to answer boof's question...

i am a union member.. currently on an eba..

well actually we are on a common law agreement... our union had to launch a campaign to get our employers to sign a common law agreement to say that they would continue to pay our current wages and conditions..

reason for this is becuase under howards reform eba's are null and void.. and also unlawful...

it took a lot of convincing to get our employers to sign the agreement.. ie we had to strike for lengthy periods of time.. just so they would agree to continue to pay our current rates.. there was nothing extra asked for in the agreement...

now with howards reform he plans to make strike action unlawful and a chargeable offence.. so when our common law agreement expires in 2008 what hope do we have?

unions may "carry on like bitches".. and request what some people would call rediculous wages and conditions..

but remember.. in an industry where employers are reluctant to pay what the workers are entitled to... if you ask for a $1... u might recieve 10cents

i agree that there are slackers out there who dont pull their weight... that goes without saying...

the worrying thing is that these slackers who will no doubt recieve the base rate if theyre not sacked and will eventually turn to crime when they cannot afford the lifestyle they have been living while being paid well..

the cost of living will continue to rise.. wages will go down.. the crime rate will sky rocket..

i sure do hope im wrong though