
Issue No 93		27 April 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Give It a Shake, Lads!

The banner drop from the Harbour Bridge was the product of a clandestine operation by riggers on Sydney's greatest landmark.

The members of the Australian Workers Union voted to back the labour movement campaign against the Carr Government's workers compensation package.

Union good-guy Gavin Hillier worked with the riggers to drop the massive 270 kilo, 22 metre by 18.5 metre banner that will this weekend dominate postcards.

The riggers brought the banner in at 7.00am, securing it to the bridge, just north of the southern pilon. All was in place for the drop.

Bridge Delegate Harvey waited on his mobile for his signal. Just before take-off time management told the workers to remove the banner.

The workers stood firm - even as names were taken down - and the banener was dropped.

Like the Olympic flame there was a hiccup - the banner snagged halfway down. Disaster was in the making 'Give It a Shake, Boys!' Harvey cried and it continued its descent.

But it was not over, a couple of enthusiastic supporters of the Della Bosca package from the bosses' team took it upon themselves to cut the banner and remove it from the skyline.

The members convinced them that it would be better for productivity to keep the banner up.

It will now become a Sydney landmark - get down to the Harbour this weekend and admire the riggers' work.

The riggers have vowed to keep the banner up there "for as long as it takes".

They have our backing.

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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.

» Budget Day Looms as Compo D-Day

» Give It a Shake, Lads!

» World Spotlight on Asbestos Usage

» Compo Talks Begin in Earnest Monday

» 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