what, not a word about unions? Or don't they matter any more?

I get a distinct impression that both the liberal and labor parties are pushing – and have been pushing - for the excessive export of our coal, gas and other non renewable mining products which also involves the extensive gouging into the farmlands to satisfy the gas export. As the excessive exporting opens the door for the reciprocal imports of clothing, tools, and many many more goods including food products, I fail to see just what just claim the liberals or labor have for raving about any destruction of our food sources, and the moron low tax that has been brought back into the field over the last 40 years, has killed the economy of our country, including that of the farmers, cattle breeders and all of our workers. Unfortunate our politicians are grossly overpaid for their gross destruction of the economy of our country, and haven't the integrity or decency to own up to it, preferring to further strip us of whatever they can to still allow their excessive perks, free travel, excessive salaries after retiring or being kicked out. Neither the liberal or labor party can complain about any thing, they have been the ones in power for the last forty years and have been responsible – and yet deny responsibility – typical, isn't it. Despite the gross exorbitant salaries that have built up over the last 40 years, our parties - the treasurers - don't have the intelligence or is their integrity to bring back Harold Holt's tax, 66.6% top - with the necessary correctionc, no tax on first $30,000 or so. Unfortunately the intelligence of our lawyer treasurers haven't enough intelligence or is it integrity, to do that little thing? I have to wonder. I realise that many people who were not born before 1940, don't know what I am talking about, and unfortunately don't care if they are in a good paying position, but there others who do care.

Whats wrong with collective bargaining with employees with a Union involved.

I am under an Enterprise Bargain Agreement struck between my employer and 2 unions. We have above award conditions.

We need the Unions involvement as they are more aware than the average joe about what is and isnt "fair" across the board.

We dont want to reduce any entitlements already won over time.

My employer has the majority of workers on Permanent Part Time.... very few full time workers... and very few true casuals.

It all appears to be "fair" when signing away entitlements, but we have to look at the long term effect of such decisions. We have an ageing workforce - what happens when you are 66 and older and have signed away sick leave and other valuable entitlements?

In retail it seems the only way to get a decent wage is to remain Casual. No wonder there is mortgage stress when most retail wages are around $15 $16 an hour permanent part time. No wonder in Australia the divide between the 20% rich and 20% poor is growing every day.

*irony on* of course every employer is going to enter into negotiations in the spirit of goodwill and equity. They won't attenmpt to exploit their workforce and will not attempt to make wages and conditions worse for employees. *irony off*

We saw under workchoices what happened when individuals "negotiated" with employers.
Wake up to the real world not the fantasy world you inhabit.