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Unionists debate Pilbara dispute

By James Vassilopoulos CANBERRA — Supporters of workers' rights discussed the implications of BHP's attempt to force their Pilbara work force into individual contracts at a Green Left Weekly forum here on February 16. Trevor Zeltner, the

Deckhands fight for jobs

Deckhands fight for jobs By Robert Darcy SYDNEY — Two hundred tugboat deckhands and their supporters gathered at Circular Quay on February 17 to protest efforts by Adsteam, the country's largest tugboat operator, to cut crew numbers from four

CFMEU delegate bashed

By Michael Bull MELBOURNE — Building unions' campaign for a 36-hour week and a 24% pay rise entered a dangerous new phase on February 16, when union job delegate Colin Reddie was bashed outside his workplace. Reddie, a member of the Construction,

Ruddock, Court threaten detainees

Ruddock, Court threaten detainees By Sean Healy Immigration minister Philip Ruddock took time out of his busy schedule on February 14 to personally warn asylum seekers at the Curtin air base in WA that if they make trouble again, they will all be

GST: bad for all, worse for women

By Bea Brear SYDNEY — On February 14, a small but vibrant rally was held outside the Liberal Party headquarters in Sydney to protest against the GST. The action, organised by the Cross-Campus Women's Network, aimed to highlight the

Life of Riley: Win with Winston

Win with Winston I would like to thank everyone who sent get well greetings to Winston — the vent figure who will one day be our own DIY prime minister. It has been an immense comfort to Winston and myself to know that so many of you have

Resistance news briefs

Students join Resistance Resistance held stalls at numerous university Orientation Weeks between February 14 and 18. Twenty people joined Resistance at the University of Newcastle. Western Sydney Resistance joined 10 people at the University of

Mardi Gras launched

Mardi Gras launched By Jen Crothers SYDNEY — The annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was launched on the steps of the Opera House on February 11. After a colourful dance piece which made a dig at the Olympics, hosts Julie McCrossin and

UN demands delay Khmer Rouge trials

By Allen Myers PHNOM PENH — The Cambodian government is now awaiting the arrival of a team of United Nations legal experts to continue discussions on UN participation in a trial of former leaders of the Khmer Rouge (KR). This follows a "positive"

National forum series

Marxism: outdated theory or guide to revolution? Growing inequality and hunger worldwide, sexism, racism and environmental destruction explode the lie that the 21st century heralds a new capitalist era of peace and prosperity. Worsening living

Opposition grows to CPSU centralisation

Opposition grows to CPSU centralisation By Stuart Martin CANBERRA — Opposition is growing inside the Community and Public Sector Union to attempts by the union's leaders to centralise control over membership services, publications and finances

Pressure mounts to abolish mandatory sentencing

Pressure mounts to abolish mandatory sentencing By Jo Ellis DARWIN — The death in custody of a 15-year-old Aboriginal youth on February 10 has increased calls for the abolition of mandatory sentencing laws in the Northern Territory and Western