
Issue No 61		07 July 2000

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Costa to Stay at Labor Council

Labor Council secretary Michael Costa has agreed to remain at the helm of the NSW trade union movement after a week of political manouvres.

Costa issued a media release this week ending speculation that he would replace NSW Industrial Relations Commission in the NSW Legislative Council.

"While I believe it is important to increase the representation of trade unions at Macquarie Street, I have been persuaded that I can best serve the labour movement from my current position at present," he said.

"It is well known that I was expected to fill Jeff Shaw's Upper House position once it became vacant, but the Party does not believe the timing is right.

Costa said he had been prevailed on to stay for a number of reasons:

- to help John Della Bosca's transition to Minister for Industrial Relations;

- to ensure the successful industrial relations climate at the 2000 Olympics;

- to bed down several important projects which are critical to the Labor Council and the NSW ALP - including the move to an organising culture within the union movement, the finalisation of the Currawong Management Agreement and the establishment of critical training facilities there, the redevelopment of Trades Hall and the recently announced "getonboard" computer joint venture with the NSW ALP.

"Whilst I have accepted these requests I would put on record that it would be my intention to enter Parliament by way of either a more timely casual vacancy or as an endorsed candidate at the next State Election due in March 2003.

"The Party officers have indicated that they will unequivocally support this course of action. I look forward to continuing to represent the industrial interests of the workers of this State for the foreseeable future."

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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'.

» No Guarantees for Email Workers

» Hotel Bosses Face Olympic Showdown

» Aussie Bosses Embarrassed in NZ

» Labour Hire Task Force Begins Work

» Costa to Stay at Labor Council

» Lockout Sleight of Hand

» Owner Drivers Unite to Save Industry from GST

» The Future Starts Now for Youth Charter

» Volleyball Stadium Accident - Questions Remain

» Telstra - Making it Queasier for You

» MUA Helps Deliver Rice for Timor

» Reith Puts Boot into Health and Safety

» Biko Backer Tours Australia

» Unchain Your Mind at Melbourne Forum

» Union Stalwart Honoured