MIKE BAILEY + Your Rights at Work Campaign News
Conveners
Dear Supporter,
Last night our group hosted Mr Mike Bailey, former ABC Weatherman/
Journalist, in his role as the new North Sydney Federal Election
candidate for the Labor Party.
We had a great turnout of about 60 people from all different areas of
the community.
We were all very impressed with Mike's support to the Your Rights at
Work Campaign, in the North Sydney electorate, and across the
country.
Speaking on Industrial Relations, Mike said there needs to be a
"decent starting point"
for working families, and that the union movement is a vital part of
creating a fair balance in the
workplace. Mike emphasised that the Your Rights at Work campaign is
chiefly about protecting our rights in the workplace, for now as
well as future generations. Mike also noted Australia's lack of
respect to International Labour standards (under the ILO) seen under
Howard's 'Workchoices' laws - especially with the restrictions on
collective
bargaining. Mike said that collective bargaining is paramount in
creating a fair Industrial
Relations regime and that the right to collectively bargain is at the
forefront of Labor's alternative policy - 'Forward with Fairness'.
Mike Bailey also said that fairness and flexibility can work hand in
hand.
Mike spoke about other important issues besides Industrial Relations/
Workchoices: Health (particularly dental care); Education and
Training;
Indigenous issues, the need for high speed broadband, and of course
addressing the climate change crisis. Given Mike Bailey's vast media
experience, it was interesting to hear his take on how certain things
are underreported in the media and certain things are
sensationalised!
Mike explained how his party has a vision for creating a more
compassionate society.
Alison Peters, Deputy Assistant Secretary from Unions NSW (the peak
body of Unions for NSW) spoke about the YR@W campaign - in
particularly the new campaign website www.nswrightsatwork.com.au where
people can get invovled more with local groups like ours, join in bus
the YR@W bus tours, buy merchandise and more.
Alison spoke about the petition campaign to the alternative Prime
Minister, Kevin Rudd, which is taking place in workplaces and the
community all across NSW, as part of the nationwide campaign.
We want our alternative government to know
that we we want laws in place that will restore the balance in the
workplace!
Thanks to everyone who attended and/or helped promote this sucessful
night.
Look out for coverage in tomorrow's 'Mosman Daily' and also the
Workforce e-bulletin!
We may see some of you at the North Sydney Markets, this Saturday.
Besides the markets there are plenty of other opportunities to get
involved - let us know what you can do!
Make sure you check out www.nswrightsatwork.com.au and download a
petition!
Julia Armitt, John Bailey, Adam Jacka
YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK - WORTH FIGHTING AND VOTING FOR
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