Stick Together

Two things have popped up that put a big question mark over the Liberal Party's capacity to understand fairness, transparency and the meaning of justice. The first happened during the election concerning the CFA the second happened when Liberal Philip Ruddock retired from parliament and was appointed Australia's Human Rights envoy to the United Nations.We cover these issues and give an update on the CUB dispute.

This week we go to the Unions for a response to the cliff hanger election Australia had to have at a federal level. Then we move to the CUB dispute where 54 skilled workers were fired and invited to reapply for their jobs at 65% of their present wages and with reduced conditions.

In the UK, Brexit has shattered the relative stability of ruling Conservative Party and led to the freefall in both the value of the pound and the stock market, while fascists and racists have been given a greenlight to attack foreigners and minorities. Former President of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, Alex Gordon explains the details behind brexit and a trade union response to it. Wil Stracke from VTHC joins us for a discussion on the trade union campaign for marriage equality in the lead up to federal election.

We will be covering three issues in this program. The aftermath of decision against the Coles agreement with SDA the retail union which put thousands of Coles workers out of pocket and a conditions deficit; the issue of unemployment and the Newstart payment that is now 40.2 percent of the national minium wage. And finally the stigma attached to being an older worker in a population which is growing older

La Trobe University academic Roz Ward was suspended with pay recently for allegely bringing the safe schools program she worked on into disrepute because of a personal message on facebook. Althought she has been reinstated questions about freedom of opinion and the University's ability to free itself from right wing lobbists is at question. Workers at Bidzer celebrate after a nine week picket over the introduction of a two tier employment system and changes to rosters without consultation. Australian ship building threatened by Federal Government policy.

Trade unionists, socialists and community activists face smears from the corporate right-wing press almost everyday, but these last few weeks have been particularly intense. We will talk with Sue Bolton, the Socialist Alliance Councillor for Moreland City Council, about the media backlash against herself and other rally organisers following the anti-racism rally on May 28th. We will also explore the ongoing industrial dispute between the State Government and the United Firefighters' Union and the role of the media and the coalition have played in dividing career and volunteer firefighters. Audio from the Firefighters Rally on Tuesday June 7th with Peter Marshall. Photo credit: T.E.W Photography

SDA/ Coles agreement fails boot test at the Fair Work Commission in the Hart v Coles case. ETU cry foul as Turnbull budget gives millions to employer groups to train Apprentices. The Women's Unit at the Victorian Trades Hall are running a Women's Conference on June 7.

In the last few weeks, stories of worker exploitation in fast-food and retail workers have been widespread. McDonalds and 7/11 workers are faced with wage-theft and rotten EBAs.  Josh Cullian, who recently helped to uncover the extent of wage unfairness among the McDonalds' workers joins us. We also speak with Luke Hilakari, the secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, about the plans for physical restoration of the history building and the recent updates of the campaigns.

NUW is uncovering the sham contractors who are collecting for big Charities.The Big Steps Case for equal pay for early childhood educators took to the streets on Saturday May 14 to let the public know how under paid and how important early childhood educators are.Homeless persons camp pops up in Melbourne City Square are inflamatory article in local rag Sun Herald

First, we cover the distressing story of Australia's first death at a "Work For The Dole" site. Josh Park Fing's family is crowdfunding for the burial of their son and brother and you can sign the Unemployed Workers Union's petition here.Next, we go to the International Memorial for Workers held at the Victorian Trades Hall on April 28th.Lastly, we attend the final hearing of the Hart v Coles dispute in the Fair work Commission.