
Issue No 68		25 August 2000

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News

Public Sector Workers Win $1.50 An Hour Olympic Allowance

The suspense was killing. But the Government finally came up with an acceptable Olympic Attendance Allowance this week to compensate public sector workers for their sacrifices during the games.

After months of talks the Government offered an Olympic Attendance Allowance of $1.50 an hour to compensate Public Sector employees for increased workloads and inconvenience caused by the games. The allowance covers workers who provide services to Olympic venues or Olympic live sites.

It covers police officers in the metropolitan area, including specialist agencies, officers in the Olympic Security Command Centre and admin staff in Access Control and Homebush parking patrol.

It also covers ambos in the metropolitan areas, linen services in the west and hospitals affected by Olympic related work.

Workers who complete more than 95% of allocated shifts receive the whole allowance.

Those who work more than 85% but less than95% receive 75% of the allowance.

If you work more than75% but less than 85% of shifts you get 50% and nothing if you work less than 50% of allocated shifts.

Labor Council Secretary Michael Costa says the Labor Council is pleased public sector workers will be recognised for their contribution to the games.

'The issue has been around for months. It's been difficult to negotiate but the Government has moved significantly. Workers who we were concerned would be excluded are now included,' he says.

Meanwhile ...

4000 Telstra workers have picked up a $400 bonus for the period of the Olympics. The CEPU and CPSU have been in protracted talks with a Telstra management taking their usual hardline stance against rewarding their staff.

Jim Melcher , CEPU Secretary says the ideology of senior management within Telstra to destroy unions has failed again.

'I am sure the pressures applied by the union are the only reason Telstra has agreed to pay employees anything,' he says.

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Issue 68 contents

Interview: New Unionist
Britain's Trade Union Congress secretary John Monks on life under Blair and why the future of unionism could well rest in Europe.

History: The Victims of Whiggery
George Loveless, the leader of the rural workers who became the Tolpuddle Martyrs, recorded his ideals and experiences in a pamphlet that brings his story to life.

Economics: The Final Station
Corporatisation was first introduced into Australia by the former Greiner Coalition government. What is 'corporatisation' and who should we hold to account under its prescriptions?

International: Massive Union Win in American Telecom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced on Thursday a settlement with Verizon Communications ending a fifteen day strike by 87,000 telephone workers from Maine to Virginia.

Unions: A Vital Community Service
What keeps the engine of the Australian economy running? Manufacturing productivity, the stock market, exports? Try child care.

Satire: Putin copies Clinton: dead seamen stains reputation
MOSCOW, Tuesday: Russian naval authorities today faced staunch criticism, and the anger of a nation gripped by tragedy, as they conceded that all 118 Russian submariners trapped in the nuclear submarine, the Kursk, had died.

Review: Blow Up The Pokies
Whether it arouses public debate about Gambling is best left to the public but Peter Zangarri thinks Tim Freedman is on a winner with the Whitlam's latest CD.

» Public Sector Workers Win $1.50 An Hour Olympic Allowance

» Olympic Vendors Cream Boss

» Child Care Workers Pick Up 10% Pay rise

» Boston Bags Bonus While Teachers Wait on Back-Pay

» Super Saga

» Homecare Workers Hit Streets

» CPSU Logs On Internet Providers

» 1 Million Reasons to Belong to a Union

» City Rail Security Guards Win Olympic Bonus

» Making a Difference in ICANN Elections

» Sydney Hotel Stoppages Throughout Next Week

» Scientists Protest IT Outsourcing

» Dealing With Workplace Deaths