
Issue No 68		25 August 2000

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News

CPSU Logs On Internet Providers

By Dermot Browne

In an attempt to improve the lot of over 100,000 workers in Australia's fastest growing industry, CPSU Communication Union is has served a log of claims for a federal award for telecommunication and internet services providers (ISP).

If successful, the new award would cover the whole sector and bring award employment conditions to currently unregulated providers like OzEmail, Primus and One.Tel.

Stephen Jones, Assistant Secretary of the CPSU Communications Section, believes workers in this unregulated environment have very little protection from exploitation.

"You just have to look at the staff turn-over rate to see there is a major problem in the sector. We want to establish reasonable, enforceable standards for annual leave, sick leave, penalties, hours and classifications."

While CPSU expects many of these companies to strongly resist any attempts to unionise their workforce, it remains confident that workers will embrace the chance to secure better conditions.

"We are committed to getting a solid legal basis for these workers' rights. We believe that this about helping, not hindering, the industry."

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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