
Issue No 41		26 November 1999

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

Letters to the Editor

The Teachers' Debate

Hit Them Where It Hurts

I wish to suggest an alternative to striking to the federation. I firmally believe that we are not hitting the goverment were it hurts.

I think we need to look at the programs that are already in place in schools such as PSSA and the Year 2000 Olympics and maybe put a ban on these programs. This would not only effect the schools but also organisations like SOCOG who depend on School for so much of their promotion and for helping them by supplying art work etc.

It would be better for us to get the support of parent as at the moment we are only getting them off side. We also need to highlight better that these strikes aren't just over money.

Most of the parents I have spoken to have no idea why we are striking. They need to know how their children will be affected. The strikes are only giving the government more money to aid their fight against us.

Judith Birkett

Our Own Fault

Why is it that we, the workers, constantly allow the extreme right wing, in the guise of purported labour politicians, to destroy our working conditions and quality of life. The fault is our own.

Why?? Simple. Take the case of the current dispute with the Carr government and the teachers. This government has over three years to run. Every teacher in NSW can join the Labor Party and be entitled to vote during preselection ballots for the candidates (a two year membership requirement).

The anti-union/anti-teacher incumbents can be removed and real, genuine and committed unionists can be elected in their stead. All laws and enforced awards can then be repealed. To follow this up, there is probably no reason why the very same teachers (unionists) cannot join the liberal national parties and do the same thing to them.

I look forward to a reply and perhaps even the beginning of a campaign!!!

Alwynn Jones mailto:[email protected]

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Issue 41 contents

Interview: A Bob Each Way
ALP tactician Bob McMullan is responsible for charting Labor industry policy into the next millennium. He tells us where he�s heading.

Unions: Organiser of the Year
Just ten days to go before entries close for our $2000 air ticket. Here�s another nomination.

History: Labour Daze
A report from the 6th National Biennial Conference of the Australian Society For The Study Of Labour and Community.

Politics: Tomorrow�s Questions
While the turn of the century sees Sydney play host to the Olympic games, the International Youth Parliament 2000 will bring world focus to contemporary issues facing young people.

Health: Red Ribbons
December 1, World AIDS Day has a special place in the history of the AIDS pandemic.

International: Organised Chaos
Persistent rumours are floating around Jakarta that the former boss of the official pro-Soeharto Indonesian trade union movement is about to be charged with corruption.

Economics: Seattle Numbers Grow for WTO Protest
News of the agreement to smooth China�s entry to the World Trade Organisation has created its own "China Syndrome" for organisers of the Seattle WTO event.

Satire: Too Many Media Players!
The Productivity Commission has issued a report calling for the abolition of existing cross-media ownership laws.

Review: Leviathan
John Birmingham has lifted the lid on Sydney�s shady past - and found trade unions to be at the centre of the sordid tales.

Deface a Face: Reith Loses His Shine
With his Second Wave looking more like a splash in the bath-tub, Workplace Relations Minister Peter Reith still reigns as the union movement�s favourite bogeyman.

» Labor Hire Faces Deregulation

» Democrats Poised to Say No

» Olympic Job Cut Fears

» Inspectors to Act on Ships of Shame

» Grave Concerns About Body Bags

» Former Trades Hall Boss Into Teachers Fray

» Tools for Timor Plea

» Rio Tinto Sacks 84 for Christmas Eve

» Hotel Workers in Unprecedented Action

» Tug Action Hits Sydney Harbour

» Free National Parks Access as Bans Kick In

» Parkers Issue Ticket To Loitering Government

» Stop Forced Repatriation of Burmese Migrant Workers

» Will the Real Casual Workers Please Stand Up?

» STOP PRESS: Labor Wins NZ Election