Heroes or villains? Inside the CFMEU

In the first of a two-part series, Working Life goes beyond the tabloid headlines to find out what makes the CFMEU tick.

Maritime Union to Chevron: let’s talk

AUSTRALIA’S largest ever resources project, Chevron’s Gorgon natural gas field off the north-west shore, has been plagued by cost over-runs and delays.

The finger has been unfairly pointed at workers, says the Maritime Union of Australia…

An ‘unprecedented attack’ on workers’ rights

ON 28 February last year, a community-based political rally took place on the grounds of the WA Premier’s office at Parliament Place, West Perth.

Twelve months later, akin to being dragged from their homes in the middle of the…

Jokes at work — no laughing matter?

HUMOUR is definitely subjective. Throughout history there are multiple instances of ‘jokes’ that, while tickling the ribs of many, could be deemed offensive in the eyes of others. In this vein, a well-placed anecdote or a quick, witty response can endear you to…

7 things Gen Ys hate about their boss

FOR a generation which is smart, ambitious, hard-working and tech savvy, Generation Y sure does cop a bad rap.

Seems like Gen Y bosses and journalists spend half their life complaining about the (perceived) bad work practices of Gen Y…

Maintaining the rage long into retirement

I QUICKLY learned that after retirement there is a whole new world for a committed trade unionist and there is much for us to do.

It is not hard to feel concern for our old work colleagues or for the next generation of workers…

Exploited interns. The elephant in the room

IN an environment where youth unemployment is close to 20% in some states, it’s not surprising that those who choose a path of an internship to gain experience end up bitter, and often without the professional employment they were seeking at the end.