
Issue No 93		27 April 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Government Ignites Industrial Blaze

The Carr Government has taken legal action to force fire-fighters to call off their bans on risking lives to save commercial property.

The bans were imposed last week by members of the fire Brigade Employees' Union in response to the government's workers compensation reforms and its ongoing dispute over death and disability payments.

Firefighters employed since 1985 receive substandard protection if they are injured at work - less comprehensive than the protection state politicians have awarded themselves.

While the NSW Industrial relations Commission has ordered the firefighters to lift their bans, the workers are standing firm, stating that the bans relate to safety measures.

Addressing Labor Council, FBEU state secretary Chris Read said he expected the union would need to escalate the dispute over the next few weeks and has called on all Labor Council affiliates for their support.

Former NSW industrial relations minister Jeff Shaw also copped a serve from the Fire Brigade Union for taking the brief to seek the orders.

"I don't like to play the man, but we were very disturbed to see Jeff Shaw representing the government in this matter", Read said.

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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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» 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