
Issue No 97		25 May 2001

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Impulse Bores Workers Into Submission

Workers of the failed airline Impulse are being directed to take annual leave or sit in a room and do nothing all day.

The edict from management at the Newcastle Reservation Centre comes as the workers wait for their call center to be installed with Qantas technology.

Workers were originally told to take annual leave, but when the union advised them that this was in breach of the Annual Leave Act, they were told to take the leave or attend work.

But those attending work have been told they have no work to do and cannot conduct any non-work activity - including reading or studying.

ASU clerical division state secretary Michael Want says this means workers are being forced to sit in a room and do nothing all day in an attempt to bore them into taking annual leave.

The ASU wants the workers who are attending work to be given training while the technology is upgraded.

Petition for Impulse Workers

Meanwhile, workers across the airline have called for public support in their battle to save the jobs of more than 200 colleagues sacked in the Qantas takeover.

These sackings occurred despite assurances that the Qantas-Impulse deal would save jobs.

Impulse CEO Gerry McGowan told ABC News Online on May 2 that the Impulse-Qantas deal was "in the right interest to ensure 1,000 direct and indirect personnel retain their jobs".

In the media statement announcing the deal, Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon said: "This agreement will secure over 1,000 jobs at Impulse. While the new arrangements could involve some transfers for a small number of Qantas staff, these staff will be offered ongoing employment with Qantas".

Former Impulse workers are circulating a petition calling on Qantas management to do the right thing and provide jobs for all Impulse staff. Former Impulse staff have received a great response from the public and circulated petitions in airports, workplaces and shopping centres.

download the petition at http://www.qld.asu.asn.au

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Issue 97 contents

Interview: The Big Bribe
ACTU president Sharan Burrow emerges from the Federal Budget lock-up to ask where is the Howard Government�s vision for the future?

Compo: Where To Now?
As the dust settles in the WorkCover war, we look at what's been achieved and what still needs to be resolved.

Unions: The Real Big Brother
Have you ever got the feeling someone is watching you? If you work in one of the 4000 Call Centres in Australia then you�re probably right.

International: The Not-So Shakey Isles
NZ Council of Trade Union secretary Paul Goulter looks at life for the workers under a Labour Government.

Corporate: BHP: The Bit Australian
The BHP Billiton merger was an act of corporate tyranny. And, as Zoe Reynolds report, humanity does not figure on a corporate balance sheet.

History: A Proud Tradition of Mediocrity
Budgets always generate hype and a media circus, especially in the lead up to elections. This one is no exception and the Coalition consistency in panic and lack of ideas is reassuring in its lack of ideas.

Review: Ideologically Sound
Mark Hebblewhite trawls through the CD rack to dispel the notion that there's no politics left in pop.

Satire: HIH Recovers Own Losses
The collapsed insurance company HIH has lodged a claim with another insurer to be reimbursed for its $4 billion loss.

» Spotlight on HIH�s WorkCover Link

» Construction Industry Faces Safety Crisis

» Statewide Strike Off But Della on Notice

» David and Goliath Battle at IBM

» Natasha�s Democrats Face Senate IR Test

» Howard Abandons Working Families

» City Councils Recognise Birth � Now for the Bush

» BHP Forced to Back Off Kembla AWAs

» Impulse Bores Workers Into Submission

» Coach Drivers Win Permanency

» Boss Pockets Compo Payment

» Union Wins Battle in AWA War

» Publicans Want to Reduce Bar Pay

» Abbott Agrees to Ban Asbestos

» Union Acts to Save Leichhardt Refuge

» Trade Union Choir Turns Ten

» Activists' Notebook

» The Soapbox

» The Locker Room

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» Thanks from Indonesia

» Hester Spot On

» Fuelling Voter Anger

» May Day - The Debate Continues

» Not a Chaser Fan

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