Autumn issue 2103 - cfmeu

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U N I O N H I S T O R Y with Joe McDonald Why are scabs such a sore point? No history of any union is complete without looking at the role of the Scab or Freeloader. There are many younger workers in the construction and building industries today that have little or no idea of what a Scab or Freeloader, is let alone why they are held in such low regard by workers and unions the world over. Unions haven’t just had to fight against the employer class and governments to win better wages, safety and conditions. Since the 18th century Scabs and Freeloaders have tried to divide and weaken the union cause. They are the ones who stay back in trenches and let their mates go over the top to take a bullet while they sit back and claim all the glory. They don’t fight to protect what has been won for workers in past battles. In years gone by Scabs were brutally dealt with. In the so called ‘olden days’, to die a Scab brought ultimate shame and a stain upon the workers family, especially in close knit mining villages and other labour intensive communities. A ‘Scab’ is a derogatory term used to mainly describe a strike breaker or someone who sits outside the collective. The term is actually an old English insult, and has been in use to describe a despicable person since at least 1590. In the late 1700s, someone who refused to join a labour union was called a Scab, and by 1806, the word had reached its modern usage. More temperate labour activists and unions use the term “strike breaker” to refer to a Scab or Freeloader to describe those who won’t stand up with their workmates. Whenever workers refuse to work in order to gain concessions, it is called a strike. Strikes were and still are an important part of the labour movement as a method to agitate for safer working conditions, better pay and benefits. Strikes in the early days of the union movement were often brutally put down, and workers had a choice between going back to work or starving. It was not unusual in the 18th, 19th and even the 20th century for strikers and unionists to be killed or sentenced to heavy prison sentences including the death sentence. During strike action, unions attempted to help striking workers and their families by organising workers to pay dues which could be used to support them during a strike. A single Scab could greatly weaken the cause of the union and its workers who had gone out on a limb to fight for the common good of all workers. In response to more organised labour, companies started to recruit people who were willing to break the strike. These people might be existing employees or outside contractors. By crossing the picket line of strikers, the Scab hurts the cause of the workers. Hence, the animosity towards Scabs continues to this day and so too with Freeloaders. A Freeloader (or Free-riders as they are also called) is also a term used to describe a worker who refuses to join the union but accepts all the benefits negotiated by the union. Labour history classifies the Freeloader as one of the great social parasites. If it weren’t for unions, working people would be scraping by, undercutting each other on the open job market, with management in the position of calling the shots, able to appeal to the lowest common denominator. History continuously shows that Freeloaders, who do decide to join a union, soon realise they get more in terms of benefits which are exclusive to financial members and they also add to their own collective bargaining strength, which can be harnessed to negotiate even better wages and conditions for themselves and their families. Find out more union history in the book ‘If you don’t fight, you lose’ – available FREE from the union office or ask your CFMEU Area Organiser or Site Delegate for a copy. Knowledge is power! Construction Worker – Autumn 2013 Page 19 CFMEU
U N I O N N E W S with Mick Buchan Forestry Unity in house The forestry division of the CFMEU in WA has moved their office into the CFMEU office in East Perth. State Secretary Mick Buchan presented the keys to the new Forestry HQ to Leo Skourdoumbis CFMEU National Vice President. “It’s a sign of greater unity and allows the forestry division greater access to facilities and amenities. The WA branch of the forestry division will continue to serve its core membership headed by Peter Carter, further demonstrating how all divisions within the CFMEU nationally are now working closely together to support each other for the common cause” says Buchan. Mick Buchan presents keys to Leo Skourdoumbis CAPTION COMPETITION WIN A CARTON OF YOUR FAVOURITE BEER TO A VALUE OF $50! What is Seamus Byrne saying to Pat McCann via the megaphone? Send your entries to editor@cfmeuwa.com or write it down and pass it to your area Organiser to drop into the office. Winner announced next issue. “ ” Construction Worker – Autumn 2013 Page 21 CFMEU
Page 1 and 2: ISSUES ON HOLLAND’S HOSPITAL SITE
Page 3 and 4: S E C R E TA R Y ’ S A D D R E S
Page 5 and 6: TEMPORARY WORKERS DEBATE with Graha
Page 7 and 8: U N I O N N E W S with Mick Buchan
Page 9 and 10: U N I O N N E W S with Steve McCann
Page 11 and 12: U N I O N N E W S with Graham Pallo
Page 13: U N I O N N E W S with Joe McDonald
Page 17 and 18: “Fit In or F-Off goes the mantra.
Page 19 and 20: M E E T O U R M E M B E R S with Jo
Page 21 and 22: U N I O N R A L LY with Mick Buchan
Page 23 and 24: F E AT U R E with Peter Joshua THE
Page 25 and 26: N O R T H W E S T R E P O R T with
Page 27 and 28: continued from previous page This m
Page 29 and 30: NORTHERN SUBURBS REPORT with Seamus
Page 31 and 32: N O R T H W E S T R E P O R T with
Page 33 and 34: N O R T H W E S T N E W S with Brad
Page 35 and 36: U N I O N N E W S with Joe McDonald
Page 37 and 38: I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S wi

Autumn issue 2103 - cfmeu

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