Workers Issues & Industrial Relations

The Waterfront

by Maria Oblati

.Hi readers. Lately I've been hearing a lot about the problems at our Wharves. I think that Waterfront employer, Patrick Stevedore, is wrong to hire non-Union workers and Union leader, Mr Joh Coombs of the Maritime Union of Australia, has every right to protest about it.

In my opinion, this problem should not only concern the warfies, but everyone. this government wants to get rid of the Union and if they suceed in getting rid of the Union on the wharves, what,s there to stop them from getting rid of the Unions in every other work places? If that happenes, the bosses will be able to abuse the workers' rights. Workers everywhere may even lose their rights eventually. Who will they be able to turn to for help? Who will fight for their rights? This is something we all should be comcerned about.

I'll be very interested in what your opinion is about this issue, so drop me a line or two.

Contact Maria Oblati at moblati@hotmail.com