Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Melbourne: out and about
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Pat Mackie: 1914-2009
Pat Mackie led the Mount Isa strike of 1964/5 that polarised the town and almost bankrupted Mount Isa Mining.
The dispute of 1964/5, one of Australia's major rank and file uprisings, arose over management's failure to provide showers for miners. As it escalated, Queensland Labor Premier Frank Nicklin described Mackie as a 'vicious gangster' and the strike as a 'communist strategy to retard and even prevent major developmental projects in this state'; the government vainly explored all possible avenues to have him deported.
The strike and the rest of the unionist's tumultuous life are described in Mount Isa: The Story of a Dispute (1989) and Many Ships to Mount Isa (c. 2002).
Mackie's life of activism began when as a young stowaway on a boat from New Zealand, he challenged the captain as to the lawfulness of his uncomfortable accommodation. Working in blue collar jobs around the globe, he became a member of the Industrial Workers of the World and the United States Seafarers Unions before ending up central Queensland.
The dispute of 1964/5, one of Australia's major rank and file uprisings, arose over management's failure to provide showers for miners. As it escalated, Queensland Labor Premier Frank Nicklin described Mackie as a 'vicious gangster' and the strike as a 'communist strategy to retard and even prevent major developmental projects in this state'; the government vainly explored all possible avenues to have him deported.
The strike and the rest of the unionist's tumultuous life are described in Mount Isa: The Story of a Dispute (1989) and Many Ships to Mount Isa (c. 2002).
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tanaka film goes to Canada
29 November 2009
Tanaka-san Will Not Do Callisthenics selected for the inaugural Canadian Labour International Film Festival, CLiFF:
"The second film is Tanaka-san Will Not do Calisenthics. It was filmed in Japan and tells the story of Tanaka-san who was let go from his job 25 years ago when he refused to conform – and what happens when he protests at his old office every day.
Two fabulous films that you can’t see at your local movie theatre so please join us at CLiFF Burnaby on November 29. You’ll also be participating in this first labour film festival for Canada so you’ll be a part of history."
Director: Maree Delofski
Editor: Morgan Gregory
Sound Editor and Mixer: Greg Fitgerald
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Fresh is best!
The cafe impressed the competition's judges in a range of criteria including customer service, restaurant presentation, quality of food and value.
Guy Nathan and Lea Shannon congratulated their staff for their commitment, their suppliers and customers and said winning the award was "really quite an honour".
"We were competing against quality restaurants across the country, including many offering water views so we’re delighted," Guy said.
"It speaks a lot about the excellence of what the staff do here."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Jack Mundey at 80: Tribute
A packed Leichhardt Town Hall celebrated the Jack Mundey's eightieth birthday with a tribute to the historic role of the NSW Branch of the BLF. The Sydney Trade Union Choir/Solidarity Choir opened the tribute leading the audience with Solidarity Forever.
Bob Brown joined in the speeches via a video link! very 21st century.
Among the speakers were Judy Mundey, Joe Owens, Meredith Burgmann, Mick Tubbs and of course Jack Mundey
Bob and Margaret Fagan sang green ban songs and Bob Campbell sang one of his own.
The town hall was decked out with old union banners including this one proposing the 6 hour day!
Mick Fowler sings "Across the Wester Suburbs"
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