Col, when you say non-union AWA workers rewards are "always less" than those of unionists do you have proof? My experience is very different here in Sydney.

Otherwise, I have observed the improvement in workplace camaraderie and cooperation over the last 25 years. I put this down to the decline in union activities on building sites. No more "C'mon guys, lets screw this company", no more beer as currency to keep the wheels greased, no more outright bribery, bastardry and bullying.

Dealing With The Mob,

As an ex-teacher, I also well remember the bullying that is endemic in the profession and I appreciate your feelings about your union letting you down. It must have been a difficult time for you.

I’m not trying to defend all unions everywhere. However, the ongoing media criticism of unions and their right to exist – particularly when it is so pervasive, repetitive and one-sided – needs to be put into an overall cultural perspective. We hear a great deal about bullying BY unions, but rarely do we hear about the bullying OF unions

I too am proud to be union, proud of my AWU my lifetime union, yes I have been a member of others, even delegate for two on the one site.
The threads author has got it right we unionists are subject to lies and in truth a total miss understanding buy our acting prime minister Howard.
We do not all vote Labor but for every party, we are not all radicals not in any way.
Let me share this storey.
A post of mine spoke of labour hire in civil construction using an award to reduce casual labour, yes including casual loading, for the average working week by $550.
Yes a lot of money, but no ordinary job , mud frost, heat , all a factor in daily works.
Now with nothing but the greatest pride I can say a book inspection uncovered under payments of that weak award in the order of $145 a week per workers for every week and back payments is assured.
15 weeks you do the sums, this evil unionist has no say in the fact half of those who receive this back pay never paid for it, are not unionists,.
Is it not fair to ask why not let union gains only be paid to union members?
Unionist are Australians let them be equal under the law, use that law to rein in the very few who shame my proud movement.

Just did what we all should do read every word of every post I find not much to disagree with.
But while I advise the teacher his case is proof all Unions have failures as officials vast differences exist union to union.
Fear not communicat unions are about to face great change, after our acting PM is gone change begins.
Only death awaits unions who do not change, unions who do not remember the only reason we exist is to benefit our owners and only share holders the membership.
Most of us, not all, are up for that challenge, I look for wards to an end to the silence of being the only union official, from the only union, on my weekly visits to civil construction sites .
While I must not let some things be said here I understand radicalism is no answer to lack of service to those we exist for.
Have no fear in ten years we will look back and see workchoices strengthened the union movement and crippled conservative Australia.
I would hope at the end of my working life I will be better thought of than Howard will be in just months after his train wreck by his mates of today.
John Howard to answer your question why do they no longer like me?
Lies have come home to haunt you sir, you forgot Labor would not win elections for you forever.
The very open so easy to see lies about trade unions are bloke lies about your so called battlers!
By By Johny good By I will whistle that tune every day of the campaign.

Sorry to see such a thread has failed to continue the debate so may I add kero to to embers?
A very good forum,we should all take note, has been locked by the actions of one poster.
I was until about 6 months ago a user of that fine forum, but one poster from my side of unionism and politics went far too far.
I miss that forum and found fault only with a very few, less than 5 but it is clear some do not understand other ways exist than raw open hate to get the point across.
For those who know the full storey let me assure them I turn the radio of instantly some one I have no wish to hear is on, including a few talk back barons.
But that most trade unionists are turned of by stupidity like this act and we take no ownership for idiots.
See? just maybe unionist are mainstream Australians, what else would you have us be?