There is no doubt that Howard, and the corporate interests he represents, have suffered early public relations setbacks in the industrial relations (IR) debate. A successful ACTU advertising campaign coupled with good turnouts at rallies and all union delegates meetings seem to have caught the Federal Government slightly off guard.
By Erinn Sales, UNITE Melbourne
With the release of the details of the Howard governments Industrial Relations ‘blue print’ it is undeniably clear that this is the most brutal attack on workers in Australia since federation.
The proposals are aimed, not at creating jobs and a “fair” workplace or one of “choice”, but at smashing the unions and placing in the hands of the bosses, total and absolute power over the working class.
By Antony Alder, UNITE Melbourne
In recent days John Howard has announced that even apprentices and trainees will not be exempt from the attacks on workers through his new industrial relations laws.
By Anthony Main, UNITE Melbourne
Recently many union members, especially in the manufacturing sector, have raised concerns about employers engaging in dodgy apprenticeship schemes. The schemes allow bosses to employ new or existing employees as apprentices or trainees, and receive thousands of dollars in both federal and state government funding.
By Anthony Main, AMWU member and UNITE Organiser
Manufacturing workers at Kozma Industries in Melbourne’s northern suburbs have returned to work after picketing their workplace for 4 days. The picket was set up at 7am Friday morning after the boss had told the workers that he was planning to close the factory at the end of the year.
By Anthony Main, AMWU member and UNITE Organiser
UNITE is organising an all ages gig to be held in Melbourne on Saturday September 17th, the first day of the school holidays. The details are 12 – 6pm at the old BLF Building 8 Orr St Carlton. Live bands include – The Arch Rivals, Left Hand Cuts Right, Crisis, The Urviles and Forthcoming. There will also be political stalls, info and speeches.$5 entry. Get active and make your vioce heard! For more information contact UNITE on 93281555