Sydney has long endured right-wing shock jocks taking cash for comment from corporate sponsors, but a new radio program is providing a refreshing change with a focus on working families, strong communities and industrial rights.
Workers Radio Sydney, launched by Unions NSW secretary John Robertson in August 2005 in response to the Howard government's reactionary new workplace laws, has built a devoted audience of socially aware people concerned about rights at work.
The program has broadcast the latest information about mistreated workers, community protests and local Your Rights at Work groups. It has supported sacked meatworkers, underpaid cleaners, exploited guest workers, striking store workers and asbestos victims, and fought to prevent cuts to public services, health, education and the ailing public transport system.
In 2007 the program is taking a new leap, and will begin podcasting stories on the internet to allow workers to listen in whenever and wherever they are.
Presenter Craig Bulley spends his time chasing the latest stories impacting on working people, many of which get ignored by the mainstream press, and joins them all together with an eclectic mix of music to cover the audience, which has an estimated listening age range of 15 to 85.
"We have a diverse and growing group of listeners whose only common link is a shared concern for the treatment of workers and a desire to work together to make the world a better place," he said.
"The thing about our audience is that they don't just listen to the stories, they turn up at pickets, they call and email bad bosses, and their support actually gives the show some real bite."
Workers Radio is different to commercial radio programs. It is funded by donations from individual supporters, community clubs, legal firms, super funds, educational providers and trade unions. Most importantly it doesn't accept corporate advertising.
"This show is about highlighting the power that people taking direct action have in making their workplaces, and the world, a fairer, safer, and more sustainable place," said Bulley.
"There is a growing realisation that working rights are human rights, and that the attacks on the rights of working families by big business and conservative government that we are facing are happening to millions of people around the world."
Workers Radio provides a voice for working people to tell our stories. It provides an avenue to talk about workplace issues, legal rights and entitlements, health and safety and industrial relations laws. It promotes debate on broader issues affecting Australians, including the environment and the provision of community services. If you have a story contact Craig on 0431 392 160 or
[Workers Radio Sydney broadcasts on 88.9FM between 6am and 9am Monday to Friday. To listen online, get more info or become a member, visit