The slogan “Your Rights at Work” is now part of Australia’s popular culture.
For example, trainers who run onto the field during 2007 National Rugby League finals wear “Your Rights at Work” T-shirts, their slogan viewed by millions.
BushTelegraph published the ALP’s industrial relations policy when it was released in May 2007.
In the lead up to the 2007 Federal election, unions are urging members to enrol to vote so they can vote against the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation.
At the same time Labor Party IR policy has changed – in the interest of employers – so much so that the Labor Party will not support ‘the right to strike’ or the ‘the right of entry’ into workplaces by unions.
Australian Council of Trade Union President, Sharan Burrows, has gone along with the ALP policy change and endorsed stickers indicating a stand that workers rights are no longer worth fighting for in the workplace but only worth voting for.
History of the “Your Rights at Work” Slogan:
Nov 2005: Your Rights At Work – Worth fighting for
Nov 2006: Your Rights At Work – Worth fighting and voting for
Sept 2007: Your Rights At Work – Worth voting for
The Accord
Many workers will remember the Labor government’s Accord in the 1980s. We know that it took away workers rights with little compensation.
September 2007 opinion polls indicate that workers are now waiting for the Labor Party to win the 2007
Federal election when it is held.
Workers want Howard gone – fair enough.
But after the election workers are doomed to start over again to defend our rights at work!
The reasons for this can be found in the book: After the Waterfront – the workers are quiet by the LeftPress Collective.
If you are interested in finding out more about the book, write to LeftPress at PO Box 5093, West End 4101 or email leftpress@optusnet.com.au
Ian Curr
September 2007
“labor opportunists
‘ave taken “U”
out of labour”
— Comrade Jim Sharp