Chris is a labour law researcher, specialising in China and the right to strike. He spent 27 years in the SA union movement. Chris now lives in Canberra. More →
Gillard’s OHS in trouble?
The recent tragic loss of life and house fires due to a deregulated labour market in the insulation industry and poor health and safety must not be repeated nationally.
But DPM Gillard is ruthlessly pushing ahead with her lower national OHS ‘harmonisation’ model approved December 2009, despite major union criticism (see earlier blogs).
One feature of [...]
ICT school research
Social networking provides new opportunities for learning
‘Information Communication technologies (ICT) including social networking and games provide new opportunities for education a review of research released today by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) argues.
But, according to Australian Education Review 56, the ‘off the shelf’ mentality which currently underpins the provision of computers in [...]
Venezuela struggle update
Venezuela’s Revolution Faces Crucial Battles
by Federico Fuentes
‘Decisive battles between the forces of revolution and counter-revolution
loom on the horizon in Venezuela.
The campaign for the September 26 National Assembly elections will be a
crucial battle between the supporters of socialist President Hugo Chavez
and the U.S.-backed right-wing opposition.
But these battles, part of the class struggle between the poor [...]
Democratic mixed economy
‘Movement for a Democratic Mixed Economy’ are a network of progressives in dialogue with each other – working to contest the dominant economic paradigm – and to promote an alternative which is democratic; involving mixed forms of ownership.
‘We believe there is a substantial role for the public sector. We accommodate many positions ranging from the [...]
Bastardy
In Canberra at the National Sound and Film Arc, I saw a remarkable film Bastardy, that is now to be shown this thursday on ABC 1.
There is a review in the Weekend Australian TV review.
A remarkable documentary about a remarkable aboriginal actor Jack Charles and his life and times. He was at [...]
Indian sacking
YOUNG INDIAN WORKER SACKED ON HONEYMOON
ManiMan sacked, ripped off and now facing deportation after going overseas to get married.
Mani Saravanan came to Australia on a controversial 457 visa to work as a fabricator for Haldilka Nominees Pty Ltd trading as Ironbark Fabrications in Moree. Mani was a hard worker with a spotless record, he [...]
IWD and Sudan women solidarity
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.
Each year on March 8th, people across the globe come together to honor women and to work for their safety and equality.
www.internationalwomensday.com.
Happy International Women’s Day 2010!
On International Women’s Day, this official minute from the [...]
Climate action conference Canberra
Our governments are not providing real climate solutions. Whether it is Rudd or Abbott’s plan or Copenhagen we deserve better.
This three-day conference in Canberra at the ANU March 13th to 15th 2010 will look at strategy, policy and actions for the grassroots climate movement.
There is a growing community movement in Australia that is building [...]
Oil rig workers
For almost two years the Australian oil rig workers – members of the MUA-AWU Offshore Alliance – have been trying to seal a union deal with an iconic Danish shipping giant Maersk. But Maersk refuses to talk to the union – and favours workers who are non-union.
Support the Australian union members now campaigning for [...]
News from LabourStart- Australia : Premier attempts to neutralise conflict with teachers ahead of Sunday protest
- Australia : LHMU warns hospital privatisation equals job cuts
- Australia : Motherhood wonderful, just not so super
- Australia : Aussie maritime workers back footy greats
- Australia : AMWU rallies to ensure jobs in battle against privatisation
