System doesn't care about workers

September 10, 2015
Issue 
A community rally on August 7 to support workers in the Hutchison wharf dispute.

If it wasn't painfully obvious before it should now be crystal clear now that there is no such thing as company loyalty. Loyalty from companies that is.

ABC’s 4 Corners revealed last week that convenience store chain 7-Eleven was engaged in a wide-scale rip off of its workers by paying them below award wages, and in some cases below the minimum wage. It seems employees are fair game for the rapacious nature of capitalism.

Another recent example of the callous conduct of companies under capitalism is Hutchison Ports, where there is an ongoing dispute between the union and company after workers were sacked by text message.

While it is possible that there are companies that do not rip off their customers or employees, they are increasingly the exception rather than the norm.

That the system cannot be maintained without the widespread exploitation of workers and the environment shows how corrupt and moribund it has become.

Green Left Weekly is proudly part of the struggle for workers’ rights and for a socially just society. We consistently provide coverage of grassroots and union campaigns. We don’t just report, we are part of the struggles, protests and picket lines.

At a time when workers’ rights are under attack, such as the politically charged royal commission into construction unions, and with even more cuts to social services looming, more than ever we need a voice to challenge the status quo and speak for the 99% against the public relations and mass media machines of the corporations.

But we can't do this alone! Green Left needs your support to keep up its coverage of the movements for social justice.

You can help us continue this vital work by donating to the GLW fighting fund on the toll-free line at 1800 634 206 (within Australia). Donations can also be made to Green Left Weekly, Commonwealth Bank, BSB 062-006, Account no. 00901992. Otherwise you can send a cheque or money order to PO Box 394, Broadway NSW 2007.

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