
Issue No 61		07 July 2000

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

Letters to the Editor

Tax Workers Defended

Tom Collins says employees of the ATO should not consider industrial action to gain better pay and conditions, citing broader political considerations ahead of this particular group of employee's aims. This seems an unusual strategy to be promoted through ' Workers Online', particularly as he does not appear to work in the ATO, nor is he a CPSU member.

These matters aside it is always difficult for a union's leadership to recommend to its members if and when industrial action is appropriate. However I am concerned that the writer suggests that CPSU members should not even consider action in case it gives our employer (the Coalition Government) someone to blame later on!

The CPSU leadership, including the officials of the Tax section of the CPSU are aware of broader political considerations, but I think would be reluctant to let this unduly influence any recommendation about employees of the ATO considering whatever action is necessary to achieve better pay and conditions.

Finally the writer is advised that within the CPSU decisions to engage in, or cease, action are made by a vote of the members. Also membership of the CPSU Tax Section has grown strongly over the last 12 months.

Wayne Deane

CPSU Member

ATO Hurstville

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Issue 61 contents

Technology: Union Rep for Global Net Body
The godfather of unions and the Internet, Eric Lee, is seeking your support to give labour a voice on the net's governing body, ICANN.

Interview: Downloaded and Done Over
In the wake of the TV Networks' digital TV victory, Internet industry chief Peter Coroneus rues a missed opportunity for Australia.

Legal: The Global Millennium Project
The International Centre for Trade Union Rights (ICTUR) has developed a draft proposal for a comprehensive revision and modernisation of international labour standards for the new millenium.

Unions: Sandgropers Get Serious on Stress
The Australian Services Union in Western Australia in conjunction with the University of Western Australia, is surveying workers across the state's call centre industry.

Politics: New Work for a New Millennium
View in full the ALP's Draft Industrial Relations Policy to be taken to the National Conference at the end of the month.

Solidarity: Korean Hotel Workers Seek Global Help
Striking Korean hotel workers at the Swiss Grand Hotel and the Seoul Hilton are worried they could be the next targets of escalating riot police violence.

History: Vince's Parable of the Sundial
How a working man survived WWII and ASIO blacklists to save a sundial.

International: Room for Optimism from African Poll
The performance of pro-Deomcracy groups in the Zimbabwean elections has given supporters hope for better days.

Environment: Mexican Wave Goes Green
American politics has taken on a Green hue with the left leaning National Action Party and the Greens in Mexico picking up nearly 40% of the vote in the recent elections.

Satire: Aussies Celebrate Centenary by Leaving Country
Prime Minister John Howard has defended his government's decision not to involve Australia in the centenary federation celebrations.

Review: A Building Sings of Lives Lived in Music
Mysterious shadows flicker in the windows of the Parramatta Town Hall. Strains of trumpet and sarod float outside. It's all part of the urban Theatre Project's latest work, 'The Palais'.

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