's 6000 fireys as originally promised, after trying to welsh on the deal last week.
Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) secretary Simon Flynn said legal action was on the cards if the brigade would not agree to tests.
"I think for the first time it's a recognition that fire fighters are exposed to asbestos," he said.
Fireys were promised the tests after revelations some were exposed to asbestos during anti-terrorism training at Holsworthy Army Barracks.
Asbestos has also been an issue for fireys confronting buildings that may contain the deadly building material.
View entire issue - print all of the articles!
Issue 317 contents
|