John Howard wasn't there to hear from workers (left), but Maxine McKew and John Robertson heard it all.

Bennelong residents tell of life under WorkChoices

By Charmaine O’Sheades

A woman who worked at a nursing home bravely told a Bennelong Your Rights @ Work public forum on industrial relations in Australia how she was threatened by the boss about joining a union.

More than 160 people attended the forum held at Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club on June 26.

The woman explained how she had been underpaid and that the people she worked with were also being exploited by their employer, but were too scared to do anything as they feared for their jobs.

The forum was also addressed by Unions NSW Secretary John Robertson, Catholic Commission employment relations manager Eric Leahy, Bennelong ALP candidate Maxine McKew, and a number of other workers who talked about their experiences and concerns under the Howard Government's industrial relations laws.

Local federal MP John Howard was invited but was unable to attend. He did, however, insist on a letter from him being read in full to the meeting. There was no opportunity for his constituents to ask questions, raise issues or indeed for the local MP to hear stories about how his laws are hurting workers and working families. It appears that Mr Howard just wants to lecture his constituents about his policies but does not actually want to hear what they the voters have to say.

The Bennelong Your Rights @ Work Community Group will hold another forum on Friday August 24 at 7pm at the Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club. This forum will focus on women and industrial relations laws in Australia. John Howard has again been issued an invitation along with Maxine McKew, Greens Senator Kerry Nettle, ACTU President Sharan Burrow and leading women academics.

Charmaine O'Sheades is a City Organiser.

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