
Issue No 57		09 June 2000

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News

Union Targets Asbestos Shonks

By Phil Davey

The CFMEU has started a major drive to clean up the asbestos removal industry in light of shocking breaches of their members' safety in the last few weeks.

The dangers of asbestos have been well known for nearly 30 years, but in spite of this the industry continues to be plagued by cowboy operators who ignore their workers safety.

Stories have come to light in recent weeks of workers being recruited out of pubs and removing asbestos with their bare hands for $100 cash a day.

A child care centre in Revesby was enveloped in asbestos dust three weeks ago from illegal immigrant labor throwing asbestos sheeting from a fourth floor roof onto concrete.

Over 50 CFMEU members were exposed to asbestos over 6 months at Parramatta, due to an inaccurate safety audit being undertaken before work commenced.

The Cambodian community, which dominates in asbestos removal, is particularly vulnerable. Poor English language skills, a strong work ethic and a lack of knowledge of Ausrtalian law relating to occupational health and safety combine to place this community at particular risk from dodgy employers.

In the weeks ahead the CFMEU will utilise interpreters in community meetings with the Cambodian community to drive the message home that they no longer have to tolerate daily risks to their health.

The CFMEU is promising extreme punishment for employers caught exploiting vulnerable migrant labour.

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Issue 57 contents

Interview: Cocky Labor
On the eve of State Conference, Country Labor convenor Tony Kelly outlines how Labor is stealing the ground from under the National Party's feet.

Economics: Millenium Work Ethics - A New Social Partnership?
The future of work in the twenty-first century will be both provocative and challenging, according to Professor Russell Lansbury.

Politics: Extracting the Digit
Labor's federal communications spokesman Stehpen Smith outlines the Party's position on the controversial datacasting legislation currently before Parliament.

History: Hot Off the Press
Check out what's in the latest issue of Labour History - A Journal of Labour and Social History,

International: The East Timor of Africa
Nobel laureate Jose Ramos Horta will this week tell a Sydney audience of the parallels between East Timor and the nation described as the last colony in Africa - the Western Sahara.

Environment: MUA Snail Men Honoured
Brisbane wharfies Lehi Munday and Mal Monro look an unlikely Watson and Sherlock double, but their keen detective work has helped win the Southern Queensland MUA Branch two national environment awards.

Satire: Howard Says 'Sorry'
In a startling apology to the Aboriginal community, Prime Minister John Howard said last night he was deeply sorry that he turned up to the Corroboree 2000 celebrations.

Review: Front Stage and Pulp Fiction
The Waterfront War has made the transition from industrial showdown to cultural icon. Now it's inspiring artists.

» Rival Computer Deal Imminent

» Conference to Set New Ground Rules for Labor

» Call (of Nature) Waiting for Telstra Workers

» Democrats Come Through on Third Wave

» Joy's Bizarre Student Bid

» Commonwealth Bank Staff Strike

» Liberal Students Spark Uni Walk-Out

» Union Targets Asbestos Shonks

» Needle Stick Injury Sparks Waste Strike

» Security Guard Wins $100,000 in Back Pay

» Paddy Troy Memorial Prize

» Robbo for Post-Conference Smoko