
Issue No 56		02 June 2000

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

Letters to the Editor

Fiji Protests A Disgrace

Dear Sir,

It is just great to see Australian Union Solidarity in action once again, in the interests of the Australian worker. I watch in amazement as the" COMRADES" from the 1950s' combine against the New World terror, that misguided indigenous Fijian Nationalist George Speight. (Methinks just an easy target) The new Gladiator of the Union Movement , Ms Sharon Burrow has threatened union blockades on Shipping, Airlines, Mail and Financial services.

What an absolute "Disgrace". Ms Burrow "Who do you think this reactionary terror , AND DECLARATION OF ECONOMIC WAR ,against the small nation of Fiji , as advocated by you will affect?", Certainly not those that are in power , it will only affect the already poverty stricken indigenous Fijian "

While in no way endorsing the direct action of George Speight , I would suggest that there is much more to this problem of disenfranchisement than which has been glibly referred to as a simple problem of racism. A word used as a cudgel by left wing ragbags, with which to king hit their opponents , to such an extent , that it has almost lost any meaning.

One must at least attempt to view the situation from the perspective of these passive people. (The indigenous Fijian)

The invasion by Indian workers of their land, Fiji, would be no different from the alleged forced population of Australia by the then British Colonial power, and as such, these powers should now accept responsibility for their actions. This responsibility should encompass the repatriation (to their country of origin) of those who have no allegiance with this once Garden of Eden," Fiji". Australia through its involvement via CSR, should also accept responsibility for its part in this unfortunate consequence of careless commercial ventures, and offer to make amends by paying for the repatriation to their respective countries of origin.

To Ms Burrow and the rapidly shrinking Comrades in the Union Movement, what is the difference between the battle for sovereignty for Australian Aborigines whom you support, and the unfortunate plight of the Indigenous Fijians who not only perceive themselves as strangers in their own land, but have in fact been alienated from control of their own destiny?

So Comrades before you vent the bile of your own frustrations, on the people of Fiji !

How about a mile in their shoes?

Tom Collins

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Issue 56 contents

Interview: When the War is Over
Teachers Federation chief Sue Simpson has just come through the industrial dispute of a lifetime. But where to now for her members?

Politics: The Beazley Manifesto
Read the full transcript of Kim Beazley's Fraser Lecture develiered this week, where he unveiled Labor's new industrial relations platform.

Unions: Dudded on the Dock of the Bay
Until a few weeks ago Allan and Beverley Crelley had never ever heard of SERCO the big London multinational that specialises in winning contracts from governments committed to outsourcing their workers.

History: The Long March for Justice
Against the backdrop of the Walk for Reconciliation across the Sydney Harbour Bridge that took place last Sunday, it is worthwhile recognising that trade unionists were actively promoting the issue decades ago.

International: UK Unions Turn the Corner
Union membership is on the rise for the first time in 20 years, indicating an early response to union recognition legislation set to come into effect next month.

Work/Time/Life: Flexible Clerks Save Hours
The Australian Services Union has successfully blocked an attempt by wholesaler Davids Limited to force clerical staff at the company's Blacktown office from flexible working hours to a standard 38 hour week.

Review: Who Really Won the War?
It might be being pulped for a reference to serial-suitor Peter Costello, but 'Waterfront' has sparked some lively debate about our recent industrial history.

Satire: Gosper's New Torch Role
A week after he was excluded from the Olympic torch relay as a result of public criticism, Kevan Gosper has been reinstated by SOCOG President Michael Knight for a special project.

» Long Service Leave Push for Short-Term Workers

» Carr Asked to Act on Fiji Crisis

» Major Blow to Government Outsourcing

» Beazley Blocks Contracts as Reith Hits New Wall

» Carr Makes Formal Offer on Olympics Pay

» Surfing Carnivals Highlights Beach Threat

» Mail Stopped Over Junk Deal

» CBA Staff To Strike Over Queues and Abuse

» Women's Bureau to Stay in DIR

» Joy's Winter of Discontent

» Advocate Pushes Pattern Bargaining

» Nike Versus The Workers

» New Safety Laws A First in Australia

» Workers March for Reconciliation

» Labour Movement Mourns Loss of Neil Marshall (11th June 1943 - 31st May 2000)