Write on

November 20, 1991
Issue 

Jobs and productivity

It is rather hypocritical of the ACTU to call on the federal government to act to relieve the unemployment situation and then to collaborate with the employers and the IRC to introduce enterprise bargaining.

Enterprise bargaining opens the door to sweatshops and reduced working conditions and is based on rewards for increased productivity. A large part of the unemployment that we now have is structural unemployment and is a direct consequence of improved technology and increased productivity.

Further increases in productivity ensure more structural unemployment. A typical example is the much praised waterfront reform, where the labour force has been cut in half by enticing some workers to accept high redundancy pay-outs as a reward.

The reward for those who would have normally filled those redundant positions, which will now not be available, is the unemployment queue.
C.M. Friel
Alawa NT

Remembrance Day

Will it be forgotten — Remembrance Day — Sydney '91

The 11th of November is a special day marking the signing of a peace treaty in 1918, at the end of the "War To End All Wars".

Just one minute is taken to remember, and pay homage to, the fallen, and the blood spilt in man's struggle for freedom.

I am an Australian, and wish to maintain my pride, and I have faith:
I pray for mankind, and his nature
I pray for his people not free,
I prayed in the shade, this Remembrance,
of a bloody giant, plastic christmas tree.
And this was the day they gave Gough the flick
and the day that Ned Kelly was hung,
The day, that for our fallen heroes,
for one minute, their songs are sung.
And to you, dear sir, I say "such is life"
and ask at whom is this message aimed
and my tears flow, ever so freely —
for the pool of remembrance
is drained.
R.J. Symonds
Armidale

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.