US fashion store boycotts Australian wool

From the SMH 15 Oct, for full article go to:http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/15/1097784008200.html

A leading American fashion retailer has banned the use of Australian merino wool in its products after pressure from the world's largest animal rights group.
Abercrombie & Fitch, with 749 stores and $US1.2 billion ($A1.66 billion) in annual revenue, introduced the boycott this week after the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) threatened to conduct a campaign against the retailer.
PETA was just weeks away from launching a controversial newspaper and website campaign against Abercrombie & Fitch because of its use of Australian wool.
The animal rights group alleges Australia's wool and sheep industry uses cruel techniques, including mulesing.
PETA is also targetting more than 20 other high-profile US retailers and hopes Abercrombie's decision will force these companies to also introduce boycotts of Australian wool.

EBA6

This vote is a bit difficult to decide on after the direction taken by Post and CEPU during negotiations that have dragged on far too long.

Post have steadfastly stated they would not be moved no matter what. CEPU advised members of this fact and started a vigorous campaign for workers in relation to several key issues.
Post launched a nasty smear campaign against CEPU which turned members off Post. Negotiations stalled and a decision was made that led to members across Australia taking unprecedented Industrial Action.

I believe after that Action some ground was given by Post, but months after that Action, negotiations continued to achieve nothing.
Then with the Federal Election looming and with Post’s financial results for the year soon to be announced Post started to push for a conclusion to negotiations.

CEPU called in ACTU State Secretary Greg Combay in to negotiate on its behalf.
The results of that meeting are on previous entries below this one, workers have been going over the details and not everyone is convinced this is a good EBA for Postal Workers.
The lack of good faith during negotiations and the bullyboy tactics employed during this fiasco, leave workers no doubt Post’s attitude towards workers.
The subsequent back flip by CEPU who now advocate voting yes in the ballot, leaves members most of whom took Industrial Action over this issue wondering if enough ground has been given by Post and feeling disenfranchised by their Union.
Throw into the equation a federal Election and it gets even difficult to know what to vote.

I think if we vote Yes it is the best option if Howard gets back in, given that they want to go further in reducing Workers Rights.

If we vote No and Latham gets in we may be able to achieve a better EBA as a result of Labor’s Industrial Relations policy.

If Howard gets back in, he will say that the Australian People have endorsed his Industrial Relations Policy and Unionism in this country as we know it, will be lost forever.

Don't forget to vote

The Union ballot asking for membership endorsement of EBA6 commenced on 27th September 2004 and concludes at noon on 8th October 2004.

Members should have received a ballot paper for EBA6. A copy of the Agreement has been provided to all staff. Members should also have received a copy of the union’s newsletter “ The National” which does provide more information.http://www.cepu.org/bpcc463.htm


Members have been instrumental in getting this Agreement negotiated. It is now your chance to vote on its acceptance.

The Divisional Executive is supporting the Agreement; it is necessary they say to ensure continuing pay increases and to give you and your officials the chance to hold Post management to account.

It is important to vote in both the union and the employer ballot which follows.

Remember the union ballot closes at
12 noon on the 8th October 2004.