
Issue No 87		10 March 2001

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Letters to the Editor

Still the Same

When I started working some 29 years ago those of us on "good" wages laughed at mates doing apprenticeships on 1st year rates. Once qualified they were the ones on higher wages. First year wages for many apprentices today is approximately $5.60 per hour before tax. Many 1st year apprentices today are in their 20's.

Many would not last as the extra cost of working places a big dint in their pay. An amount little more than the dole. Technology has affected all industries and todays kids are leaving school later. When I raised this at work while discussing the loss of another apprentice I was told it was none of my business as they come through an agency and then threatened with contracting out. Its reasuring to see somethings never change, bosses.

David Massey

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Issue 87 contents

Interview: Working Woman
Cheryl Kernot on women in the workplace, Labor's male culture and where Meg went wrong.

Activists: Honouring Our Heroes
Anna Stewart changed the lives of Australian working families by helping women achieve balance between the competing demands of work and family.

Women: The Future is Female
Julia Gillard outlines the campaign to increase female representation within the Australian Labor Party.

Unions: Sweatshops � Beyond 2001
FairWear convenor Debbie Carstens looks over a unique partnership between churches and unions to end exploitation in the textile industry.

Politics: The Battle for Bennelong
Many trade unionists are working to kick John Howard out of office. But only one woman has a chance of kicking him out of his own seat. Meet Nicole Campbell.

International: Border Skirmishes
Alana Kerr travelled to Thailand to observe first hand the battle to organise Burmese women workers in exile.

History: Inside the Ladies Lounge
The McDonald sisters run Trades Hall, and have for over half a century. The building can�t speak about what has gone on in that time, but Lorna and Elaine probably know it all.

Satire: Taliban to Put One Nation Last
The Parliamentary fate of Pauline Hanson�s One Nation party was further obscured today as key fellow right-wing extremists moved to distance themselves from the controversial Queensland politician and the group she founded and leads.

Review: Seven Steps to Slavation
Jenny Macklin details the seven barriers that stand between women and a better working life.

» Sweat Stains the Great Aussie Cossie

» Chinks Emerge in Carr�s Call Centre Stonewall

» Telstra Called on Part-Time Work

» ACTU Pushes for Reasonable Hours

» Ruddock Faces Legal Action Over Working Visas

» National Textiles Revisited: More Workers Dumped

» New on the Menu: Home Delivery AWAs

» Pay Equity Case Up And Running

» Child Care OH&S 'a Time Bomb'

» New Precedent for Workers with Print Disabilities

» Australian Shippers Promote Slavery

» Ambos Tried Without a Jury

» Unions Cautious Over New Insurance Deal

» Fears Over Future of Unfair Contracts

» APESMA Launches Professional Women�s Network Directory

» Women�s Gateway Launched

» EMILY's List Raises Flag for Women Candidates

» Web Pioneer Goes Global

» Public Education Day on March 15

» Activists Notebook

» The Soapbox

» The Locker Room

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» Viva La Shane!

» Still the Same

» Sydney Council Tip of Iceberg

» New Battle Grounds

» Patricks Footnote

» The Ripple Effect

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