Mailbag

Howard's Australia: Fear & Loathing

Big business has wasted no time in urging its members to take full advantage of the sweeping anti-working class industrial relations laws. These laws will significantly shift the power relationship between employees and employers in favour of the latter. Maybe if the pain was shared equally it might soften the blow. But some groups are untouchable and exempt like politicians, media barons, corporations, employers, and the business councils of Australia who are the real bosses of the John Howard Government. Australia's wealthiest 10 per cent own 50 per cent of the national wealth and the new IR laws will see an even more dramatic financial improvement for these untouchables.

Meanwhile, we have IR law reform that will bring our standard of living and wages down so we can try to compete against the cheap imports from China and India. The pieces of silver will be taken from mainstream workers and distributed to the wealthy. And after all that we will have more tax deductions for the wealthy while the average member of society suffers as a result of their smaller wage packets, due to the industrial relations reforms. This is truly a Robin Hood society in reverse where the rich rob the poor.

The USA provides experience of what to expect from the new IR laws. In 1945 American workers were granted two weeks annual leave. They still have two weeks annual leave, with conditions. America's fixed minimum wage of $5.15 an hour has not risen in the last eight years.

The big question now must be asked of Australia's working class swinging voters, facetiously know as Howard's Battlers.

Will they now, one by one, be prepared to hand back what 100 years of collective union bargaining has delivered them in the way of fixed minimum wages, penalty rates, holiday loading, improved sick pay and holiday pay, redundancy payments, long service, 35 hour week, and unfair dismissal laws.

The Howard Liberal Government grows in arrogance and deception by the minute: A total lack of social conscience, the illegal war on Iraq, wholesale attacks on employee's rights, removal of civil freedoms in the name of war on terror, the sale of public assets and attacks on fees for tertiary student associations.

So, welcome to the product of this Federal Government - a distorted world of fear and loathing.

Peter Mackerras

Newcastle Branch

Retired MUA member

History Repeated

In 1776 Adam Smith, the father of English political economy wrote:"Whenever the legislature attempts to regulate the difference between masters and their workmen, its counsellors are always the masters"

The Australian industrial relations system is be reconstructed in a way that wage earners will be defenceless against the attack on wages, working conditions, health and safety issues and family values. The central device is to be the individual contract, the so called "Australian Workplace Agreement" For working people this will be a disaster.

Throughout the 18th century, wage-bargains were mainly individual bargains between employer and employed. In January 1891 Queensland shearers, supported by Australian Labour Federation, called a strike against the squatter-colonial Queensland Government imposing individual contracts to break the shearing industry's "Rate per 100 sheep shorn collective agreement". NSW shearers and Broken Hill mine workers conducted long strikes over the same issue.

Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, the 1920's saw the introduction of a "wages system of individual contracts and collective agreements" aimed to control wages so as to accumulate capital to fund industrialisation of the first "five year plan".

Individual contracts as a national IR system appeared in Nazi Germany after Hitler gained power in 1933. One of the objectives was "To make profits without interference from labour."

In Australia individual contracts (AWA's) were put forward as Coalition policy in the 1996 election campaign without any public discussion. This, with the removal of unfair dismissal laws, became the centrepiece of John Howard's "new futuristic" IR laws.

Historically the individual contract's only purpose has been to hold down or cut wages and working conditions. The lie that the government supports minimum wage workers getting higher wages is exposed by the Howard Government's opposition every minimum increase since 1996. The minimum wage would be $50.00 a week lower now if their submissions had prevailed.

The objective pf the planned IR changes demanded by elite employer groups such as the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to over time, particularly in a recession, to force down costs, wages and conditions, and transfer that money into corporation profits.

Following Federation in 1901 a system of arbitration and conciliation awards and collective agreements by negotiation ended the dog-eat-dog individual contract system. Trade unions have made significant contributions to the buildings of our present employment conditions, wages and general standard of living, health, education, welfare and culture.

Let's return to Adam Smith's words. In 18th century individual rich men were the counsellors of government. Now corporations span the world. We have elected public government, but the corporations now function as our unelected economic governments. These UEGs demand cheap resources, infrastructure, low taxes, lower wages and living standards to guarantee high corporate profits.

Our government has decided to meet the challenges of the future of our nation by trying to resurrect the past. We have to develop workable programs for the future as our fore-fathers and mothers did.

What contribution can you make?

Bill Timms

Life Member

Townsville

Industrial Bastardry

The MUA member's on board the Griffin Venture would like to pass on to the Boeing workers and their families fraternal greetings in the struggle against this blatant act of industrial bastardry being imposed by BOEING.

Comrades, as members of the Maritime Union of Australia, we are well aware of what these corporate swine will stoop to in trying to suppress the working class; you would be very well aware of our own struggle in '98 with Patrick and the Howard Government.

We pledge our total solidarity with you and your families to make sure that you walk back through the gates of Boeing, because at the end of the day United we stand Divided we beg, and there are certainly no beggars in Williamtown.

We also pledge that any moral or financial support required in defeating this act of treason against you will be given, because these attacks are only the beginning of what these parasites in Canberra have installed for all working men and women in our country, regardless if they are in a union or not.

So Comrades, remember that mighty catchcry 'MUA here to stay'. And so are our Boeing comrades.

Yours Fraternally

MUA Members

Griffin Venture

Hypocrites

I write to express anger and resentment towards John Howard and Kevin Andrews. History will immortalise these individuals as religious hypocrites, unworthy of redemption.

As a federal Labor candidate at the last election I do not recall Mr Howard, Warren Truss or Kevin Andrews announce policy to reform the Australian industrial relations system. They should have been honest about intended industrial relations legislation.

Wide Bay has a vast majority of employees working below the award wage and under Australian Workplace Agreements.

The parable concerning fair wages can be found in St Paul's appeal on behalf of Onesimus and is confirmed by a statement from Leo XIII (Rerum Novarum) and is as follows: "Workers are not to be treated as slaves; justice demands that the dignity of human personality be respected in them, ennobled as it has been through what we call the Christian character, it is shameful and inhumane to use men as things for gain and to put no more value on them than what they are worth in muscle and energy."

John Paul II re-affirmed this, saying, "We must first of all recall a principle that has always been taught by the Church: the principle of the priority of labour over capital." (Laborem Exercens)

One thing is of a certainty - Mr. Howard and his government will feel the same unemployment and betrayal that they have inflicted upon Australian workers and their families at the next election.

Sincerely

Sean Michael Ambrose

Hi Jets & High Promises

On the Helix, as on other product and crude tankers, we have hi-jets all over the deck to release inert gas pressure from the cargo tanks. The vapours released contain extremely harmful concentrations of various cancer causing agents. On most ships the hi-jets are well above the deck and catwalk level to minimise the chances of anyone coming into contact with them. The hi-jets on the Helix are a little over head height from the deck so we routinely breathe the vapours in.

Over the past 19 months we have asked the company to investigate raising the hi-jets. All they have come back to us with is that hi-jets are at the required regulatory level. Nothing has been done, despite a perfect opportunity when the ship laid up in Singapore in July Lots of work was done but as far as our safety is concerned - well that didn't seem important to them. This is despite one of the company managers last year telling us the vapours could cause cancer and should not be inhaled.

Now to add insult to injury one of our ship mates is being followed around with a video camera by company spies to try and catch him out doing something he shouldn't do so they don't have to pay for him to have a shoulder operation from an injury he sustained onboard loading stores. The poor bloke has had to sell his house because they have taken him off wages.

The captains onboard always listen to our concerns and do everything in their power to help us out and the safety culture on board is really good. But when our safety concerns leave the ship and go ashore, it seems the company prefers to pay for lawyers to dance around avoiding liability for our comrades' injuries than fix safety problems onboard.

We are always reminded how important safety is to the company. Well fair enough, but how about putting words into action and fixing things when we bring them to your attention; and when something does happen to one of our shipmates, doing the right thing and looking after them.

Yours in unity

MUA Crew on the Helix Matt Leach (8734), Rodney Downs (1437), Darren Connelly (5846), Laurence Murray (3467), Malcolm McDonnel (8627, Brain Reilly (17525), Stephen Presland (836), Muchael Corridon (8923), Roger Sanderson (40911)

Injured

In May 2001 I was injured in a workplace accident. Shortly afterwards I was sent home without pay. Eventually my employment was terminated, without the payment of annual leave and long service leave entitlements.

I would like to thank the Maritime Union of Australia for all their support over the last five years. Special thanks go to Sydney branch administration officer, Mr Jamie Midson and assistant branch secretary, Mr Glen Wood for all their support and hard work during what has been the toughest time of my life.

Thanks also to veteran unionist, Mr Bobby Galleghan for all his words of encouragement along the way.

I would also like to thank M.U.A lawyers, W G McNally & Co, especially my solicitor, Mr David Trainer and his legal team. I thoroughly recommend them to any M.U.A member in need of legal assistance.

In today's political climate it is imperative that we stick together and support our union, that's the only way the M.U.A can not only lead, but win the battles that lay ahead.

Once again I say thank you to the M.U.A staff and officials for everything they have done for me during a very tough time.

In Unity Is Strength

Warren Dom

Union number: 5506

Compassionate MUA

On behalf of Steve O'Shannessy and our children Kieran, Holly, Bridgid and Bonnie, I would like to applaud the MUA and its compassionate leaders and members. We have been surrounded and supported by this union since Stephen was assaulted on September 24 - grand final day. The generosity has been overwhelming and we have never felt alone during this traumatic time in our lives.

Thanks to the members, we have not needed to be concerned with everyday expenses since our lives have been forever changed. The leadership in Melbourne have been in constant contact with us. Many friends have made sure that what needs to be done is being done. We have a long journey ahead of us but it is so much more manageable due to the care, efforts and contributions of MUA members.

We are immensely proud of the MUA as the group who are walking closely beside us as we make sense of the tragedy and deal with the many implications of Steven's severely damaged brain and body.

Steven is currently in the Royal Talbot rehabilitation hospital in Kew. He's awaiting surgery to replace the skull flap removed earlier to help minimise brain damage. He's unable to see from his right eye and has compromised sight in his left.

Speaking, a great love of his, is limited to one or two words on some days, nothing on others. Bone growth in his left knee is impacting greatly on his mobility. Daily morphine assists the severe pain as the bone grows into his muscle tissue. Transferring from his bed to a wheelchair has begun to be a daily success for him. He has limited walking ability- but has managed to walk seven meters assisted by a frame. But Steven understands and can converse with us and visitors through sign language (invented by him).

We are unsure of his future but it is definite he will continue to need 24 hour care for many months, if not years, to come.

Words are inadequate to express the depth of appreciation that the children and I feel but at the moment they are all I can offer.

The MUA is a unique group which has demonstrated strong compassion, care and generosity for one of their members and his family. We will never forget what you have all done - THANK YOU.

MUA here to stay!

Yours in unity,

Shirley O'Shannessy

Deepest Thanks

Dear Paddy, Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for the tribute you dedicated to celebrate the life and passing of John. The format and deliverance could not have been better orchestrated. JB would have been proud.

To Bill Bodenham, words fail me.

Bill was my pillar of strength from the moment John died. Both Bill and Daphne kept a close watch. Special thanks also to Jack and Ann Catly and Ken and Jutta Harvey who make sure I don't have too much idle time.

To all MUA members, branches and all associated with the union who sent cards, messages and floral tributes (many without return addresses) my deepest thanks, These expressions of sympathy have kept me "on course" during a very sad and difficult period.

Again my sincere thanks.

Yours in peace and unity

Elaine Brennan

Kids Party

A big thank you to Les Nilsson for organising a very successful day out for both our kids and parents who attended.This is the second year that my brother Max and I have been by bus to Sydney to Luna Park with the Boss (Les) and it was great fun.

Looking forward to next year.

Cameron & Max Brady

Warners Bay NSW

Hunted and Crushed

Lisle Quintal and I travelled to Canberra to attend a protest at the Iranian Embassy on February 15 demanding the release of political prisoners in Iranian jails.

As we walked towards the protesters you could see the delight on their faces that the MUA was there in support of their cause. One lady informed me that the reason for being there cut deeper and that a group of bus drivers were recently jailed in Iran. She also informed me that after the Iran/Iraq war there was a surplus of people that the Government were fearful would start a political movement for basic human rights. These 1000 or so ex soldiers and their families were either shot or imprisoned and anyone with a different view or belief was hunted and crushed.

Since then this brutality has continued to the present day with thousands of people killed or imprisoned.

As other groups arrived (CFMEU, TWU etc) the protest gathered momentum with a representative of the Iranian Workers Union demanding that the people in Iran be freed before Iranian demonstrators began a protest chant in their native tongue that went for a good half hour.

Then all the reps from the different unions spoke including Fred Krausert, President MUA Veterans and MUSAA Newcastle and Robert Coombs, Sydney Branch secretary, who spoke on the terrible oppression in Iran and demanded the release of political prisoners.

Mick Watts

Port Kembla

Hope

Once there was an army of soldiers staunch and true

Who stuck together brave and strong through all and any blue

A force then to be reckoned with which stood for what was right

To sweat the heat and bleed the blood when e'er there was a fight

Once there was a choir of voices loud and pure

In unison and harmony they sang with bold allure

And all around who harkened to its melody did sing

Of hope and understanding, peace and justice for to bring

Once there was a graceful dove that soared the endless sky

With open wings it welcomed all the children that did cry

For never did it want to see such sorrow on the land

Or yield to stormy weather just perish in the sand

Once there was an axe man who felled a mighty tree

Just for sake of oneness and selfish scenery

But as he eyed the vista with dollars clenched in fist

There sprout a young green sapling a new growth to resist

So spread our wings ye faithful crew who care for all that's fair

Let's sing our song for all to hear and echo through the air

And dare the evil enemy that threatens me and you

To become the mighty unions the ones that once we knew!

Warren J Reid

Brisbane Wharfie,

Patrick Maritime

Union No. 5015031

Liverpool Dockers

Dear Sisters, Brothers and Comrades, On behalf of the sacked Liverpool Dockworkers and The Initiative Factory, we would like to send sincere thanks to Paddy and all at the MUA for the wonderful experience you gave us during our recent trip to Australia.

Your hospitality was second to none and we will never forget the welcome we received when we visited the port.

At a time of sweeping globalisation nd liberalisation the MUA must be congratulated in maintaining an active and progressive movement for dockers and seafarers as well as its international commitment to workers the world over.

It really was refreshing to sit at a meeting and see a union representing the real needs of its members. It was also a great privilege to be made honorary members of the MUA Veterans Association. The news of the death of Bill Bodenham was a devastating blow, as his contribution to the cause of the sacked Liverpool Dockworkers is something to remember and we will wear the badges that he and Harry gave us with pride.

The last day of our stay was also very special to us, marching through the streets of Sydney with the Australian trade union movement opposing the anti trade union laws, made the hairs on the back of our necks stand up with pride. Surely with that type of mass support, Howard and the conservatives are not going to win this battle.

There are so many good friends and comrades that we need to thank it's difficult to know where to start; everyone made us proud to be part of the MUA family and with its wonderful officers, staff and members the whole of the International Labour and Trade Union movement can be assured that 'The MUA Really Is Here To Stay'

Peace and Solidarity,

Mickey & Sylvia Tighe

Terry & Margaret Southers.