Amcor workers win
MELBOURNE — Workers at the three Melbourne plants of Amcor Packaging returned to work on July 6 after a successful 15-day strike against unsafe working conditions, compulsory redundancies and management arrogance.
The strike began after a worker in the Brooklyn plant lost a leg in an industrial accident. Workers at Box Hill went out over compulsory redundancies targeting people with disabilities and Workcover recipients.
The company has agreed to rescind the compulsory redundancies. The Brooklyn manager has been transferred and an occupational health and safety committee set up in the Brooklyn plant.
Tasmania to extend GE moratorium
HOBART — A Tasmanian parliamentary report released on July 11 has recommended a two-year extension of the current moratorium on genetically engineered crops.
Primary industries minister David Llewellyn defended the report on the grounds that there is not likely to be a strong market for GE crops in the next two years.
Most industry groups backed the report, with the exception of companies most directly associated with promoting GE technology.
Wharfies slam ALP
SYDNEY — A June 26 meeting of wharfies at P&O Ports White Bay unanimously adopted a motion calling on the Maritime Union of Australia to disaffiliate from the ALP over the state government's new legislation which guts workers' compensation.
The motion reads, "The ALP stands condemned by the workers at White Bay for implementing these disgraceful changes that will negatively impact upon our rights as workers. We demand that the MUA disaffiliate from the ALP immediately to protest this anti-worker act by the Labor government which is supported by their sister organisation the Liberal Party."
A similar motion was passed on June 27 at P&O's Port Botany container terminal.