795

Vision Australia slashes more than 130 jobs

Vision Australia announced on May 6 that it will slash more than 130 jobs. This includes cutting 90 jobs in Victoria and the closing of three regional offices.

Queensland teachers to strike

On May 19, more than 37,000 state school teachers will stage a one-day strike against the Queensland government’s pay offer. The offer would keep Queensland’s teachers among the lowest paid in Australia.

Budget has no answers for young people

Labor delivered its budget on May 12 in the context of Australia’s slide into recession. With the economic crisis hitting hard, young people are one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Millions spent to persecute refugees

The federal government announced in its budget that $1.3 billion will be spent over six years “aimed at tackling people-smuggling and securing Australia’s borders”, the Australian reported on May 13.

No to the war games

Protesters will again travel to Rockhampton to oppose the Talisman Sabre war games between the US and Australian military machines over July 10-13 — estimated to cost well over $100 million.

Geothermal energy — hot promise, tepid response

“One hundred percent renewable energy in Australia by 2020!” That was the bold call endorsed by members of more than 150 climate action groups at the Climate Action Summit held in Canberra in January.

The end of Reconciliation Victoria

While federal and state governments focus on the need for state-based reconciliation groups to bring better understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, Reconciliation Victoria Incorporated (Rec Vic) will have to close in July due to a lack of funding.

New Zealand: Union wins gains for vulnerable workers

The Unite union is New Zealand’s newest trade union and one of its most dynamic.

Palestinian cause remembered

Palestinian supporters in Melbourne and Sydney rallied on March 15 to commemorate 61 years since the Palestinian Nakba — the day of the catastrophe.

Refusing to wave the flag of war

We Will Not Fight: The Untold Story of World War One’s Conscientious Objectors
By Will Ellsworth-Jones
Aurum Press, 2008
296 pp, $49.95 (hb)

Ireland: Visteon workers win deal

On May 3, Visteon workers occupying their west Belfast plant voted to end their 36-day sit-in protest, An Phoblacht said on May 7.

West Gate Bridge dispute ends

MELBOURNE— A 12-week industrial dispute involving workers on the West Gate Bridge strengthening project ended on May 16. Workers accepted an agreement between the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU), the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and construction company John Holland.