
Issue No 75		27 October 2000

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News

MUA Prosecutes Patrick

By Zoe Reynolds

Productivity gains at Patrick have come at a cost - crippling injuries to workers says the MUA.

An estimated one in four wharfies (30 of 120 employees) at Port Botany container terminal suffer neck, shoulder and back injuries, with dozens seeking physiotherapy. The situation in other states is no better.

The injuries result from labour cutbacks which force straddle operators to work day after day twisted sideways in cramped, poorly designed cabins, with only one break, every shift.

The 10 metre high straddles, which carry containers to and fro between the ship, stack and trucks, require operators to contort their bodies while driving sideways, their heads and necks twisted and strained up to 90 degrees for hours at a time. No straddles at Patrick enterprises have ergonomically designed seats or dual controls.

Prior to the dispute in 1998 and the enterprise agreement of the same year, three operators were allocated to each two straddles, ensuring job rotation and reducing strain. Down drivers worked lashing/unlashing containers, driving light equipment, canteen cleaning and assisting clerical staff etc.

But in the pursuit of profits and higher share prices for parent company Lang Corp, Patrick cut back on drivers, job rotation and breaks. This is despite current research and a series of reports recommending a maximum time frame of four hours (in total) over an eight hour period for awkward working postures.

The Sydney branch is now prosecuting Patrick under Section 15 (1) of the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act on behalf of six Sydney straddle drivers.

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  Issue 75 contents

Interview: Civilized Capital
The FNV's Harrie Lindelauff explains to Peter Lewis how a friendly government and moderate employers make for a different sort of workplace in Holland.

Politics: Where Too Much Politics Is Barely Enough
With daily newspapers providing polling and analysis, television, cable, radio and Internet providing 24 hour coverage over a year long campaign -- there's more than enough politics for even the most voracious American political junkie reports Michael Gadiel.

International: US Cleaners on Hunger Strike
A number of US cleaners have this week gone on a hunger strike to back a union campaign for higher wages.

Economics: The Pass The Risk Trick
Derivatives, often seen as the currency of casino capitalism, are the fastest growing, largest and potentially most volatile aspect of capitalist economies. Economist Dick Brian sees behind this image an even deeper danger.

Health: Depressing Workplaces
New technologies and the impact of globalisation have sparked more stress and bouts of depression for workers, while causing a growing burden for social security systems, a new ILO report says.

Unions: Costello's Con
The low paid are bearing the brunt of the GST with inflation at a 10 year high argues the ACTU's Greg Combet.

Satire: Bush campaign an in-joke, admit advisors
TEXAS, Thursday: Following Bush's disastrous performance in the first Presidential debate it has been revealed that his bid for president is actually the result of a in-joke about how stupid the American people are.

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» Despair At Our ABC

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» Church Leader Confesses: We're Not Always Good Employers

» Building Workers Win $150 A Week Pay Rise

» MUA Prosecutes Patrick

» WA Secrecy Laws Gag Union Members

» LHMU Seek $1 An Hour Rise

» Picket Protects Broadway Squats

» APHEDA Appeal For Palestinian Medical Relief

» World Bank, IMF To Consult Unions

» Festering Joy

» Heath Our Hero Wins Two Gold