
Issue No 93		27 April 2001

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Letters to the Editor

Compo Shame

Dear Editor,

I am not a current member of a trade union although I have been in the past and I have always been a staunch Labor Party voter. The workers' compensation legislation amendments that are before Parliament currently make me shudder. It seems to me that these amendments make Margaret Thatcher's right wing views pale into insignificance. How can it be that a labor party could promote such a stance? While I commend the unions who have taken action so far, I strongly believe that the only action that this arrogant Government will take notice of will be a general strike, even if that means a prolonged period? I, for one, will never vote Labor again if this legislation is approved. In fact, if my local member is not prepared to cross the floor to oppose these amendments in toto, I will actively campaign against her.

These amendments are anti-worker and they should be opposed at all costs.

Doreen Hanlon

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Issue 93 contents

Corporate: The Jobs Myth
Access Economics' Chris Richardson debunks employer claims that increased workers compensation premiums have a dramatic impact on jobs.

Interview: The Workers� Voice
When trade union stalwart Ian West took a seat in the NSW Upper House he was determined to be more than a bench-warmer. Then the Workers Comp legislation hit.

Unions: Postcard from the Pilbara
In the face of unprecedented pressure, BHP workers in the Pilbara are standing together and refusing to sign individual cotnracts.

Economics: Currency Unification: Dollarize or Die?
Dick Bryan asks what happens to an economy when it gives up its domestic currency.

History: Instant History
In his address to the Australian Labour History Conference, the SMH's Brad Norington asks whether there is still time for history.

International: The End of an Era?
The post-Cold War era is over. Something different is developing to take its place. John Passant writes.

Media: The Battle for Aunty
The CPSU's Graeme Thompson ouitlines the campaign to save the ABC and this week's emergency share-holders' meeting.

Review: Share-Holder Nation
A legacy of government-backed privatisations, demutualisations and stockmarket hype over the past decade is the creation of a nation of shareholders.

Satire: SOS: Save the Investment Banker!
Spare a thought for those less fortunate With redundancies at investment banks around the globe looming, now is the time for us to show the world just how much we care. It's just not right.

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» Action Rolls On as Della�s List Fills Up

» Government Ignites Industrial Blaze

» Robbo Elected Unopposed

» Women Casuals Victimised by Abbott

» Scientists Oppose Quantum Leap

» Victimised Mineworkers Confront Rio Tinto Board

» Queenslanders Call for End to Employer Theft

» Inflation Destroys Howard�s Living Wage Ploy

» Commitment to Schizophrenia Research

» Activists Notebook: Workers of the World Unite

» ANZAC Special : Hundred Not Out