News briefs

HOBART — Incat management has agreed to some of the demands put by unions following industrial action in support of a 5% wage rise and a 38-hour week.

Following the lead of 20 electricians who took strike action the previous week, 100 workers walked off the job for two days on January 20-21.

Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union organiser Nicole Wells told the Mercury that electricians at ship-building company Incat earn $18.50 per hour compared to $20.76 elsewhere. "That amounts to about $80 to $100 a week less than they would earn elsewhere."

At a meeting on January 28, workers were told that Incat had agreed to the 38-hour work week but only a 3% pay rise. Workers accepted the recommendation of Australian Manufacturing Workers Union acting state president Darren Hanisch that industrial action be suspended while negotiations continue with the company. Incat workers will meet again on February 4.

Alex Bainbridge

Film raises funds for political prisoners

SYDNEY — On January 28, a fundraiser screening of Kilometer Zero, based on footage from the anti-WTO protests in Mexico in September 2003, raised money for political prisoners arrested during May 2004 protests in Guadalajara, Mexico. The film will be shown again on February 11 at the Screening Room, 14-16 Meagher St, Chippendale.

Fred Fuentes

From Green Left Weekly, February 2, 2005.

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From GLW issue 613