The State of the Union

It was a great day in '86, when I joined the waterfront
Not of a union background, but I thought I'd take a punt
Their record did impress me, I followed the union track
I joined the Maritime Union, without my arm bent back

About "closed shop " hypocrisy, let's just take a little look
No entry to those " closed shop " clubs, unless a member with a book
But you can join a union, the choice is yours to make,
Freedom of Association in Australia, unions do not forsake

Unions aren't just for workers, the lawyers are in one too
Accontants, farmers and doctors, are but some to name a few
And what about politicians, their union is quite strong
Now here we'll find a closed shop, without a union song

The corrupt and greedy bosses, unfortunately still survive
With the politicians in their pockets, corporate crime can only thrive
The only moral parties left, in this raped and pillaged land
Are the unions of Australia, taking the only responsible stand

Reform is required in Parliament, it's urgency is overdue
Productivity in this establishment, out of ten would rate a two
If ministers and bosses were honest and workers were not torn apart
The union movement of the world, may never had to start

Liberals tried to kill the unions, with lies, deceipt and tales
Spread untruths from the nor west cape, to the coast of New South Wales
The harder they tried to break our ranks, the more our strength just grew
The destruction of the unions - sadly, means profit for just a few

We'll defend against those who attack us, especially when we're not at fault
But if ever we're wrong in our ways, talks and consultation should result
We are workers not politicians, the nation was built from our sweat
Organised labour is stability - stability like concrete must set

The ignorant and the bigots, and there is a lot out there
Believe the unions are the thugs, and the politicians play it fair
The unions of this country, are never able to rest
It is the unions of this country, that keep the bastards honest

A worker without a union, has no voice...they have no say
Forget about safety and conditions, or go home with no pay
But it all comes down to just one thing, our choice must always prevail
Whether you join a union or not, our rights must never fail

Wake up Australia

by G.Teague ...'98

We work all our lives and don't ask much, but still they screw us for more,
Yes we of the workforce who scrape all our lives, are headed for the life of the poor.
Where are we going? Who's in control? Has quality of life had it's day?
Yes capitolism, like cancer has spread, as the politicians collect their pay

With the rorts a happening in Canberra and while the nation sleeps at night,
Politicians have boosted their paypackets and our economy is suppose to be tight.
The writing seems to be on the wall, as politicians get fat and rich
They've taken away the jobs we once had and left us without a stitch

And what of our kids? They don't have a say. Where does their future lie?
In the kitchen of a hamburger stand or eating the humble pie
It won't be long -they'll force us out, to places far from our homes,
Our cities are filling with the overseas rich and we are the garden gnomes

In April we remember our fallen and brave - for our freedom and peace they fought
They faced some terrible enemies, but not like Howard or Court.
This enemy has different intent, these Fascists want to change our life
Offering nothing for our children, unemployment in Australia is rife.

The greedy capitolists are here for good as the world gets smaller each day,
As our labour force reduces it's hold, work longer for no extra pay.
The casual worker waits "on call" - this job just fills a hole
A permanent job is what they want - but it just beats getting the dole

Our politicians have failed us bad, but why do they fuss so loud
When at election time they all combine, that they'll lead this country proud.
'Tis time to wake from our long deep sleep, let's stop and have a good look
If this is government of quality, then things are bloody crook.

Workplace Agreements

by Geoff Teague