News briefs 1

1

Labor uses Howard's anti-worker laws

MELBOURNE — The Victorian state council of the Ambulance Employees Association voted on August 11 for paramedics' work bans to remain suspended while conciliation talks with the government continued.

AEA state secretary Rod Morris told Green Left Weekly that the union would "fight the premier and the Labor government politically", not industrially, adding that the "draconian laws of Howard and Reith are being used by a Labor government". He accused the ALP of "attacking their support base".

The paramedics are demanding a 12% pay increase over three years, a recognition of increased skill levels in the industry and increased staffing. According to Morris, the main issue is the need for more paramedics. Currently they work 10-hour day shifts and 14-hour night shifts. Compulsory overtime leads to night shifts of up to 20 hours, endangering public safety as well as paramedics' health. "People need rest. It's high intensity work", Morris said.

Tony Iltis

Iraq benefit gig

NEWCASTLE — One-hundred people attended an anti-war benefit gig organised by the Newcastle No War Collective at the Salarium Bar on July 30. A range of local progressive bands and performers took part, including Panic, Grandmaster Monk, Liesel Rickarby, Red Deer White Wolf and The Coalition of the Swinging.

The $250 raised on the night will be donated to the Iraqi Red Crescent and the Unemployed Workers Union of Iraq.

Gig organiser and No War Collective activist Damian Rake told Green Left Weekly that it was important for activists in Australia to show concrete solidarity with workers and progressive organisations in Iraq. He added that the best possible solidarity we could provide would be to build a mass anti-war movement strong enough to force our government to bring all the occupying Australian troops home and let the Iraqi people determine their own affairs.

Simon Butler

From Green Left Weekly, August 18, 2004.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 594