
Issue No 68		25 August 2000

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

1 Million Reasons to Belong to a Union

By H.T. Lee

Deemah Marble & Granite is the latest construction subbie to go belly up owing its workers almost $1 million in wages and entitlements.

It is believed the American owner took $5million from the company in loans and fees over the past 12 months jeopardizing the viability of the company.

Deemah workers on a dozen sites would have lost out had it not been for the construction union, the CFMEU, taking action.

Following discussions with the CFMEU Boulderstone, Westfield, Grocon and Multiplex agreed to pay the Deemah workers on their sites all their unpaid wages and entitlements.

The CFMEU also pressured other builders to pay dozens of small subbies and the 25 workers at the Deemah factory all their entitlements.

Leightons Construction initially refused to pay but with the support of other CFMEU members the Deemah workers picketed the AMP Circular Quay offices to force Leightons to pay them. Leightons is building the AMP building at Angle Place.

As a result of the AMP picket and two 48-hour stoppages, Leighton has now agreed to underwrite the entitlements.

As more and more companies go bust the Deemah case gives a million reasons why workers should belong to a strong union like the CFMEU.

View entire issue - print all of the articles!

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