Workers Power

Lost without a trace

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 5 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Kellie and Brian from The Leads about their new track Trace, a song which takes you from Lake Mungo to Deebing Creek, Brian is also editor for The Ipswich Tribune and has won awards for his reporting on the conflict at Deebing Creek. (Interview starts at 32:00)

Sportsmanship and solidarity

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have an interview with Kathryn Harby-Williams from the Australian Netball Players' Association about their current campaign for better pay (interview starts at 32:55). We also talk about deaths in custody, a victory for Chevron workers, a brand new KFC class action, and more.

Save Toondah Harbour!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 3 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Robert Bush from the Queensland Wader Study Group about the upcoming Welcome Back Shore Birds Festival. An event being put on to welcome back the shore birds from their world spanning journey, as well as raise awareness about the importance of the Toondah Harbour wetlands, which are facing destruction at the hands of developers. (interview starts at 29:20)

Links to what we talked about
First Nations woman stops Woodside's seimic blasting
Inghams workers win!
Childcare workers win industrial bargaining
Sri Lanka workers begin sit-in strike
Stop Black deaths in custody national day of action
Close Enough for Country

Woolies workers take action!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk about the exciting industrial action being taken by Woolies workers, including several work bans. We also talk about the end of the Chevron strike, the Inghams Chicken workers on strike, and more.

Ipswich Power

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we hear from the Stop the Stink meeting in Ipswich where the community are fighting against their town being used as a tip for the rest of the country.

Listen to the full recording of the forum here

put your bodies upon the gears

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Zelda from Blockade Australia about their recent protests blockading some of Australia's biggest ports. We are also joined by fellow workers on work-experience, Clara, Manny, and Mark. In the second hour Bill and Cal discuss the failurs of the Labor Party.

Queerswich

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Rach, an organiser for Queerswich, the Ipswich Pride celebration, about the upcoming event and what's happening.

Crowns are so out of fashion, try a guillotine

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 9 May 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Yowie from the Deebing Creek Jarjumbah protection site, about the destruction of the camp and the building up of the fight back. We also chat about the coronation and the republican movement, and the writers' strike kicking off in the US.

Deebing Creek destroyed

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 2 May 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk about the destruction of the Jarjumbah protection site at deebing creek, and we talk to Kerry who gives us an update from the site. We also talk about the May Day Rally, and the recent changes to Centrelink.

May Day Special 2023

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Mon, 1 May 2023 10:00:00 +1000

We bring you on the ground at the Labour Day march this year as we listen to the union chants and talk to unionists and activists about Labour day and the labour movement. We also have Ellen in the studio bringing you all the union classics.

Outro song: The Internationale by Billy Bragg

The real meaning of 'lest we forget'

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This ANZAC day we are joined by Jeff Rickertt from the Brisbane Labour History Association to talk about the frontier wars, the imperialist history (and present) of the Australian military, and to make a case against khaki nationalism. In our second hour we talk to Phil Monsour about his upcoming Palestine Songs and Stories Fundraiser, a May Day solidarity concert to support the Palestinian people through APHEDA, on 7pm the 8th of May at the ETU Building.

Outro song: Ghosts of Deir Yassin by Phil Monsour

200th Episode! Time to talk about human rights abuses

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have our 200th Episode!! To celebrate the occasion we talk a bit about how the show began and how we got here. Also Callen is back!! We have a great chat about what he's been up to in the Queensland Human Rights Commission.

Bob Carnegie is at it again

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 4 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to former secretary of the MUA Bob Carnegie, who is running for the position once again along with Mike Barber. We talk about why he's running, his plans for the position, union politics, and more.

Outro song: One More Day Than Them by Phil Monsour

French strikers and rent hikers

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +1000

In this episode we chat with former WP co-host Feargal, who now resides in France, about the strike action being taken in France. In our second hour we chat with Sian from SEQUR about the issues that renters face and how they can stand up and fight back.

Women Workers Power

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 7 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +1000

To mark International Working Women's Day we bring you our annual Women Workers Power episode. Hosted by Genesis we embark on an ambitious 2 hours of connecting and amplifying working women. We start with a chat with Em from the new Black Peoples Union. We are then joined by Penny from Qld Council of Unions, Lovisa from Young Workers Hub, and Claudia from Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees. We enjoyed a great chat with Ashleigh and Emma from the Qld Nurses and Midwives Union. Lastly we chat with Val and Dee from Respect Inc to give us an update on the Decrim campaign and a general chat about the challenges Sex Workers face.

Outro song: Free Kitten by VOIID

Create change

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +1000

We give a comprehensive update on the Deebing Creek Justice - Jarjumbah Protection Site Campaign and their success in Ipswich last week. We also play an interview with members of the NTEU UQ Branch Annie Pohlman, Kate Warner, and Lachie, where we talk about the strike at UQ last Wednesday, what they're fighting for, and how they're fighting for it. We also play an interview with the UQ Union VP of student rights, Ryley Calvert, about how students are supporting the strike.

Outro song: Always by The Hibernators

The Disgruntled Taxpayers

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +1000

This week we interviewed Jake from local band The Disgruntled Taxpayers about their new album I Do Everything Better When I'm Really Smashed.

Outro song: I Do Everything Better When I'm Really Smashed by The Disgruntled Taxpayers

Toondah Harbour, Last Quokka, AFULE

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +1000

We have an action packed episode this week. Cal gives us his goodbye as well as a rundown on the Toondah Harbour struggle. Of course if Last Quokka has a new song we will have them on. And the title just suits or show to boot. Eat The Rich. (Interview at 25:50) In our second hour we chat with Mick from AFULE about members standing up and fighting back for each other. And we get to mention our favourite word. Backpay (Interview at 36:50)

Outro song: Eat The Rich by Last Quokka

Save the BOOT

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +1000

Today we talk to Ez from Tranzzzmission for Trans Awareness Week. In the second hour we focus in on the BOOT. What is that crazy acronym? We give a run down on the BOOT, why it is under threat and why it is worth saving.

Circlegate

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 8 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +1000

On this week's episode we delve into #circlegate as we explore the issues women face at gigs. As important as this is for us and our community at 4ZZZ we should not lose sight (and listen) that it is class struggle that will truly free women.

Outro song: Polygon Pit by Mitch, Please

Meeting of the minds

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +1000

For this week's episode we have an update on Apple workers industrial activity, we meet new Workers Power team member Callen Sorensen Karklis, we will chat about the Housing Summit Protest and we also take you to a rally and strike by National Tertiary Education Union - Qld Division.

Apple strike!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk all about the historic action being taken by Apple Workers. Bill couldn't join us as he was be on the grass with workers at the Apple Store but he phoned in to give us an update.

We will be heard

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Ollie from SEQUR, the South East Queensland Union of Renters, about their upcoming protest against the so-called "Housing Summit" organised by the government to address the housing crisis, a conference where REIQ (the landlord union), the Master Builders Association, and the Premier (landlord), Deputy Premier (landlord) and Housing Minister (landlord) will all come together to discuss “solutions”.

In our second hour (interview starts at 34:43) we talk to Party Representative N6326 about the upcoming gig featuring Worker & Parasite at The Bearded Lady.

Disrupt Land Forces!!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 4 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we cross live to the Disrupt Land Forces occupation to hear about how people are fighting back against the tools of war being sold in our very own city, we talk to First Nations people Cindy Roberts and Uncle Ned, who were participating in the occupation about why they were there.

Also in this episode, Bill talks to Workers Power regular Katherine Wilkes from the Stop the Cashless Welfare Card campaign about their victory following the recent announcement from parliament.

UQ strike!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to NTEU state secretary Michael McNally about the industrial action being taken at UQ and other Queensland universities.

Outro song: Realpoltik by Worker & Parasite

Links to what we talked about
Legal challenge halts Santos drilling
First Nations people fight gas exploration on their country
QLD government tradies strike for pay increase
Train workers take strike action
Nurses strike again
Toilet paper manufacturers locked out in NZ
Mass protest in Argentina

Unionise the bookstores

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Josh Cullinan, Secretary of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union about the campaign at Readings, where the boss is reneging on a promised wage increase.

Interview starts at 29:58

Figuring it out

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 2 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Workers Power regular Jayden from Anti-Poverty Network QLD about what we know so far about the new Workforce Australia system and how we can deal with it.

Young workers fight back!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we spoke with Martin from Young Workers Hub about their campaign against the Mantle Group.

Songs of Working Life and Death

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 5 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +1000

his week we talk to Phil Monsour about his upcoming Songs of Working Life fundraiser to support the medevac refugees who have finally been released from detention. We also talked about Phil's trip to Chicago to visit the Labor Notes conference.

In our second hour we talk to Neil from the Brisbane Labour History Association to talk about their upcoming tour of the Dutton Park cemetary and its working class history. It will take place at the cemetary at 2pm on the 14th of August.

Second interview starts at 34:04

Outro song: Let Them Stay by Phil Monsour

Rock, roll, and land rights

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Shane Howard, lead vocalist of Goanna, about their music and their politics, along with some live music in the studio. Goanna is celebrating 40 years since the release of Spirit of Place with a tour across the continent.

Outro song: Solid Rock by Goanna

So-called department of housing

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Workers Power regular Andrew from the South East Queenland Union of Renters about their upcoming anti-eviction blockade.

The working class origins of Rugby League

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 7 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Greg from the Brisbane Labour History Association about the working class origins of Rugby League and how class struggle has shaped the sport over the years.

A union member in parliament

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 31 May 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Greens MP Stephen Bates about his recent parliamentary victory and what he plans to do in the role.

Interview starts at 39:22

blood on the hands of the legislators - interview with CFMEU organisers

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 10 May 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Jade and Andy from the CFMEU about the aggression faced by their union from the ABCC.

Profit off poverty & A history of the early Brisbane punk scene part 2

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 3 May 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Workers Power regular Jayden from the Anti-Poverty Network about the campaign against the cashless welfare card. In the second hour we have a follow up interview with Virginia from the Brisbane Labour History Association about the history of the punk scene in Brisbane, with a focus on the late Chris Bailey of The Saints.

Interviews start at 6:55 and 32:18

Outro song: Econ Sopro by Worker & Parasite

May Day Special!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Mon, 2 May 2022 10:00:00 +1000

We bring you on the ground at the Labour Day march this year as we listen to the union chants and talk to unionists and activists about Labour day and the labour movement. I sure hope you like bagpipes.

Outro Song: Solidarity Forever - Phil Monsour

Dare to Struggle Film Festival

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +1000

On this week's episode Bill and Dan chat with Linn from Dare To Struggle Film Festival. They are also met with a connundrum for this week's Scallywag.

Interview starts at 17:19

How environmentalists and unions fought to protect the reef

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Alison from the Brisbane Labour History Association about the fight in the 70s to protect the Great Barrier Reef from mining. This fight was an early example of solidarity between environmental groups and unions, as well as unions taking industrial action to protect the environment.

Interview begins at 7:29

We'll dispossess you back - Revolutionary art with Trent from Last Quokka

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Trent from Last Quokka, an anti-fascist punk band "from the most isolated city on the planet" about their music, their politics, and their (at the time) upcoming tour.

Interview starts at 29:11

Outro song: Colony by Last Quokka

International Working Women's Day - Interview with Decrim QLD

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 8 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Decrim QLD about the struggle to decriminalise sex work in Queensland and the problems facing sex workers in the current system.

Interview starts at 38:45

Women fighting back - the history of the PMG telephonist's union

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 1 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Jeff Rickertt from the Brisbane Labour History Association. In the leadup to International Working Women's Day we talked about the campaigns of the telephonists' union in the 1970s and 80s. Telephonists were the workers, mostly women, who operated the manual telephone exchanges across Australia for the Postmaster General's Department (PMG), the largest of all Commonwealth departments in its day. In the 1980s the telecommunications division of PMG became Telecom and was then privatised and renamed Telstra.

Until their jobs were destroyed by automation, the telephonists comprised one of the largest groups of women workers in Australia, and in the 1970s and early 1980s they and their union, the Australian Telephone and Phonogram Officers Association, emerged as one of the most militant public service unions in the country. Here in Meanjin they waged some truly amazing battles that really rattled the bosses.

Interview begins at 34:40

Why is it so? - A history of the early Brisbane punk scene

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Virginia Clarke from the Brisbane Labour History Association. Virginia has had a lifetime of rank-and-file activism in unions and the Labor Party. In the late 70s and early 80s Virginia was also involved in the Brisbane punk scene, which, like the punk explosion the world over, was a movement of working class youth. In Brisbane, the punk scene displayed a particularly sharp edge due to Queensland's cultural and political conservatism and the behaviour of the cops who were notorious for meting out 'special treatment' to punks, First Nations people and anyone who publicly expressed dissent. During this turbulent time Virginia found herself enrolled in a degree at UQ, where she found the middle class culture of higher education and student life alienating. For working class students like Virginia, punk identity became a source of strength and up-yours confidence.

Outro song: Pig City by The Parameters

Links to what we talked about
NT Traditional Owners fight water-wasting agriculture project
First Nations person dies due to racism in the health system
NSW government shuts down rail system and blames the RTBU
TWU wins for Amazon Flex workers
South Korean workers go on strike

Sunbus workers on strike!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we chat with Jarrod Abbot from TWU about Sunbus workers out on the grass to force Sunbus back to the negotiating table with a fair deal.

Revolutionary QLD - The history of the Red North

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Neil Frost from the Brisbane Labour History Association about the Red North, that rebellious period of North Queensland history which began in the 1920s and culminated in the election of Communist Fred Paterson to the Queensland Parliament as the Member for Bowen. In those years the North was known as a centre of radicalism, with militant strikes, campaigns against fascism, movements of the unemployed and the growth of the Communist Party.

SEQUR's first campaign and the anti-anti-vaxxers

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Iswed from SEQUR and CARF about SEQUR's ongoing campaign against Little Real Estate, who left one of SEQUR's members without a working bathroom for months. We also talk about the work CARF does to counter the anti-vax movement.

Save Our Bowlo and the history of the IWW in Queensland

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 7 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Robyn from Save Our Bowlo about the campaign to stop the destruction of the East Brisbane Bowls Club, a community and arts centre which the council has deemed "underused and unnattractive". We also talk to Jeff from the Brisbane Labour History Association, about the history of the revoltionary union, the IWW, and the union organising it did in Queensland (starts at 30:40).

Organising in construction

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Andy, organiser with the CFMEU, about the work he does in the construction industry to fight for workers' rights.

Links to what we talked about
First Nations people with Native Title determination
RMIT employees get backpay
Geelong Library workers win
Teacher shortages due to bad working conditions
Teachers to defy order to scrap strike
Woolies workers in NZ win

A good day for a strike, comrades

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week it's win after win, spit hoods are banned in SA, SEQUR shut down Little Real Estate for the day, Country Road were cowed by the strike, Modi was cowed by the farmers' blockade, and that's not even all of them.

Young Workers Hub

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Shae from Young Workers Hub to talk about the work they do supporting young workers to assert their rights in the workplace.

The Proletarian Review

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 2 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Duncan Hart from Socialist Alternative about his research into The Proletarian Review, a communist publication from the 1920s in Melbourne. In our second half Duncan stays on and Iswedd from Anarchist Communists Meanjin joins us to talk about an upcoming counter-protest to the anti-vax movement.

Links to what we talked about
The Proletarian Review on Reason in Revolt
Campagin Against Racism and Fascism Brisbane
Police assault First Nations people at Djaki Kundu
Federal government proposes voter ID laws

Protecting our homes

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Diane, who is a guardian of Djaki Kundu, about the battle of the Kabi People against the Department of Transport and Main Roads to prevent the destruction of their sacred site. In the second hour we talk to Sian from SEQUR, the South East Queenland Union of Renters, about the organisation and its fight for housing.

The anti-vax movement, the unions, and fascism - an anarchist and historical analysis

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 5 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have two interviews, in our first hour we talk to Tommy from Geelong Anarchist Communists, and Iswedd from Anarchist Communists Meanjin, about the anti-vax protests in Naarm, especially their relation to the CFMEU and unions in general. In our second hour we talk to Jeff from the BLHA about the history of the fascist organisation the New Guard, and what we can learn from it about the fascist influence on the anti-vax protests today.

Outro song: You'll Always Lose In Melbourne by When Our Turn Comes

Education going down the gilded toilet

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talked to Kate from the NTEU and NTEU Fightback about their campaign for better work conditions at QUT. This includes fighting against increased casualisation of employment, for better job security, and against the unpaid use of recordings of fired staff.

Sex Worker Pride

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Lulu and Niki from DecrimQLD about the work they do to decriminalise sex work and allow workers to use basic safety practices. It was also Sex Worker Pride Day on Tuesday so we talked about the destigmatisation of sex work and sex workers having pride in their work and the rights they have won. Earlier in the show we also listen to a recording from the CFMEU rally last week against the mismanagement of the Cross River Rail project.

Getting Equal - The first successful fight for equal wages for First Nations people in Australia

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 7 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we chat with Elisabeth and Tegan from the North Stradbroke Island Museum about the 'Outside Gang' of the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum and their fight for equal wages. In 1944, after a 25 year campaign, First Nations workers at the asylum gained equal wages, almost 20 years before anywhere else in Australia. Later in the show we are joined by Jeff from the Brisbane Labour History Association who brings us up to date on their activities.

Dream, baby, dream of the future!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week it is 4ZZZ's annual subscriber drive Radiothon, and we have the theme Dream, Baby, Dream! On our show we take the opportunity to share our dreams for the future and one submitted by a listener. As always we have plenty of news of workers taking action and news from a workers perspective, such as the new IPCC report, a victory for the stolen generations, multiple health workers strikes, and Bunnings workers taking action.

If you want to help us keep our dream of independent radio alive for another 45 years, or win some cool prizes during Radiothon, you can subscribe at https://4zzz.org.au/support.

Outro song: Manifest Destiny by Worker & Parasite

destitution and disease

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 3 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +1000

A lockdown show this week with workers fighting for support through the Sydney lockdown, the TWU winning in court, an uprising in Iran, and more.

song played: Manifest Destiny by Worker & Parasite

Strike in Meanjin!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000

No guest this week but there are strikes abound. ETU, AMWU, CFMEU, and The Plumbers Union members at the Mater Hospital in South Brisbane are on strike to get paid the same as their counterparts in public hospitals, follow the campaign and get involved at the ETU website or their facebook page. We also talk about an update from the RAFFWU members striking at Better Read Than Dead, and strikes by the ETU again in WA, the AMWU in Tassie, and the TWU in NSW, as well as other news.

Assholes in Council Attack Backbone

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Kim about the council's attempt the demolish community art space Backbone, and the workers who are fighting back. We also talk about prisoners fighting back at home and overseas, and Hospo Voice taking "business union" to a whole new level.

Outro song: Propaganda by Rivermouth

Making some noise

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have no guest but we have news of First Nations workers fighting Adani, the city council threatening to demolish a community space, postal workers making a huge win, and another look at the fight against the dictatorship in Myanmar.

It won't be long before the workers take over this joint! - A history of working class literature

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 6 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Allan Gardiner about the history of working class literature in so-called australia. We talk about Frank Hardy, Frank the poet, Bill Sutton, and about the the importance of our class's literature to the our class's struggles.

The BLHA is running a grant program to support people writing about working class history - the Stella Nord Bursary

Outro song: cover of Moreton Bay by Chloe & Jason Roweth

our victories are beautiful moments in which we reclaim power over our own lives and celebrate another step towards the inevitable revolution

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk about many victorious workers' struggles such as First Nations people getting their land back, the success of the General Mills Strike, the defense of the Willow Grove green ban against scabs, and more.

Outro song: Where's My Toilet Roll by The Disgruntled Taxpayers

Our victories are co-opted and distorted into systems of control

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have plenty of news, such as the suppression of First Nations votes in the NT, police targetting gig workers for unsafe practices, the government taking even more money from people on jobseeker, and the breaching of the Willow Grove green ban.

Outro song: Bring Back the Green Bans by When Our Turn Comes

We hold the whole system in our hands - First Nations and Childcare workers

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Emma, who is a First Nations person and early childcare worker. We talk about the problems faced by First Nations workers and children in these organisations and what workers can do to combat them. We also talk about the problems in the industry in general, such as profit-chasing at the expense of the quality of care of children in their most formative years.

Outro song: Dancing Water - White Noise

An injury to one is an injury to all

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 8 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have no guest but we have plenty of workers action, such as three ongoing union struggles, a union victory, and an update on the civil war in Myanmar.

Outro song: CRISIS by Worker & Parasite

Radical Meanjin

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 1 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we crossed live to the Disrupt Land Forces protest outside the convention centre and talked to Sam Watson and Andy Paine who were taking part. We also talk to Deborah Jordan from the Brisbane Labour History Association about her upcoming walking tour of the movement for women's suffrage in Meanjin. It is taking place on the 12th of June at 10am, starting at the Resilience sculpture on the south corner of Albert and Turbot St.

Outro song: Don't Kill People by Andy Paine

The union makes us strong

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 25 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have no guest but we have plenty of workers actions, including a victory for bakers at tip top, doctors fighting for the right to sleep, even more dockworkers fighting for Palestine, and more.

Disrupt Land Forces!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 18 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Margie Pestorius from the Disrupt Land Forces campaign which aims to shut down the upcoming Land Forces expo that is happening here in Meanjin on 1-3 June. We also talk about how the weapons industry functions as a part of society, which gives us a foothold from which to stop it.

Outro song: New Song by Benjii

No war but class war

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 11 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have no guest but we have plenty of workers actions, including First Nations workers fighting back against QTMR and Adani, Hospital workers on strike against privatisation, a victory for West Papuans and the ensuing crackdown, and a discussion on the upcoming meeting to form a tenants union.

The colourful history of May Day in Meanjin

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 4 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have Jeff Rickertt from the Brisbane Labour History Association on the show to talk about the history of May Day in Meanjin. We cover the origin of the event in the struggle for the Eight Hour Day, Meanjin's first Eight Hour Day commemoration, the international origins of May Day, May Day history as a story of the ALP versus the 'outsiders', and more.

Outro song: Pig City by The Parameters

May Day special!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Mon, 3 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000

As a very special episode and collaboration with Megaherzzz we are taking you to the May Day rally in Meanjin that happened today. We talk to the workers and find out what May Day means to them. Later on we have an interview with Katherine from No Cashless Debit Card and Jayden from APN. And then we go live to some speeches in Common House about the work that our comrades are doing to bring about liberation.

Outro song: cover of The Internationale by 刘欢 Liu Huan 袁娅维 Tia Ray 吉克隽逸 Jikejunyi 孙楠 Sun Nan

Building power in the people - Anarchist Communists Meanjin

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Nat from Anarchist Communists Meanjin about who ACM is, what they do, and their upcoming events (see previous post). We also talk about the need for a tenants union in Meanjin, and the first steps being taken to build one.

Wins and losses

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have no guest, but we have plenty of news of workers struggles, including First Nations workers protecting their country, Kangaroo Point being shut down, the ETU shutting down a worksite, and fighting going on in the US. We also have an extensive events section.

Events

Discussion Night: The Anarchist Critique of the State
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 6:30 PM at Common House hosted by Anarcho Communists Meanjin One of the most well known (and misunderstood) tenets of anarchism is it's rejection of the State. But what is the State and why do anarchists seek to dismantle it rather than using it?

International Workers Memorial Day
Wednesday 28th April 11am @ Emma Miller Place Acknowledging the 17000 frontline health workers that have died globally during Covid and all workers who has died at work.

Speak Out Against the JobActive System
Join Anti-Poverty Network Qld Friday 30th April 5pm @ King George Square. They are speaking out against the abuses doled out to welfare recipients by the JobActive system. All the JobActive agencies (Sarina Russo, Max Employment etc.) and the system they benefit from must be abolished if we are to live with dignity and autonomy. APN-Qld are tired of their cruelty and corruption and demand the immediate dismantling of the mutual obligations system including the cashless welfare card, and an investigation into the abuses of the job agencies and Indue.

Blocking a construction site: Rally against unsustainable development and gentrification
Community responses to gentrification and poorly-planned profit-driven development are evolving. Frustrated residents are sick of their letters and submissions being ignored, and are turning to higher-impact tactics. On Saturday, 1 May, we’ll be blocking driveway access to a highrise construction site on Hope Street in South Brisbane. We’re doing this not only to protest that specific development, but because the developer – Aria – has proposed another 30-storey highrise on a site zoned for 12 storeys, which will overshadow Musgrave Park.

Songs of Working Life fundraiser with Phil Monsour
Saturday May 1st at ETU Building, Peel St South Brisbane All Proceeds to Refugees abandoned on Bridging Visas. Featuring a special selection of Bruce Springsteen songs and Phil's own Union and solidarity songs. Free album download with each booking. For more details head to Phil Monsour’s FB page

May Day Rallys
Brisbane Monday 3rd of May 10am start Contact your union There are many other rallies across the State over that weekend. Contact your union. If you cant make the rally 4ZZZ will take you there. We are hopeful to bring you coverage from the Brisbane rally. More info on next weeks Workers Power.

Public Meeting: The Housing Crisis is Here - QLD Needs a Tenants Union!
Saturday, 15 May 2021 1pm at Common House organised by Anarcho Communists Meanjin We are holding this public meeting as the first step towards establishing a renters and housing union for Meanjin (Brisbane), so that we can come together to discuss the issues we are facing in this city as renters and begin the fight back. All are welcome and we encourage participation from the community as we discuss how we can build the power of tenants and communities for the struggles ahead!

Disrupt Land Forces
Land Forces ’21 will run from 1-3 June at the Brisbane Convention Centre in South Brisbane. There will be a couple of killing conferences alongside a massive killing expo. All the major weapons companies will be there, alongside Australian Defence Force representatives, plus Defence Ministers and trade delegations from over 70 nations. www.distruptlandforces.org for more info

Songs of working life

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to musician and QTU member Phil Monsour about his upcoming Songs of Working Life gig that will be raising money to help the refugees who've been released from the prison. We also have the pleasure of announcing the formation of a new campaign to stop climate change, Blockade Australia.

The social responsibility of labour - The pigiron dispute and the BLF green bans

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 6 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week have have Greg Mallory from the Brisbane Labour History Association to talk about two moments in history when unions have taken strike action for something other than wages and conditions. You can find out more about these events in Greg's book, Uncharted Waters: Social Responsibility in Australian Trade Unions, and you can find the paper about the green bans in Queensland here, along with a bunch of other interesting papers. We also have an update directly from the Newry Native Forest Blockade, about what they're doing to protect the environment.

Fight back

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have no guest, but we have plenty of news of workers struggles, including First Nations workers protecting a sacred songline, Commonwealth Bank workers protecting their retirement, workers in NSW protecting a forest, and workers in Myanmar fighting for freedom.

Your Woman

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are talking to Damien Johnson about his new music video for ‘Your Woman’ that released today. Damien created this project to confront transphobia, promote equality and fairness, and generally just flick the bird at oppression in all its forms.

Roady4Roadies

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Steve "Pineapple" Alberts from CrewCare about the challenges faced by workers in the live entertainment industry, or roadies, as well as the work CrewCare does to support them. This includes the upcoming Roady4Roadies fundraiser concerts, which are taking place around the continent.

Women Workers Power

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 9 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +1000

To commemorate International Working Womens Day we have two special guests, Rank and File QNMU member Lynda, and CPSU Organiser Dani, in the studio to discuss what issues are affecting women, including the rape crisis in the Australian parliament as well as the desperate need for ratios in aged care.

Suffragettes and suffering

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 2 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have two interviews, the first is a pre-recorded interview with Deborah from the Brisbane Labour History Association about the history of the suffragettes in Queensland. The second is with our regular Jayden and Calypso from Anti-Poverty Network, to talk about the IWWD rally.

All is fair in love and war - DecrimQLD and the history of unions in the anti-war movement (as a separate subject)

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have two interviews, the first is with Lou Lou and Zoe from Respect Inc, to talk about the campaign for decriminalisation of sex work and the upcoming rally on International Sex Workers' Rights Day. Second we have Ross Gwyther on again from the Brisbane Labour History Association, to continue our discussion on the anti-war movement, and particularly the involvement of unions and strike action.

The class war has already begun, and we're on the defensive

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have two interviews, the first is with Kathryn Wilkes from No Cashless Debit Card, to talk about the harm of the card as well as work she does with her organisation to stop it from being rolled out. The second is with Tom Brown, the assistant secretary of RTBU QLD, to talk about their rally last week against the treatment of casual workers by council.

A win for us all

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 9 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +1000

No guest this week, but we have an update from Smeaton Grange, a cop being charged for murder, and more.

Jump through the windows - The 1936 Torres Strait Islanders maritime strike

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 2 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week we once again talk to Jeff Rickertt from the Brisbane Labour History Association. This time, to give recognition to the long history of Indigenous peoples' resistance to colonialism that continued in last week's Invasion Day march, Jeff gives us the history of the Torres Strait Islanders in 1936, who went on strike against the government that was holding them in slavery.

Getting in trouble

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +1000

We have a short interview this week with Tiana from the UQ Union Environment Collective about their campaign to prevent a coal conference from going ahead. We also talk a bit about the upcoming Invasion Day rallies and a bunch more.

Trouble brewing in the Queen's Dungeons

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +1000

No guest this week but we have news of prisoners fighting back around the world, and other stuff.

A bayonet is a weapon with a worker at both ends - the history and present of peace activism in labour

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 5 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +1000

This week on Workers Power we talk to Ross Gwyther from the Brisbane Labour History Association to talk about the peace movement and its history in WWI and even as far back as the Cimean war. Right at the end of the show we talk to Navdeep Singh about the ongoing struggle in India which involves the largest strike in history.

Scallywag of the Year

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week on Workers Power we celebrate the end of a very long and interesting year by going through the year's winners of our world famous scallywag of the week awards, ending with the announcement of the scallywag of the year, who was decided through a poll by you, our dear listeners.

Week 1 - McDonald’s Australia's corporate relations director James Rickards
Week 2 - Scomo
Week 3 - Smit Lamnalco
Week 4 - Campbell Newman
Week 5 - Domino’s
Week 6 - Rio Tinto and Sodexo
Week 7 - Jennifer Howard Ipswich MP
Week 8 - Scomo
Week 9 - NAB
Week 10 - Sydney pub tsar Justin Hemmes
Week 11 - Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter
Week 12 - Government Services Minister Stuart Robert
Week 13 - CHEP Director of Australian Operations Graham Wrigglesworth
Week 14 - McDonalds CEO Andrew Gregory
Week 15 - Coles Liquor
Week 16 - Kevin Jackson, the CEO of Sanitarium
Week 17 - GRLC CEO Patti Manolis
Week 18 - SDA
Week 19 - Australia Meat Industry Council Chief Executive Patrick Hutchinson
Week 20 - Anthony Albanese
Week 21 - Today Host Allison Langdon
Week 22 - The cop who killed George Floyd
Week 23 - Gordon Cairns Chairman of Woolies
Week 24 - Scomo
Week 25 - Sydney pub tsar Justin Hemmes
Week 26 - Tony and Viki Franzone who run an Adelaide Hotel Chain
Week 27 - Coles
Week 28 - Fair Worker Ombudsman Sandra Parker
Week 29 - owner of A1 trees, Lee Winwood
Week 30 - Alan Joyce
Week 31 - Peter Tompkins, CEO of Spotless
Week 32 - Golden Circle
Week 33 - Education Minister Dan Tehan
Week 34 - Mark Zuckerberg
Week 35 - Gladys Berejiklian
Week 36 - Australia Post CEO Christine Holgate
Week 37 - Adani
Week 38 - Senator Michaelia Cash
Week 39 - Annastacia Palaszczuk
Week 40 - INPEX President & CEO: Takayuki Ueda
Week 41 - Australia Post CEO Christine Holgate
Week 42 - Scomo
Week 43 - Senior Constable David Giddins
Week 44 - Serco Australia Chief Executive Officer Mark Irwin
Week 45 - Lactalis and its CEO Rob Walden
Week 46 - Mining Billionaire Andrew Forrest
Week 47 - Gerry Harvey, CEO of Harvey Norman
Week 48 - Gladys Berejiklian
Week 50 - Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter
Week 51 - Coles

Coles Xmas Lockout

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we chat with Debbie and Craig from United Workers Union about the Coles Smeaton Grange struggle. These are workers who have kept our shelves filled with essentials during the pandemic. Hear about their plight as they stand up and fight back. There is also plenty of workers action around the globe to report, Bill gives us another rant against the IR Omnibus Bill and of course the world famous scallwag of the week.

We are also coming up to our highly anticipated announcement of the scallywag of the year next week! We have chosen a shortlist of scummy bosses from the winners over this year who've either won more than once or done something particularly grubby. This year we are putting the power in your hands to make the decision. To have your say take a look at the previous post. And if you want to make an endorsement, or just complain about your boss, send us an email at workerspower4zzz@gmail.com

And, as a Christmas gift for us, Workers Power has sick new intro, a huge thanks to Chris Bingham from The Starvation Orchestra for creating it.

Blood on their hands

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Jayden and Hayden from Anti-Poverty Network to talk about the recent announcement that the cashless welfare card is being extended for another two years, and about the actions being taken to stop the card and help each other in the face of it. Bill also goes on a rant about the recent omnibus laws that undermine the BOOT test.

Beginners' mistakes: the roots of social democracy and the Labor party in Australia

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 1 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +1000

On this week's history episode we are joined by Jeff Rickertt, president of the Brisbane Labour History Association. He is an active trade unionist, a librarian and a labour historian with research interests in the history of working-class movements and socialist politics in Queensland. We're going to be talking about the history of the formation of the Labor party, from strikes to armed conflict to utter defeat, and finally to its position as yet another servant of capital.

Pedagogical collapse

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Michael McNally, Qld Secretary of NTEU, to talk about the consistent and expanding draining of funding to tertiary education, and the action being taken to fight it, such as the protest by Griffith staff last Friday, and the upcoming protest by UQ staff this Friday.

The corporations are the government

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +1000

No guest this week, but we'll be talking about a couple union wins, an upcoming NTEU rally, the Zapatistas, and more.

Mums' Power

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week Hannah is joined in the studio by past guests Nadine Chemali and Delta Kay to talk about feminism, patriarchy, and what its like being a working mum. And we have young Jimmy Kay making his radio debut.

The history of class struggle

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 3 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are talking to Greg Mallory from the Brisbane Labour History Association about the work they do in the studying and analysis of the history of the labour movement in Australia and especially Meanjin/Brisbane. This is the start of an exciting partnership between Workers Power and the BLHA, we will be having a member of BLHA on the show on the first Tuesday of every month to talk about an aspect of Labour history, and most importantly how we can apply the lessons of this history to today's movements.

all cops are bastards

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This we week we are again talking to Jayden about anti-poverty network in order to promote their upcoming forum, which will be talking about strategies to fight job agencies. We also have the pleasure of premiering the latest party message from Worker & Parasite, Realpolitik. To support the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy, which is currently under attack by the Victorian Government, visit this page for info.

Down with Queen Bajrasudhabimalalakshana

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we do not have a guest, but we will be talking about the class action case in WA for Indigenous workers to be compensated for the slavery they were held in, a protest against Mark Latham's transphobic bill, the movement against the Prayut dictatorship in Thailand, and more.

You dip your bread in our blood

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +1000

Trigger warning: There is a description of injuries recieved as a result of rape at 31:55 to 32:40.

This week we talked to Nadine Chemali, who is a writer, academic, and community worker, about recent government actions that attempt to further cloister Australia from non-white refugees.

Sex workers surviving the pandemic

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 6 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are again joined by Janelle from Respect Inc to talk about the work that Respect does, the struggles that sex workers have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the campaign for decriminalisation in QLD. To support sex workers in these times you can donate to this fundraiser, organised by Scarlet Alliance.<

Grassroots action by uni staff

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Dr Natalie Osborn from the National Higher Education Action Network about the problems in higher education, and how NHEAN will address them with unprotected industrial action. Natalie is also a producer for Radio Reversal, which is another brilliant show on 4ZZZ.

Living Inside For Everyone

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we've got Jayden on again, Jayden works with Anti-Poverty Network Queensland and is involved in the Living Incomes for Everyone campaign. We're going to talk about LIFE's new demand for secure housing, as well the LIFE national week of action and the action being organised by APN.

The neoliberal zombie apocalypse, and our graveyard universities

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to professor of social work at QUT, and NTEU member, Christine Morley, about the effects of neoliberal capitalism on tertiary education.

Racism, rubbish, and riots

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 8 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have an update from the committal hearing about the murder of Kumanjayi Walker, an upcoming action against the proposed incinerator in Ipswich, a success in the campaign for portable long service leave, a eulogy for David Graeber, and a bunch more.

BLM and land rights

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 1 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Delta Kay about how she and her mob won Indigenous Land Use Agreements in Arakwal country, and about the Black Lives Matter movement in the US and in Australia.

The crime of poverty

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Jeremy Poxon from the Australian Unemployed Workers Union, to talk about the punishment workers face when they do not have a job, and how the union fights against that. We also talked about the MOStrike, you can find more information about that here.

Aged care: wage theft and maseratis

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Lauren from the Health Services Union about organising in the aged care sector and a recent win which saw 9500 workers get their backpay, to support the HSU campaign for decent aged care you can go to their website. We also talked about the AUWU MOStrike, you can find more information about that here.

Blockadeathon

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we bring you news about blockades, we've got blockades in Uluru, Kangaroo point, Bolivia, and more. We've also got an update from last week's scallywag, and plenty more workers action.
This week 4ZZZ has put on Radiothon, our annual subscriber drive, so if you subscribe now, not only do you get that warm inner glow of supporting community radio (as well as discounts at our sub discount outlets), you can also go in the run to win some awesome prizes. Click here to learn more.

Health and Safety Reps

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 4 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we don't have a guest but Bill teaches us about Health and Safety Representatives, which is a topic that will be useful for all workers.

Solidarity saves lives

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Jorgen, the Queensland CEO of Mates in Construction, about their work in preventing suicide in the construction industry and elsewhere.

the unemployed workers special

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Jayden from Anti-Poverty Network, to talk about APN and their role in the LIFE campaign. And later in the show we talk to Col Davies from Fair Go For Pensioners, to talk about that campaign as well as the LIFE campaign.

They're coming for the crates.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week on Workers power Jaxom brings you an update directly from the front lines of the Kangaroo Point blockade, we share a story from Michael Williams about the Black Lives Matter movement, we give an update from the green ban in Parramatta, as always our scallywag of the week where we have yet another story showing that there is no law for the rich, and more.

Getting irate at polluting big business

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 7 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week Bill talks to Jim Dodrill, president of Ipswich Residents Against Toxic Environments, about the work IRATE does in Ipswich and their campaign against a proposed incinerator in the area.

Just one meal

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we report on the blockade at Kangaroo point, the fee increase for humanities students, an update from the US uprising, and as always our scallywag of the week.

Living Incomes For Everyone

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we talk to Jayden from Anti-Poverty Network about the Living Incomes For Everyone campaign, a cross organisation campaign involving activist organisations, NGOs, and unions, to raise welfare payments to a minimum of $1100.

Let them hug their kids.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +1000

We talk with Kirsty from United Workers Union about how the federal government plans to take the razor to the Child Education Sector. This effects predominately women workers; those that work there and those that rely on them to support their families. As well as affecting the children, when the workers don't have enough to take care of themselves, it makes it difficult to take care of others. It is simply a continuation of the government's contempt for women and children.

We also have interviews with Sam Woripa Watson and Fletch to take you to the frontlines of the struggle to free 120 refugee workers who have been detained indefinitely at a hotel at Kangaroo Point for eight months, this is in addition to the seven years they spent in the dark stains on the history of humanity that are the Manus and Nauru detention centres.

You can't pay bills with exposure

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 9 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +1000

On today's show Bill and Hannah chat with Carl from Musicians Australia about Musicians organising for fair paid work. They also discuss the Black Lives Matter rally and workers action from ETU, The Services Union, CFMEU, Unions NSW and workers standing up and fighting back around the world. Stick around to the end as Bill doesnt hold back on his rant about our Scallywag of the Week.

Black Lives Matter

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 2 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +1000

“The murder of George Floyd is a lit match to the fuel that has built up over decades” - Sam Watson of Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance spoke with Bill about the Black Lives Matter - Stop Black Deaths in Custody rally in King George Square this Saturday June 6th from 1pm, where over 10,000 people have responded to the event on Facebook for the Brisbane rally alone.

To protest safely make sure you bring plenty of hygiene gear such as a face mask and hand sanitiser, and stay 1.5m apart from those around you. If you are sick, stay home and support where you can online.

In our second half we spoke about retail and fast food workers around the world standing up and fighting back with action from; Retail and Fast Food Workers Union, Fight for $15 and Unite Union.

50th Episode!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 26 May 2020 10:00:00 +1000

We've come a long way over the last year and today we reach our 50th episode! That's 50 episodes of bringing Meanjin news for the working class, by the working class, and we're looking forward to another 50. This week we've got a bunch of news from our retail and hospitality workers, and more.

Starting today we're going to be editing the music out of this version of the show, this will give our more time sensitive listeners something a bit easier to fit into their days, and it will be more fair to the musicians, who ought to be paid for their labour. However, do not fear music lovers, to listen to our full show you can head over to https://workerspower4zzz.blogspot.com/. This website also has an RSS feed so you can plug it into your favourite podcasting app.

Rank and file fights back against NTEU

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 19 May 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Izzy and Fran, who are rank and file members of the National Tertiary Education Union, to talk about the NTEU Fightback campaign. This is a campaign to vote no to the NTEU's National Jobs Protection Framework, which threatens to cut the pay of workers by up to %15 under the guise of protecting jobs. You can follow the campaign and find out how to get involved at their facebook or twitter.

Songs played
REM - Cant get there from here 0:00:00
Steve Ludkin - Black History 0:15:23
Briggs - Extra Extra 0:20:23
Dianas - Going Gone 0:23:17
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:36:19
Cable Ties - Hope 0:49:52
Amyl and the Sniffers - Im not a loser 1:00:02
Sonic Youth - Youth against fascism 1:05:06
Idles - Television 1:12:05
Float Therapy - Gaffer Tape 1:28:45
Krave - Alchemy 1:33:49
Sycco - Nicotine 1:43:49
Dicklord - C U Next Tuesday 1:50:35

Vale Jack Mundey

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 12 May 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week on Workers Power we celebrate the life of Jack Mundey, a unionist and communist who was a leading figure of the BLF's green bans. We also talk about a mine explosion that injured five workers, a plan to help the suffering arts industry, the battle against the fascist Turkish state, and more.

Songs played
Dicklord - Boring 0:00:00
Class War - Class Consciousness 0:03:23
Baker Boy - Move 0:13:22
Deekay - Gotta Get Out Of It 0:16:04
When Our Turn Comes - Bring Back The Green Bans 0:24:50
Phil Monsuer - Better Work Better Life 0:36:10
Coalfalls - Stephenson Street 0:48:07
Atlas - Apparations 0:53:25
Cable Ties - Tell them where to go 1:06:25
J-Milla - Unlock the System 1:14:19
Steve Ludkin - Black History 1:22:54
Violent Soho - Easy 1:33:18
Waax - FU 1:46:31

Solidarity, now more than ever, is necessary for survival

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 5 May 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week on Workers Power we have some hopeful news for Indigenous prisoners in Victoria, an example of mutual aid from Sydney, and workers sticking together to fight bosses from Australia to Vegas. We've also got a scandalous scallywag of the week.

Songs played
Billy Bragg - There is power in a union 0:00:00
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:02:46
Baker Boy - Move 0:17:14
DeeKay - Time for some akshun 0:19:56
The Stress of Leisure - Interesting times 0:26:01
AB Original ft Thelma Plum - ICU 0:38:21
Good boy - Extended Heavy 0:54:18
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Blues X Man 1:01:09
Kim Salmon and The Surrealists - Non Stop Action Groove 1:04:43
Glitoris - Slut Power 1:13:57
The Broken Girls Club - Rum Song 1:18:56
RVG - Asteriod 1:32:15
Sycco - Nicotine 1:34:43
Violent Soho - Easy 1:42:27
The Disgruntled Taxpayers - Where's my Toilet Roll? 1:49:31

Some more news

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week on Workers Power we have First Nations artists sharing their art online, the CPSU supporting casual workers who have been shafted, Monash students organising for their rights online, a strike at Amazon, and more. And as always we'll have the scallywag of the week.
Support Geelong Regional Library staff.

Songs played
When our turn comes - Bring back the green bans 0:00:00
Phil Monsour - We will go home 0:13:56
DeeKay - Gotta Get Out of It 0:22:31
Kev Carmody - Thou shalt not steal 0:26:35
Sycco - Nicotine 0:31:35
Dicklord - Boring 0:38:56
Coalfalls - Stephenson Street 0:42:18
Alex the Astronaut - I think you're great 0:54:54
Cable Ties - Tell them where to go 0:58:41
Flirt - Cheeky Velvet 1:11:04
Class Consciousness - Class War 1:14:02
Mitch, Please - Rubbish 1:22:10
Flangipanis - In the bin 1:25:54
The Broken Girls Club - Rum Song 1:31:27
Violent Soho - Pick it up again 1:34:41
The Disgruntled Taxpayers - Where's my toilet roll? 1:41:53
Voiid - Sour 1:47:11

Ongoing governmental scallywaggery

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +1000

More stories this week showing that the government spares no thought for the workers. Including the illegal detention of Aboriginal people, a thwarted attempt to privatise the visa system, and the cutting of the notice period required before a vote on EBA changes. We also have other stories such as worldwide prison revolts, and nurses winning their pay.

Songs played
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:00:00
Warumpi Band - Blackfella/Whitefella 0:10:09
DeeKay - Gotta Get Out Of It 0:14:35
Sycco - Nicotine 0:18:39
Coalfalls - Stephenson Street 0:29:03
Violent Soho - Easy 0:33:19
Being Jane Lane - Be Ok 0:40:40
Cable Ties - Tell them where to go 0:43:37
Eliza & the Delusionals - Just Exist 0:55:02
Velociraptor - Sleep with the fishes 0:58:56
Thelma Plum - Better in blak 1:06:48
Good boy - Extended Heavy 1:09:59
Mardi Lumsden - This is forever 1:23:49
The Stress of Leisure - Interesting Times 1:27:48
Voiid - Sour 1:36:30
Mitch, Please - Rubbish 1:40:12
Flangipanis - In the bin 1:43:55
The Disgruntled Taxpayers - Where is my toilet roll 1:49:40
Dicklord - C U Next Tuesday 1:52:12

The government does not care. We, the people, must help each other!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have a whole bunch of stories of the government screwing over workers in response to the pandemic. Including sending pigs into remote communities without them undergoing quarantine, leaving education workers without sufficient pay, and planning to sacrifice workers for the sake of economic growth.

Songs played
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:00:00
Baker Boy - Move 0:10:55
DeeKay - Time for sum akshun 0:13:37
Violent Soho - A-Ok 0:22:40
Cable ties - Tell them where to go 0:25:19
Phil Monsour - Better Work Better Life 0:33:05
Dicklord - Boring 0:41:58
Glitoris - Slut Power 0:45:21
Eliza & The Delusionals - Just Exist 0:59:30
Good Boy - Extended Heavy 1:03:25
The Cassingle - Brisbanes Burning 1:14:45
Mitch, Please - Rubbish 1:22:40
Roo - Cold Comfort 1:27:28
Thelma Plum (Ft David Le'aupepe) - Love and War 1:31:31
Voiid - Sour 1:40:23
The Disgruntled Taxpayers - Where's My Toilet Roll 1:44:06

The workers will defeat this virus, while the rich hide in their private hospitals.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 7 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +1000

We continue from last week with even more stories showing that the working class and the employing class have nothing in common. There can be no peace so long as hunger and want are found among millions of the working people and the few, who make up the employing class, have all the good things of life. Between these two classes a struggle must go on until the workers of the world organise as a class, take possession of the means of production, abolish the wage system, and live in harmony with the Earth.

Songs played
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:00:00
Dee Kay - Im a G 0:9:21
Baker Boy - Move 0:13:36
The Disgruntled Taxpayers - Where's my toilet roll 0:19:49
Eliza & The Delusionals - Just Exist 0:27:35
Cable ties - Anger's not enough 0:36:56
Arse - NRVSNRG 0:42:42
The Meanies - 10% Weird 0:54:50
Minor Premiers - Hawaiian Holiday 0:56:22
Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs 1:07:15
Use no hooks - Do the job 1:10:47
Thelma Plum - Better in Blak 1:16:43
Glitoris - Slut Power 1:23:40
Voiid - Sour 1:28:40
The Mark of Cain - Lockdown 1:36:00
Dicklord - C U Next Tuesday 1:43:04

Class conflict exposed by the pandemic

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +1000

No interview this week, but we have plenty of news stories showing how COVID-19 has exposed the inherent contradiction between the interests of the workers and the interests of the owners. Such as Macca's leaving their workers in the dark about a positive COVID case, and prisoners fighting back against being left to die at the hands of the virus.

Songs played
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:00:00
Budd - Handle it 0:02:29
Dee Kay - I'm a g 0:13:25
Kev Carmody - Thou shall not steal 0:17:39
Cable ties - Anger's not enough 0:29:28
Good boy - Extended heavy 0:43:39
Rage against the machine - Settle for nothing 0:46:23
Faith no more - Evidence 0:50:24
Regurgitator - Eye, Zombie 1:03:16
Tumbleweed - A darkness at never never 1:06:26
Cable ties - Tell them where to go 1:18:16
The double happiness - Wild Bikini 1:21:47
The Hard Ons - Midnight 1:24:48
Voiid - Sour 1:37:08
Glitoris - Slut Power 1:40:21
Magic Dirt - Ice 1:45:42
Cog - Real life 1:51:36

Mutual Aid and QCU's Michael Clifford

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +1000

On this episode of Workers Power we were joined by Michael Clifford, General Secretary of the QCU, to discuss their response to the COVID-19 crisis, as well as how they're dealing with the government's response (starting at 50m48s). We were also joined by Hannah to discuss the mutual aid groups popping up around Australia and the world (starting at 1h20m38s).

Songs played
When our turn comes - Bring back the green bans 0:00:00
Archie Roach ft Sally Dastery - Tell me why 0:14:13
Thelma Plum - Better in Blak 0:17:22
Paul Kelly - Sleep Australia Sleep 0:24:19
Midnight Oil - No time for games 0:32:17
Phil Monsour - Still need a union 0:36:49
TISM - I drive a truck 0:40:47
The Saints - I'm Stranded 0:42:55
Alex the Astronaut - I think you're great 0:47:01
Hugo Stranger & The Rattlers - Hold on 1:11:41
Cable ties - Hope 1:13:58
Class war - Class Consciousness 1:33:12
Magic dirt - Ice 1:35:09
Glitoris - Slut Power 1:47:55
Chakra Efendi - Morphine 1:52:55

Anti-Viral Action

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +1000

No interview this week, but we have plenty of news from workers who are standing up and fighting back in the face of our current pandemic, including recent developments at Deebing Creek, communities coming together in mutual aid, and a potential rent strike.

Songs played
The Mark of Cain - Lockdown 0:00:00
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:04:01
DeeKay - Descendants of the curse 0:12:15
J-Milla - Unlock the system 0:19:17
Class War - Class Consciousness 0:28:44
Cable ties - Self-Made man 0:34:36
Mitch, please - Rubbish 0:43:35
Rage against the machine - Take the power back 0:55:58
Flangipanis - In the bin 1:11:50
Glitoris - Slut Power 1:12:27
Midnight Oil - Cold Cold Change 1:24:14
Good boy - Extended Heavy 1:27:43
Steve Ludkin - Photo Op Pollies 1:36:36
The Strokes - Is this it? 1:46:00
Dicklord - C U Next Tuesday 1:48:26

When Our Turn Comes EP launch

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we tried but failed to interview Kane from When Our Turn Comes, a Melbourne 5-piece band that explores issues like systemic racism, tackling neo-nazi groups, everyday economic struggles, union politics, and the climate crisis. But don't worry, we still have an exciting show full of workers fighting back from Australia to Latin America.

Songs played
When our turn comes - Bring Back the Green Bans 0:00:00
Baker Boy ft Jess B - Meditjin 0:14:17
Mitch, Please - Rubbish 0:17:14
When our turn comes - Citadel 0:20:59
When our turn comes - Break the rules 0:31:10
Being Jane Lane - Be Okay 0:41:01
Cable ties - Self-Made man 0:43:58
Chakra Efendi - Lady in white 0:47:37
Steve Ludkin - Photo Op Pollies 0:56:57
Flangipanis - In the bin 0:59:23
Use no hooks - Do the job 1:13:29
Class war - Class Consciousness 1:23:02
Glitoris - Slut Power 1:32:42

International Working Women's Day special

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 3 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +1000

We have a special all-women episode this week to celebrate International Working Women's Day this 8th March. As such we have guest co-host Dani from No Apologies on 4zzz. Our first guests (starting at 39m40s) this week are Linda and Kirsten from the United Workers Union, to talk about organising early education/childcare workers. Our second guests (starting at 1h08m20s) are Justine from The Services Union, and Sally and Dani from the Community and Public Sector Union, to talk about women's issues in their organising work.
Come along to IWWD this 8th March.

Songs played
Glitoris - Slut Power 0:00:00
Thelma Plum - Better In Blak 0:09:06
Being Jane Lane - Be Okay 0:12:15
Cable Ties - Self-Made Man 0:15:13
Class War - Class Consciousness 0:20:42
flangipanis - In The Bin 0:27:19
Lexicon - Greatness 0:27:55
The Double Happiness - Spooky Tiki (Theremin Remix)0:34:52
Good Boy - Extended Heavy 0:37:00
The Grates - Science Is Golden 0:46:57
Mitch, Please - Rubbish 0:49:50
Eliza & The Delusionals - Swimming Pool 0:53:32
Leanne Tennant - Everspin 1:04:54
Majestic Horses - Signal 1:19:03
The Slits - Typical Girls 1:34:10
Alex Lahey - Sucker For Punishment 1:43:34
Bluss - Shut Up Becky 1:45:56

International Working Women's Day and the UCU strike

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +1000

We are joined this week by Sian from Feminist Action to talk about International Working Women's Day, a day of protest against the patriarchal society that oppresses us as well as a day of celebration of the victories working women have had against it in the past.
We also hear from an old friend, Feargal! He's barely left the plane and has already gotten himself into trouble, with the UCU going on strike at 74 universities across the UK.

Songs played
Warumpi Band - Blackfella/Whitefella
A.B. Original ft Thelma Plum - ICU
Adele and the chandeliers - Love you more
Cable Ties - Self-Made Man
Apparations - Atlas
Good Boy - Extended Heavy
Life without buildings - New Town
Kim Salmon and the Surrealists - Non-Stop Action Groove
Mitch, Please - Rubbish
flangipanis - In the bin
Pixies - Debaser
The Double Happiness - Spooky Tiki (Theremin Remix)

Climate Crisis National Day of Action

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Alex from Climate Justice Alliance Brisbane to discuss the Climate Crisis National Day of Action event this Saturday. We discuss the idea of climate justice, and creating an alliance for climate justice.
We are also joined by new member of the Workers Power team, Michael! Michael is a journalist for Independent Australia, so we are very excited to bring his experience into the show.

Songs played
Mudhoney - In 'n' out of grace
Archie Roach feat. Sally Dastey - Tell me why
Apparitions - Atlas
Cable Ties - Self-made man
Eliza & The Delusionals - Swimming pool
Good Boy - Extended heavy
Martyr Privates - Carnage in the kool aid
Paul Kelly - Sleep Australia Slepp
Dropkick Murphys - Boys on the docks
The Strokes - Take it or leave it
flangipanis - In the bin
Mitch, Please - Rubbish

Cultural appropriation

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by First Nations worker and activist Delta Kay who chats with us about the appropriation of First Nations culture by businesses such as souvenir shops, why it is a problem, and what we can do about it. Find more of Delta's work at Culture Aware.

Songs played
Faith No More - Epic
Baker Boy ft Jess B - Meditjin
Boomalli ft Hazy - Fuck the system
Archie Roach - Charcoal Lane
Mitch, Please - Rubbish
flangipanis - In the bin
The Double Happiness - Spooky Tiki (Theremin remix)
Bloc Party - Like Eating Glass
Cable Ties - Sandcastles
Chakra Efendi - Ego Death
Pixies - Debaser

Dockworkers making waves

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 4 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Paul Petersen, assistant secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia - Queensland branch, to talk about strike action being taken against Hutchinson Ports, as well as international solidarity among dockworkers organising in the International Dockworkers Council.

Songs played
R.E.M. - It's The End Of The World As We Know It
Archie Roach - Tell Me Why
The Saints - Swing for the Crime
Last Quokka - Colony
Gang of Four - Ether
Magic Dirt - He-man
Dicklord - Moll on the dole
Alex the Astronaut - I Think You're Great
Dead Kennedys - Take This Job and Shove It
Iota - Triplespoon

Grill'd workers bring the heat

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +1000

This week we have Mitch on the show, who is a delegate at Grill'd Workers United, to talk about the campaign to organise Grill'd workers.

Songs played
Phil Monsour - Solidarity Forever
Baker Boy ft JessB - Meditjin
Warumpi Band - Blackfella/Whitefella
Mitch, Please - Rubbish
Cable Ties - Sandcastles
Dicklord - Moll on the dole
Budd - Kairos
Last Quokka - Colony
Magic Dirt - Daddy
Regurgitator - Fat Cop
TISM - Whatareya

just news this week

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +1000

No interview this week so we are just going through some of the latest news. But next Sunday is Invasion day, so try to make it to your local rally.

Songs played
Gil Scott-Herron - The revolution will not be televised
Baker Boy - Marryuna Ft Yirrmal
Baker Boy - Meditjin Ft Jess B
Eddy current Suppression Ring - All in good time
PJ Harvey - Rid of me
Faith no more - Be aggressive
Rage against the machine - Take the power back
Last Quokka - Colony
A country practice - The inundation into our room
Mitch, Please - Rubbish
Flangipanis - In the bin
A.B. Original, Dan Sultan - January 26

Dodgy bosses at Macca's

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +1000

We're playing a bit more music this week as we adjust to a lack of Feargal in the studio. In this episode we have a short interview with McDonald's worker, Retail and Fast Food Workers Union member and newest addition to the Workers Power 4ZZZ team, Jason Harradine. We talk about RAFFWU winning penalty rates for Maccas workers, and the response from the dodgy bosses in trying to cut workers hours. If you are a McDonald's worker, you do not have to sign a new agreement. If your boss is telling you that you do, get them to put it in writing, and record the interaction yourself. For more information you can watch this 11 minute video.

Songs played
Billy Bragg - There Is Power in a Union
Thelma Plum - Better in Blak
Kev Carmody - Thou Shalt Not Steal
The Jam - That's Entertainment
Machine Gun Fellatio - Rollercoaster
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
Regurgitator - I Sucked a Lot of Cock to Get Where I Am
VOIID - D.W.n.T
ROO - Malicious Delicious
flangipanis - The Ballad of Chad and Becky
Doxa - Carrier
Chakra Efendi - Morphine
WAAX - FU
Phil Monsour - Fires Are Burning
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Blues X Man

Bushfires

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 7 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +1000

As we say hello to the new year we say goodbye to Feargal, as he is leaving brissie to go study in the UK. Join us for Feargal's last episode as we discuss the bushfires, and the response from unions and others.
To help fight these fires you can donate to the NSW RFS, and to assist with the fire relief for First Nations communities donate here.

Songs played
The Clash - Know Your Rights
Kerrianna Cox - Woman Got No History
Phil Monsour - Still Need a Union
Class War - Class Consciousness
Majestic Horses - Call You Out
WAAX - FU
Midnight Oil - US Forces
The Saints - Stranded
The Fall - Hit the North
Violent Femmes - Please Do Not Go

New Year, same system.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +1000

As we come into the new year we have a full house of Workers Power contributers in the studio: Feargal, Bill, Hannah, Steven, and Darrel, the Together union delegate at CITEC. In this episode we talk to Darrel about working and organising at CITEC, and what it is like to organise your workplace as a public servant.
We also go over all our scallywags this year and make the grand decision, who will be the scallywag of the year?

Songs played
Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name
A.B. Original - January 26
Kev Carmody - Thou Shalt Not Steal
Class War - Class Consciousness
The Stress of Leisure - Shark Killer
Pussy Riot - Hangerz
Bad//Dreems - Mob Rule
Rebel Diaz - Which Side Are You On?
Glomesh - Factory Heart
Thelma Plum - Better in Blak
Interpol - Evil
The Clash - The Call Up
The Coup - The Guillotine
Calle 13 - No Hay Nadie Como Tú

All I want for Christmas is decriminalisation of sex work

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +1000

This Christmas Eve we are talking to Eva from Decrim Qld about the reality of sex work, the laws regarding sex work in queensland, the difficulties and dangers they pose to sex workers, and the campaign for decriminalisation of sex work. We also talk a bit about the intercourse between sex work and feminism.

Songs played
Billy Bragg - The Internationale
Thelma Plum - Better in Blak
Emily Wurramara - Black Boy
K.Flay - Blood In The Cut
Cardi B - Money
Phantastic Ferniture - Fuckin 'n' Rollin
Some Jerks - A Million Girls
HEXDEBT - Loops
Roo - Malicious Delicious
Valley Latini - Pay My Rent
Yothu Yindi - Treaty

Organising paramedics (not ambulance drivers).

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Debbie, lead organiser for paramedics in the United Workers Union, and Dan, delegate for UWU and a paramedic himself. We discuss the experiences of paramedics on the job including violence and mental health issues, as well as the experience of organising paramedics.

Songs played
Midnight Oil - Cold Cold Change
Bwgcolman Mob - Time Will Tell
Nickelback - When We Stand Together
Strawbs - Part Of The Union
Billy Bragg - There Is Power In A Union
WAAX - Same Same
Kate Tempest - Europe Is Lost
Zounds - War/Subvert
Warumpi Band - Secret War
Bitumen - Twice Shy
Last Quokka - Privilege

A very striking week. UWU fights the rotten PMFresh, and First Union cottons on to Cotton On in NZ.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Left to Right - Bill, Imogen, Feargal

This week we are joined by Imogen, who is an organiser for the United Workers Union, to talk about a potential strike at PMFresh, which supplies salads to various businesses such as Hungry Jack's or Woolworths. The strike has now been called off as all the demands were met.
We also talk to Ben, who is an organiser for First Union, to talk about the Cotton On workers' strike.

Songs played
Strawbs - Part Of The Union
Thelma Plum - Better in Blak
Indigenoise - Shrap
Billy Bragg - There Is Power in a Union
Gerry and the Pacemakers - You'll Never Walk Alone
Tape/Off - Work Xmas Party
The Stress of Leisure - I Wanna Be Adult
Endless Summer - Full Power Happy Hour
Split Enz - I See Red
First Beige - Desire
Gang Of Four - To Hell With Poverty

Workers Power debut

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 3 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +1000

No guests but plenty to talk about. With action from CFMEU - Construction & General, MEAA, AMIEU Queensland Branch, Independent Education Union - Queensland & Northern Territory Branch, and a special report on lots of action from the new fighting union United Workers Union including a Scallywag looking for redemption. Our Scallywag of the week is perfect example of one rule for us and one rule for them. We also have international struggle and local events. Phew! You can see why we need 2 hours.

Songs played
The Clash - Something About England
Warumpi Band - Blackfella/Whitefella
The Mob - Speak With Me
Class War - Killin Us
Ausecuma Beats - You Never Know
Glomesh - Factory Heart
Redskins - Unionise
WAAX - FU
Adele & The Chandeliers - German On My Mind
Majestic Horses - Call You Out
Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Man

Negotiating for catholic school workers, Free West Papua, and workplace injuries.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Left to right - Feargal, Brad, Bill

Welcome to the final episode of The Workers Hour, as we are now Workers Power, and we will have a two hour show from 10-12am Tuesday. This week we are joined by Brad, the assistant secretary of the Independent Education Union, QLD and NT branch. To discuss the ongoing EBA negotiations for catholic school workers. Then we have Ash Brennan, who has been organising solidarity gigs for the Free West Papua Campaign, come to the Rockin' for West Papua gig at Banshees Bar & Artspace this Saturday at 7pm. Finally we have Ganesh from Sciaccas Lawyers to discuss how to deal with all the legalities involved when fate deals you a workplace injury.
The Internet Archive, which we use to host the recordings of this show, is running a 2 to 1 matching campaign, so any donations you make to it will be tripled. To support Workers Power, along with all the other amazing work that The Internet Archive does, consider donating.

Songs played
Roaring Jack - The Lads of the B.L.F.
Bwgcolman Mob - Time Will Tell
Doxa - Carrier
Ska-P - El Vals del Obrero
Some Jerks - A Million Girls
Roo - Malicious Delicious
The Saints - Know Your Product
Billy Bragg - There Is Power in a Union
Dropkick Murphys - Worker's Song
Tia Gostelow - Vague Utopia
Civil Villains - Soapbox
HEXDEBT - Loops
Midnight Oil - Kosciusko
The Dubliners - The Molly Maguires
The Chameleons - Up the Down Escalator
INXS - Mystify
David Bridie - Act of Free Choice
Last Quokka - Privilege

The legendary Bob Carnegie, the IWW, the trade unions, and climate change

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +1000

We've got another long show this week as we fill in for Echo Boom after they had their final show last week. Since Bill was off fighting for RAFFWU members we had Jaxom fill in for him.
We are joined by Bob Carnegie, former state secretary of the MUA, member of the IWW, and long-time working class activist, to discuss various topics including the IWW in the US, climate change, the state of trade unions in Australia and their future.
We also discuss solidarity unionism, and workers actions from the TWU, the ETU, the brand new UWU, and more.

Songs played
Last Quokka - Privilege
Drmngnow - Australia Does Not Exist
Billy Bragg - Joe Hill
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - Against The Wind
Majestic Horses - Call You Out
Talib Kweli - Gutter Rainbows
Chakra Efendi - Morphine
Lunchtime - Deception Bay
Waax- FU
BOAT SHOW - I Don't Get It
flangipanis - Scully
The Clash - Up In Heaven
Alla Spina - Getting Nowhere
Sonic Youth - Youth Against Fascism
Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Hero
Birdz - Black Lives Matter
A.B. Original - 2 Black 2 Strong
Soundgarden - Blow Up The Outside World

Macca's strike and other worker's action/news.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +1000

No guest this week so we are covering a bunch of news about workers' action in so-called Australia and around the world, including the McDonald's workers strike in London.

Songs played
Midnight Oil - Armistice Day
Jackie Brown Jr - Sauvignon Bogan
Diät - Young & Successful
The Go Set - The Miner's Son

The ETU, the lock-on laws, and a just transition.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 5 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +1000

This week we speak to Stuart Traill, an organiser and assistant state secretary for the ETU, about the threat the new lock-on laws pose to the ETU and the union movement in general. And we talk about how we can have a just transition to renewable energy and the role that the ETU plays in that.

Songs played
Ewan MacColl - My Old Man
Indijjinus - Black Man
Billy Bragg - Which Side Are You On
Tom Petty - I Won't Back Down
flangipanis - Scully

The lock-on laws

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +1000

This week we are joined by Alexis Pink from The Pineapple Rebellion to explain the process of its creation, what it does, and to clear up some misconceptions.
We also have further updates on Deebing Creek and other worker's actions around the country.

Songs played
Kate Tempest - Europe Is Lost
Lexicon - Shame
A.B. Original - 2 Black 2 Strong
Hard-Ons - It Seems Like I've Spent Every Penny That I've Earnt Today
WAAX - Same Same

Update on Deebing Creek and report back on the rally for the right to protest

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +1000

As workers rallied in Brisbane against Qld Labor's Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 we were at 4ZZZ bringing you the world famous The Workers Hour.
Not only did we discuss the Bill and subsequent rally but were joined by Jaxom to report back on the rally that was organised by Action Ready.
We gave an update on Deebing Creek and announced the Scallywag of the Week. We have a real doozy this week.

Songs played
Last Quokka - Nazi Scum
Dispossessed - Warpath Never Ended
The Parameters - Pig City
Midnight Oil - Read About It
The Chats - Smoko
HEXDEBT - Loops

The battle is over, but the war continues. Outcome of the O-I glass strike.

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +1000

We are joined this week by Gary Rogers, and organiser for the ETU who has been involved in the O-I glass strike that has raged on for the past 15 weeks, finally coming to and end last Friday. Gary will fill us in on the outcome of the strike and join us as we cover the workers action going on this week in Australia and around the world.

Songs played
Midnight Oil - Blue Sky Mine
Kerrianne Cox - Woman Got No History
Flangipanis - Piss In Your Beer
FriendlyFire - Unhinge and Rebel
Flatfoot 56 - Toil
Sunscreen - High Over Love

Worker Action Special

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 8 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +1000

We have no guest this week but plenty of workers action happening.
Some great news out of Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy. We also discuss action from RTBU, Australian Musicians Alliance, AMWU, CFMEU, RAFFWU, MUA, The Services Union, Together, AMIEU, and the ETU.
All this plus The Workers Hour's famous Scallywag of the week is announced.

Songs played
The Molotovs - Class Enemy
Birdz - Nations
Redgum - Killing Floor
Flangipanis - Getting By
Flangipanis - In The Bin

Organising Transport Workers

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 1 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +1000

This week, we have guest co-host, Kleon Toffetti whilst Feargal is on holidays. We also have Peter Biagini from Transport Workers Union in the studio to chat about Transport Workers action and what is involved in organising the transport industry.

We also have updates and news from: Deebing Creek, MEAA, AMWU, RAFFWU, and ETU, plus our Scallywag of the Week.

The IWW is putting on a panel discussion about the history of the IWW in Australia at the East Brisbane Bowls Club on the 27th of October. Find out more here.

Songs played
Billy Bragg - There Is Power in a Union
Thelma Plum - Better in Blak
Cold Chisel - Shipping Steel
The Chats - Identity Theft
WAAX - FU

The Services Union and portable long service leave

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show we were joined by The Services Union's lead organiser for social and community services workers, Justine Moran. Justine filled us in on the campaign to get portable long service leave, as well as some of the issues confronting social and community service workers in the industry.

First up though we give updates on first nations workers' actions happening across the country, in particular, the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy, as well as the campaign to Save Deebing Creek Mission - who are holding a working bee this weekend, head on out there if you are free!

We also hear of workers actions around the country, and reveal this week's scallywag of the week!
And of course, a massive shoutout to striking O-I Glass workers of the ETU Queensland & NT, now into their 11th week on strike! Support the strike here.
And if you are eligible to join The Services Union, then head on over to their website and join your union!

Songs played
When Our Turn Comes - Climate Strike
B-Town Warriors - People of the red sunset
Dolly Parton - 9 to 5
Some Jerks - A million girls
Weezer - Island in the sun

The Workers Boom 2: Electric Boogaloo

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +1000

This week, we once again fill in for Cam and Roo on Echo Boom to bring you a 3 hour episode of Workers Boom 2: Electric Boogaloo.

We speak to United Voice Lead organiser Linda and Delegate Kirsty to talk about some of the issues facing Early Childhood Educators as well as the efforts being by the union to organise and fight for better pay and conditions - The Big Steps Campaign.

In the second half of the show, we discuss United Voice's endorsement and decision to actively partake in the climate strike this coming Friday, as well as why it is a union issue, and something that all workers need to act upon.

Lastly we have a suprise visit from ETU rank and file member and O-I Glass striker Jesse, who joins us as we read out this weeks workers actions, and reveal our scallywag of the week - ENCO Seventeen Mile Rocks manager, Steven James!

Songs played
Faith No More - We Care A Lot
DRMNGNOW - Australia does not exist
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
The Bennie's - My Bike
WAAX - FU
Gil Scott-Heron - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
A. Swayze & the Ghosts - Connect to Consume
Rage Against The Machine - Take The Power Back
Start Together - Az Nem Várhat
Redgum - Raggin'
The Interrupters - Take Back The Power
VOIID - D.W.n.T
DZ Deathrays - Snake

The Workers Boom

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +1000

In Cam and Roos absence, Myself (Feargal) and Bill have taken over Echo Boom and brought in all our union mates to talk about industrial issues and play a few union favourites!

We are joined by: RTBU Queensland Branch assistant state secretary Tom Brown to talk about some of the issues confronting Bus Drivers; NUW organiser Isaac Avery to talk about issues facing farmers, warehouse workers, and the NUW active role in campaigning for the right to strike; and ETU organiser Gary Rogers talking to us about Asbestos silicosis.

And of course workers actions, the scallywag of the week, and upcoming events for the week.

Songs played
Billy Bragg - Power in a union
Thelma Plum - Better in black
Bruce Springsteen - The River
Waax - FU
Yeti Ghetto - New Love
Roo - Malicious Delicious
Living End - Roll On
Mode Atlanta - Song for the workers
Homeless Yellow - Nice Disease
Rage Against The Machine - Township Rebellion
Midnight Oil - Blue Sky Mine
Pink - Funhouse
Twisted Sister - We're not gonna take it
Dropkick Murphys - Worker's song

Tom and Alice from the Services Union

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 3 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show we are joined by Alice and Tom, rank and file members of the Services Union, talking the campaigns being undertaken by the union, as well as some of the issues experienced by workers in the community and social services industy.

We also discuss workers action from Australian Unions who are organising First Nation Workers Leaders and news from Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners Council, Updates from NTEU National Tertiary Education Union, AMWU - Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union and our comrades across the ditch at Unite Union.
We also chat solidarity with #HomeToBilo and our ETU Queensland & NT comrades on the picket line at OI-Glass.
All that plus our Scallywag of the Week. We have a flip flopper of a doozy this week.
Also breaking news from Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.

Songs played
Billy Bragg - The Internationale
Kev Carmody - From little things big things grow
Mahalia - Suprise me
Hang - The Short

APN and the fight against the cashless welfare card

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Jayden from Anti-Poverty Network QLD joins us to talk about the Raise The Rate!! Scrap The Card! rally and the struggle for a decent safety net for workers.

We will also talk about Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy and AMWU - Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union comrades great victory in the Federal court. So much more as well as the scallywag of the week - LNP candidate for Mayo, Georgina Dower!

Songs played
Crass - Do they owe us a living?
Wurrumpi Band - Sit Down Money
Sepultura - Refuse/Resist
Hearts and Rockets - Drama club
Plateau - Poor and Educated
The Chats - Bus Money

CFMEU - Here for the Blue!

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show we are joined by CFMEU union organiser Blake, and health and safety rep Hayden, both members of the CFMEU Youth Crew, talking to us about working conditions on construction sites.

Our Scallywag of the week, Scott Morrison opposing efforts to #raisetherate of Newstart, and the nomination from Hayden and Blake - foreign mining corp Glencore, who have been forced by ATO to open their books!

Plus updates on workers action being taken up by the RTBU, CPSU, Public Service Association, and Anti-Poverty Network SA (among others), to take a stand against efforts by the South Australian Liberal Party government to privatise public services.
And of course, a shout out to our Yuggera Ugarapul comrades fighting to Save Deebing Creek Mission, and our comrades in the ETU in their struggle to maintain their hard-fought for conditions at O.I. Glass South Brisbane.

Songs played
Dropkick Murphys - Worker's Song
Tia Gastelow - Vague Utopia
Her Nightmare - Class War
Rancid - Harry Bridges
The Dubliners - McAlpine's Fusiliers
Thigh Master - Mould Lines

Deebing Creek documentary and MUA action at DP World

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show we spoke to Maritime Union of Australia delegates, Craig and Matt, from DP World and Hutchinson terminals at the Port of Brisbane. We discussed the current EBA negotiations occurring at DP world, as well as got updates on conditions and struggles happening down at the port. We also talked about the solidarity efforts being taken to deepen the ties between Hutchinson dock workers in Australia and Indonesia, through affiliates of the ITF Dockers.
Once again the MUA demonstrating why they are our favourite union - leading the way in the effort to build international solidarity between workers of the west and the global south!

We Also talk to Terry Royan about the documentary he has made about about Deebing Creek mission, being screened this Saturday at Banshees Bar & Artspace in Ipswich at 6pm. Find out more at Save Deebing Creek Mission.

Songs played
Bruce Springsteen - Promised Land
Kev Carmody -Thou Shalt Not Steal
Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer
Roo - Malicious Delicious

Events
Radiothon Variety Show - 14th August 11am - 5pm at 4ZZZ
Deebing Creek documentary screening - 17th August 6pm at Banshees Bar
Picket to #MakeRideshareDrivingSafe - 19th August 9am - 5pm at 252 Montague Rd, West End
30yrs after Fitzgerald - Respect Inc - 21st August 1:30pm at Parliament House, Brisbane
Raise The Rate!! Scrap The Card! - 31st August 1pm - 3pm at Queens Park, Brisbane
Disgruntled Day - 7th September 2pm at Club Greenslopes

RTBU delegate mentorship program

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 6 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show we talk to RTBU rank and file member, and youth co-convenor Byron Cubit, about the delegate mentorship program he has developed for the union. We also cross over to our comrade Chris Bingham, for a live update on the Extinction Rebellion Protest in the CBD.

Updates from the CFMMEU, NUW, IEU, Together Union, HSU and AMWU.

This weeks Scallywag of the week:
Sash Japanese Sydney, in Surry Hills, directors Kyle Stagoll and Dave Nelson, who have blamed having to pay workers Award rates as the reason they went broke.

Songs played
The Pogues - Poor Paddy
Wilcannia Barkindji Soldiers - Heartbeat
Public Enemy - Fight the Power
Voiid - Dipshit
Mode Atlanta - Song for the Workers

Interview with Max From Extinction Rebellion

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show we are joined by Max from Extinction Rebellion, discussing the motivations behind Extinction Rebellion, and why workers and their organisations should get behind them, and take immediate action to fight climate change.

We also give updates on actions from the CFMMEU, MUA, MEAA, QTU, NUW, RTBU, and the ETU.

This week's scallywag of the week: Head of NIB Mark Fitzgibbon, for his call to have Australia adopt an American style medical insurance system and to scrap Medicare and make private health insurance compulsory.

Songs played
Redgum - Raggin
Warumpi Band - Secret War
Gil Scott-Heron - The Revolution Will Not be Televised
The Chats - Identity Theft
Clearing House - Die Early

ETU workers on strike at O.I. Glass

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show, we are joined by
ETU member, Matt, one of many O.I. Glass's workers currently on strike
in response to management's attempts to cut away workplace conditions.

We also announce our new segment of the show - Scallywag of the week!
drawing light to dodgy bosses. This week's scallywag is Masterchef
judge, George Calombaris. George takes out the title after cheating
workers out of over $8 million dollars in unpaid wages

Songs played
The Medics - Griffin
Twisted Sister - We're not gonna take it
Doxa - Catharsis
Hexdebt - Covenant
The Fall - Industrial estate

Organising Musicians

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +1000

We hear from Paul from Musicians Australia and how they are organising.

We also chat about workers action from MUA, ETU, Brisbane Reclink Community Cup, Extinction Rebellion SEQ, School Strike 4 Climate, Australian Council of Social Service, MEAA plus more.

Songs played
Offa Rex - Blackleg Miner
Thelma Plum - Nick Cave
DZ Death Rays - Year of the Dog
Body Type - Stingray
Odlaw - Maida Vale

RAFFWU and the crackdown on activists

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 9 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +1000

This week on the show, Bill and Feargal are joined by Alexis Pink from Zed Digital show The Pineapple Rebellion (6-7pm Wednesday) to discuss Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill 2019, which threatens to place severe penalties on people using their right to protest. And we interview Retail and Fast Food Workers Union national secretary Josh Cullinan.

Songs played
Billy Bragg - Between the wars
Nick Cave - Right now I'm a roaming
Friday Park - Stale biscuit
No fixed Address - Black man's rights
Waax - I am

Rideshare Drivers in Cooperation Queensland and Respect Inc

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 2 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +1000

In this episode Feargal is away so we are joined by Christopher Bingham. Chris interviews Ahri Tallon, an organiser for Rideshare Drivers in Cooperation Queensland, to talk about the union and organising in platform capitalism.

We also interview Janelle from Respect Inc, a sex worker advocacy organisation, to talk about organising sex workers and the DecrimQLD movement fighting against laws that put workers lives at risk.

Songs played
These New South Wales - Nerve 2 Reverse
Thelma Plum - Better In Blak
Blondie - Call Me
Dune Rats - No Plans
Interpol - Fine Mess
Billy Bragg - There Is Power in a Union

Bye Bye Bob

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today in the show, we share updates from the NUW, AMWU, QTU, TWU, RTBU, UV and CFMMEU. We also pay tribute to outgoing MUA QLD branch secretary Bob Carnegie.

Bob has led the MUA in Queensland to carry on its tradition as a trailblazing union, and the most progressive in all Australia. In his time as seceetary, he has consistently taken a militant stand in defence of workers rights, indigenous land rights struggles and refugee rights. If every union official was like Bob, we would be on the cusp of a general strike that would tip Australia over the edge into a revolution!

Songs played
Vestiges - Meanjin
DRMNGNW - Ancestors
Paul Robeson - Joe Hill
Pleatu - Poor and educated
Cold Chisel - Shipping Steel

EP#3

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +1000

In this episode, Bill and I discuss union news from the Maritime Union of Australia with workers of the NRMA Fast Ferries currently on strike in Sydney, Independent Education Union celebrating 100 years, the Transport Workers Union considering industrial action in Australian airports leading up to EBA negotions, and some great union wins from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.

We also give updates on the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance/Musicians Alliance, United Voice/Hospo Voice, Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union, and the Communication Workers Union.

Songs played
Yothu Yindi - Treaty
Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Hero
The Chats - Smoko
Sonic Youth - Youth Against Fascism
The Cutaways - In The Street

Langports College lockout

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Today on the show we were joined by Independent Education Union - Queensland & Northern Territory Branch organiser Aaron Watson, who filled us in on the lockout of teachers at Langports English College.
In our opinion, a grubby action indeed, and a clear instance of anti-union thuggery used to intimidate teachers, all because they dare asked for fair wages and respect and recognition for their work.
That aside, its incredibly heartening to hear of workers standing up to bullies to demand whats fair, not to mention the showing of solidarity being expressed from across the union movement.

And later in the show we discuss union news and workplace actions happening around the place including updates on National Union of Workers and the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union, and upcoming events.

Songs played
The Chats - Pub Feed
Kev Carmody - This Land Is Mine
Billy Bragg - The Great Leap Forward
The Saints - Swing For The Crime
Waax - I Am

First Episode

jaxom.kerlin@gmail.com (4ZZZ) — Tue, 4 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +1000

Over the hour we talked to one of the Delegates of the National Union of Workers
from the chemist warehouse strike about how the strike has impacted on
the workplace culture, touched on the land rights struggle being waged
by our Yuggera Ugarapul comrades in their efforts to Save Deebing Creek Mission, and discussed union news and all manner of issues coming up from the class war!

Songs played
Roo - Malicious Delicious
Warumpi Band - Blackfella Whitefella
Thelma Plum - Better in Black
Bob Marley - Get Up, Stand Up