
Issue No 73		13 October 2000

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News

Parramatta Workers Enjoy Union Chill Out

Parramatta workers turned out in droves to attend the NSW unions' second Annual Stress Free Lunch Break for Mental Health Week.

Organisers say workers really enjoyed the break, which highlighted the problems of stress and fatigue caused by increased working hours. Mr. Michael Costa, Labor Council Secretary, said "the latest union research continues to show that workers are working longer hours and their health and family life is suffering". Union sponsored research shows:

Over 50% of workers work 40 or more hours per week
26% work 45hrs or more
12% work 50 hrs or more
Almost 50% surveyed complete at least some unpaid overtime each week
50% indicated they suffered health problems because of work conditions
53% indicated it impacted on their family and social life

In general the traditional "9 to 5" worker, is leaving home at around 6.30am and not returning until 9.00pm. Mr. Michael Costa said the Unions' survey demonstrates "what is going on in the workplace is affecting just about every aspect of our quality of life and worse still the fatigue associated with longer hours increases the risk of workplace and journey accidents, and in turn is costing the community billions of dollars a year". "Its not good enough for executives to just look at productivity and profit margins, there are more fundamental issues about the health and well-being of the workforce that require their immediate attention".

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Issue 73 contents

Interview: Righting The Wrongs
Improving the lives of Aboriginal people can't be taken out of the context of the economy, welfare and other areas says Bob McMullan, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

Economics: At The Mercy Of Gamblers
The plunge of the Australian dollar relative to the greenback has consequences for Aussie workers according to Frank Stillwell.

History: Labour History Under Seige Again
The Friends of the Noel Butlin Archives Centre have recently been informed of proposed changes to the Noel Butlin Archives Centre (NBAC), changes that will cut staff by more than 50% and leave the Archives mothballed in the tunnel where the repository is situated.

Workplace: Fighting The Flexible Firm
We are told that hardship and exploitation at work is dying out, and the new economy offers opportunity, freedom and job satisfaction for all. Richard Sennett unveils the true nature of the flexible workplace.

Safety: Being bossed around is bad for your health
A survey of more than 3,000 Australian workers has revealed that some 54% of workers experience intimidating behaviour in their workplace. In almost 85% of cases it is employers, managers and supervisors who are identified as the culprits.

Unions: Discrimination
New to the union and the maritime industry and with only a few days casual work to live off, Stephen Rolls courageously spoke up against individual contracts during a job interview with Burnie Port Corp.

International: Serbian Workers and Their Unions Fight for Freedom
Serbian workers and their unions have been at the forefront of the struggle for democracy in Yugoslavia as they led a general strike in response to attempts by President Slobodan Milosevic to nullify the defeat he faced in the Sept. 24 election.

Satire: A few more years of civilised brutality will advantage Aborigines: Ruddock
CANBERRA, Tuesday: The Minister for Reconciliation Philip Ruddock has defended his comments to French newspaper Le Monde claiming that Aborigines were disadvantaged because they were late in coming into contact with developed civilisations.

Review: Poetry For Workers By Workers
Poems about the trials and tribulations of a waitress and what you learn in a chocolate factory are among the gems from the 925 anthology.

» Rorter Reith's Gotta Go Say Unions

» Reith's Wharf Secrets Return To Haunt

» Unions And Community Groups Call For Bank Social Charter

» Landmark Victory Extends Severance Pay To All

» 5 Day Strike Burns BHP Coal

» Parramatta Workers Enjoy Union Chill Out

» Report Finds Fatigue Fatalities Avoidable

» Queensland Peak Union Body Elects First Female Secretary

» The Joy of Burning Rubber

» dot.humanservices

» Unions Raise A Motza To Combat Youth Suicide