
Issue No 81		08 December 2000

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News

Don't Rain on our Family Picnic Day

By HT Lee

About 20,000 building workers and their families enjoyed themselves at this years picnic day at the Australia's Wonderland--the largest and most successful trade union picnic in Australia.

However, the Federal Minister for Industrial Relations Peter Reith wants to get rid of this important family day--he says they are a thing of the past.

Building workers and their families disagree--the family is never a thing of the past and they were very outspoken about this, especially their partners and children. This is the one day of the year where they can get together with their family, enjoy themselves and also catch up with mates they have not seen for a while.

Building workers work in one of the most dangerous, physically arduous industries in Australia. They often work ten hours a day, six days a week and miss out on quality time with their families.

The union picnic day which was won back in 1962 after decades of struggle and building workers will be defending this important achievement.

What you can do:

Ring Peter Reith in Canberra on (02) 6277 7320 or at his Melbourne office on (03) 5979 3188 and let him know what you think of his proposal.

Appeal to the Democrats to defend the industry picnic day. Get your kids to ring the Democrats who have the balance of power in the Australian Senate:

� Senator Vicki Bourne (02) 9247 3377

� Senator Aden Ridgeway (02) 9818 8422

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  Issue 81 contents

Interview: Back to Work
After a stretch of unemployment following the 1996 election, former Keating Minister Robert Tickner is now helping others find work.

Media: Reality Check
Aiden White, head of the international journalists' union, argues that online journalism presents a new set of challenges for organising.

Economics: In the Same Boat
In an unprecedented move, a coalition of industry, community and trade union groups have joined forces to address long-trerm unemployment.

International: Nepalese Hotel Workers Ask for Support
Hotel workers in the small Himalayan nation of Nepal have finally decided to vent their anger and call a general strike for Monday - over a 21 year old dispute.

Unions: Speaking in Tongues
Labor Council's Mark Morey outlines the successful campaign by local government workers for a community language allowance.

History: Fighting Words
The anti-conscription campaign of 1914-18 tore the ALP apart; but this was not the first time the labour movement took a militantly anti-war stance.

Politics: A New Socialism
In an extract from his new book, political economist Frank Stilwell argues the need for a new radicalism to counter the Third Way

Satire: Roy Slaven on the Rampage
John Doyle's history of the ABC stretches back to a 1958 evening in Lithgow on which he was "scared shitless" by Blackboard on Mr Squiggle.

Review: Mauled in the Bear Pit
Vengeance may be sweet but it is always made better when you are able to write a book about yourself that also provides the opportunity to dump a bucket load on those who undertook your removal.

» Vale Cliff Dolan: A Lifelong Commitment

» Bussies Buck Up Over Lane Cheats

» Tassie Brings Home the Bacon on Call Centres

» Howard Sinks Merchant Navy

» Rural Line Drawn on Telstra

» Don't Rain on our Family Picnic Day

» ACTU Living Wage Case Begins

» National Action Hits Manufacturing Sector

» TWU Calls For Mayor to be Charged

» Workers Blow Whistle on Secret Melbourne IT Sell-Off

» Help Us Win a Gong!

» Reith Sacked Over Telecard Affair

» 2001: A Tipster's Odyssey