Paul I agree!
Like you I see the worth of the Union movement.
I too see the WORTHLESS within it.
I think nothing less than a new start will bring the movement to a level I think it needs to be.
I claim the high ground for my union, but it too must confront in this climate we need to refocus.
I would return to work for half pay, live in my car,to help, but my time has past.
I know this, my members trusted me,are still my friends, and that is not common.
Just a few, known to me, are a blight on a once so very proud a movement.
While the words of such a fixed anti other than right conservative like SM will have no force,I hope yours and mine will.
Halve fees, less for casual workers,show our support for the down trodden.
A visit without request for every member no less than three times a year.
Industry/shop monthly news letters from officials for every member.
Truth behind the HSU lack of service or concern for at least ten years.
They, like others took fee but gave nothing.
And work toward one National union many different arms, less office overheads more service.
And more thoughts?

Personally, I've long been of the opinion that Gillard's biological father could not walk on only two legs. The chances of her apologizing for anything are greatly diminished by the certainty that the concept of apology is quite unknown to her, as to her species.

Belly,

The only way the unions could be made fit to represent anyone would be if they were all dissolved, the regulations that give the unions unfettered protection and monopoly power replaced to make them compete for membership, and have the same reporting requirements as companies.

What we have presently is unions that lie to their members controlling a federal government that lies to its voters.

The kangaroo court is still in session. Thomson has been charged with nothing, slipper is still innocent of everything.
This was supposed to be clean cut, open and shut case, as the FWA report says. So what happened, doesn't the courts agree with that. Not since they found out there was a biased authority in the FWA.

Smythe Gday, afraid you wandered in the wrong door, this is not a kids message board site.
I can see, after reading Shadow Ministers stuff how you thought that.
Had to stop, very nearly scraped the bottom of the barrel like you did, to insult you.
I however fail along side an expert do it your self bloke, like you.
Cheers.

Why should Gillard apologise for Williamson any more than Abbott should apologise for Jones. Both are not responsible for the actions of other individuals even if they share similar opinions about politics.

Unions certainly need to be much more accountable. Dissolving them altogether is not the answer otherwise the employment sector would be completely influenced by business unions (the other unions) who act only for their membership not for the interests of workers. I wonder if business councils and business advocates are totally transparent on their wages and expenses and not just a balance sheet, but details of all expenses. Rules should apply to all membership based organisations.

The recent HSU saga points to a failure in reporting and audit procedures. I can't see why union members should not have complete access to expenditure of their union. It just makes sense.

As for Thomson it still has not been proven that he is guilty of credit card fraud. If he is then of course justice should prevail.

I don't know if the PM knew about her former boyfriend's rorting but in regard to SM's Michael Smith YouTube video link, this is an opposing argument - in the interests of balanced reporting:

http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s3310493.htm