I left school aged 14 in 1964 because you could in those days, and jobs were plentiful .
In the same year I joined the old Storeman and Packers union because of my upbringing I knew that, as a union member, my wages would be better my conditions more so and I would be working in safe conditions.
Through life it was possible to change jobs seeking better wages so that I could look after my young family growing up in Broadmeadows, but I always remained a member of the relevant union in the industry I was employed in .
All workers at that time fought to save enough money to afford a mortgage to buy their first house, In those days, workers looked to banks first to gain interest on hard earned money and finally to obtain sufficient money to service the mortgage.
How things have changed! Because of conservative governments, worker’s wages have stagnated, their conditions eroded and their rights stolen. They have become all things that the Morrison perceive as evil and to blame for all the negative things people choose to read and believe from the conservative media .
According to a select number of current politicians these unions need to be reined in. even more hence the proposed ensuring integrity bill, the right to fight for decent wages, better conditionss and adequate health and safety regulations are now about to be proclaimed illegal .
So in defence of unions I have to ask is if the current banking industry consists of terrorist enablers, child sexual exploiters. It’s now clear that the latest exploits of the Wespac bank would in one instance have exceeded all the perceived “sins” of the 150 years of trade unionism as well.