
Issue No 44		03 March 2000

News

LaborNet A Step Forward in Democracy

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley has praised LaborNet of setting a new standards in online politics and representing "a substantial step forward in democracy".

Beazley gave LaborNet his stamp of approval while launching the site at the Labor Council Annual General Meeting.

He said a media for the labour movement was important in allowing the movement to disseminate information directly and bypass the problem of a hostile mass media. "It has not come a moment too soon," he said.

Beazley said the development of quality Internet services fitted well with the Opposition's commitment to help working people make the transition to the Information Economy, as outlined in the Employment 2010 document released last week

For more of Beazley's thoughts see this week's feature interview

Bugs Being Ironed Out

Meanwhile, the early bugs are slowly being ironed out of the new LaborNet portal, allowing unions to participate in a range of new activities.

Access to the Workers Online live news feed is now available, with users invited to apply for a username and password.

Initial glitches in the Virtual Trades Hall are also being ironed out, with the first big test coming this Wednesday when we host our first live chat with Jennie George.

And Neale's Job Doctor section has begun to field queries from confused punters, meaning that the FAQ engine is also running smoothly.

Thanks to all those who have given feedback in these precarious early days and keep the suggestions coming in!

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  Issue 44 contents

Interview: The Big Fella
Opposition Leader Kim Beazley speaks about Laborďż˝s evolving relationship with the trade union movement in the post-Accord era.

Unions: An Interactive Resource
The priority for unions in the 21st century is organising and growth. Greg Combetďż˝s unions @work report identified the direction unions should be moving.

Media: Public Hearings
As the big media players look increasingly tarnished, the broadcasting minnows like FBi are seeking their share of the airwaves.

History: Labour History Under Siege
In good labour tradition, the history section of Workers Online begins the year with a call to arms.

Olympics: Games Greed Boosts Homeless Numbers
'Homeless in Sydney' is shaping up to be the theme of the Olympics with many property owners evicting tenants and pushing up rents.

Women: No Time To Be Casual
International Womenďż˝s Day is a day to take action. As a shop steward or union delegate why not use IWD as an opportunity to encourage the women in your workplace to join the union?

International: Serbian And Kosovo Unions Meet
The Italian metalworkers has hosted meetings on how to build a different future for the workers in the Balkans.

Labour Review: What's New
Read the latest issue of Labour Review our resource for students, activists and officials.

Review: Rock and a Hard Place
A hippie festival? Alternative? No way...the music festival know as the Big Day Out (BDO) is fast becoming a mainstream youth cultural event, a snapshot of the broader society that unions are struggling to engage.

» Directors: Two Strikes And Youďż˝re Out

» Track Workers Face Spot Drug Tests

» Big Bird Fights Ansett Jobs Flight

» LaborNet A Step Forward in Democracy

» From the Lorry to the Creche, We're Watching

» Penal Provisions Against Teachers Condemned

» Auditor General Moves on TAFE

» Yahoo! Under Fire for Union Censorship

» Unrest Bubbles Over Coke Sackings

» Jennie To Sign Off Online

» Basic Goods Sought for East Timorese

» Western Sydney Added to Campus Tour

» Pay Equity Update

» STOP PRESS: Mac Attack Tuesday