
Issue No 93		27 April 2001

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News

Budget Day Looms as Compo D-Day

Workers across the state have been placed on alert to make May 29, the day the Carr Government is due to hand down its Budget, a general day of action if substantial changes are not made to workers compensation proposals.

Delegates from across industry endorsed a resolution as the converged on the Sydney Opera House to pay their respects to deceased and injured colleagues, victims of workplace accidents.

Labor Council secretary Michael Costa moved the motion, restating that the protection of injured workers is a fundamental issue for the trade union movement.

The resolution reads:

"This meeting condemns the current workers compensation package and calls on the Carr Government to make substantial amendments to protect the rights of injured workers.

All union members in this State are to be placed on alert for May 29, the day State Parliament resumes.

This meeting authorizes the Labor Council's workers compensation campaign committee to take any industrial action necessary on that day to further their campaign."

Carr Gets the Small Print

Meanwhile, Harbour Bridge riggers have upped the ante in the workers compensation battle, unfurling the largest protest banner ever seen in Sydney.

The members of the Australian Workers Union took the action, despite the risk of disciplinary action, in support of the Labor Council's campaign against the Della Bosca laws.

Even as the banner was poised to be dropped, the workers were being pressured by management to remove it.

But unfurl it they did. The banner, carrying the simple message: 'Hands Off Workers Comp' - is likely to hang indefinitely from Sydney's number one tourist site, with the riggers the only workers qualified to bring it down.

The unfurling of the banner was a thrilling highlight to a somber occasion to mark the sixth International Day of Mourning for Deaths in the Workplace.

International Day of Mourning

The Sydney gathering was one of hundreds of events being held around the world to commemorate the day.

Hundreds of workplace delegates gathered at the Sydney Opera House to take part in an ecumenical service.

Hosted by members of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance employed at the Opera House, the ceremony included prayers by Catholic and Muslim clerics.

Actor Joy Smithers, retail worker Lara Jarzabk and bridge rigger Jim Sparahar also gave their personal accounts on the impact of workplace injuries on their lives.

The service concluded with a minute's silence in memory of victims of workplace accidents.

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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