Election

[astrid]

Yeah Gra,
I was being kind.
Its a funny reflection but has anyone noticed that the nature of a Union, by which I mean how people perceive it, seems to be strongly influenced by the gender and/or the qualifications of the members of the industry.

"Thuggish" unions are full of macho bloky types ie dockers, building and dare I say it the police, "weak" Unions represent mainly female dominated industries ie retail and banking, "powerfull (but civilized) Nurses, Firefighters, teachers and public sector.

I wonder why this is?

Astrid

[silentC]

Hmm, if I was to make a distinction, it would based on level of education or something, not gender. I'm not sure any of those industries you mention, with the exception of nursing, could be said to be female dominated, but if you have figures that demonstrate it, I'm all eyes.

I think that the union 'thuggery' you saw in the more manual occupations was imported from the UK and Ireland, brought by the migrant workers who came over to work on building sites and at the docks.

[echnidna]

so at home, lets look at bully employers

Telstra for example,
who despite the overwhelming community dissaisfaction with WPA's are forcing them through before they are overhauled in the interests of fair play

[silentC]

Don't they have a union?

[astrid]

Anyway we're getting a bit off topic here, although maybe we are now in post election mode.
Has Phil ruddock truely been kidnaped by the taliban?
Or is he so busy shredding stuff he cant take a tea break on his workchoices award.
Was peter really "all tip and no iceburg"?
Theres some good links on writing your first resume on MyCareer.com
Has Alexander run out of fishnets?
And poor old Tony is consoling "master"?
Joe is rewriting last weeks speech (still).
Julie is wondering if she can afford her Hex fees to get an education.
Mal is considering becoming a social worker to fullfil his sincere lifetime ambition to help abused children and women.

Have I missed anyone important?
Sorry I forgot Johnny

Asrid

[silentC]

Let's check back in 12 months time and see what they're saying about Kevin 07 and his mates (who are they again? Oh that's right, he's still deciding).

The honeymoon wont last forever.

[Gra]

Hmm, if I was to make a distinction, it would based on level of education or something, not gender. I'm not sure any of those industries you mention, with the exception of nursing, could be said to be female dominated, but if you have figures that demonstrate it, I'm all eyes.

I think that the union 'thuggery' you saw in the more manual occupations was imported from the UK and Ireland, brought by the migrant workers who came over to work on building sites and at the docks.

I am with silent here, the banking/insurance industry is usually a highly educated area, and often very male dominated.

though retail would probablty fit your gender bias theory.

but as silent has said, the more militant factions were usually imported, though as I am typing this I seem to remember the shearers union, who started the union movement in australia tended to be a little "thugish", though that may be more a sign of the times than anything else.

Have you aslo noticed that the more militant union activity seems to be global, and may be more economically driven, if you look at the cycles of militancy you will find that it usually isnt just in one country but globally. (I could be talking out my .... here but just seems to be to me)

[astrid]

Chasers report,
Johnnys been running around with a lampshade for the last hour down at woolstonecroft, while J decides where to put it.
No the honeymoon wont last, but I'll enjoy it while it I can.

Astrid

[Tonka]

Kevin 07...... Recession 08. !

[Tonka]

G'day all,
A bit off topic , but back to water blasters, iIm looking for something suitable to clean that black crud (mould) off concrete driveways etc.
I hear GMC is good for the price and has metal bits in the pump, K'archer is dodgy at the lower price consumer level with plastic pumps, Bosch may be worth a look.
Went to my local Mitre10, and the bloke pushed the Gerni 120 onto me, about $299 I think, any testimonials welcome.
Thanks.

[Ashore]

Patricks wanted to bring in non-union labour (which as an employer, is their given right) who got paid better for various reasons and the MUA chucked a spit and said, "no you can't do that" and locked the place down. That about the guts of it Ashore?

Yes waldo the MUA who actually load and unload ships , got to the point with wages and conditions that to move a container off a truck and onto a ship in Sydney or Melbourne cost more than to transport it and unload it in Europe or the states.

And Astrid I am not nit picking but I worked in the industry for over 30 years and had to deal with the Painters and Dockers who assist with lines when a ship is berthing or sailing , paint , clean, and remove scale rust etc do not unload or load cargo on ships, why do you have such a problem with just admitting your wrong.

[Waldo]

Yes waldo the MUA who actually load and unload ships

No problems Ashore, I stand corrected.

[astrid]

Because I worked at the waterside hotel, public Bar and I assumed that all the pilfered and usless objects the old blokes offered to their favorite barmaids , were out of the containers they were unloading/ storing ?
Maybe they traded with the MUA for cans of pilfered paint.
and i may have got the Unions mixed up but my point was that whichever one it was they used their power for the benifit of others.
As have the ACTU V Hardy and you still havent acknowledged that.

Lighten up, we all know the skallywags regarded it as a bit of a game with the bosses.
Its part of our graet Australian culture
Read "under the hook" by wendy lowensein I think
Astrid

[TEEJAY]

Speaking of unions and politicians and lovely wharfs - what ever happened to dear Peter Rieth (SP?)

He was a nice chap I miss him.

[Cliff Rogers]

Little Kev is taking legal advice on re-opening the AWB investigation & this time he wants it to include the polies...
I think he is hoping to bury/gaol half the Libs ex-ministers...

That would be one way of getting rid of the remaining opposition.

If it happens, you can bet the cost of it will kill off half his promises.