
Issue No 66		11 August 2000

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Taxi Incentive Needed to Avert Olympic Shortage

The TWU is pushing the taxi industry and NSW Department of Transport to offer drivers an incentive to work during the Olympics period as a means of averting an Olympic taxi shortage.

This will be a similar arrangement reached last New Years Eve when there was an extra flagfall or surcharge. It would only apply to fares to and from Olympic venues, in and around the Sydney CBD and to and from Sydney Airport for the Olympic period.

TWU organizer Alice Deboos there is an award for taxi drivers but there is a compliance of less than 1%.

'At the moment the industry is operating at 80% capacity because wages are poor, it's dangerous and because of the GST. Drivers say its just not going to be worth it during the Olympics,' she said.

'We estimate capacity will drop to 60-70%. Taxi drivers are more likely to be assaulted or murdered than any other worker. As taxi drivers will be at the forefront during the games and we expect that to increase. They deserve more money.'

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Issue 66 contents

Interview: Shifting Sands
Michael Crosby Joint Director of the ACTU Organising Centre talks to Workers Online about the changing nature of union power, 'use it or lose it' coverage and how the ALP will have to deal with a transformed union movement.

Unions: Mission Possible
From Cambodia to Kyrghyzstan, from Malawi to Mozambique, this is one nurse who accepts certain missions where life is on the edge, and she loves it.

Economics: A Progressive Alternative
Andrew Scott outlines a policy approach for an ALP Government that aims to deliver social as well as economic progress.

International: Unions Back International Seafarer Deal
Shipping union representatives from 56 countries have decided to back a pioneering international collective bargaining agreement with ship employers.

Politics: Apolitical Myth
Over the last ten years one story about public interest in politics has found resonance, especially in the US. It suggests that people are no longer interested in political issues. Researchers from the Demos Foundation put this claim under the microscope.

Satire: Elaine Nile retires citing victory in "War on Masturbation"
There were emotional displays and many tributes paid today as Elaine Nile, Christian Democrat MP of 12 years standing, announced her retirement from the Parliament.

Review: Pure Shit
The 1970s Aussie drug classic, Pure Shit - a 70s Australian style Trainspotting - is being dusted off for a one-off showing at the Chauvel.

» It Will Happen Again Warn Fiji Unions

» Telstra in Olympic Twist Over Games Allowance

» FAAA Uncovers Sham Employment at Impulse

» Saloon Doors Flap as Wealthy Owner Walks

» ACOSS Slams Job Network

» Scrap HECS Say Nurses

» Fahey's Flog Off Fiasco

» Things Go Better With a $100 a Day Extra

» Shopping Centre Silent Over Greedy Grab

» Selley's Workers Stick to Union

» Taxi Incentive Needed to Avert Olympic Shortage

» Sneaky Chubb Forced to Pay Redundancy

» Seaforth Picket Marks a Year With Picnic

» Road Rage! Air Rage! WORK RAGE!