by Daphna Whitmore

Workers at Stamford Plaza hotel have won a pay rise and other improvements after taking a two-hour strike action, holding an early morning protest, working to rule and preparing for an all day strike.
The company agreed to a 5.75% pay rise from April 2007 and 3% from October 2008, which means for most union members an increase of around $1.20 an hour.
Notably, Stamford staff will now have two paid 15 minute rest breaks. This is a first for hotels which have traditionally only had 10 minute tea breaks plus a half hour unpaid meal break.
Stamford management have also acknowledged the need for a wash-up time so that staff can clock out on time.
Facing a determined group of union members the company withdrew a swag of claw-backs. Transport provisions for staff working in the small hours was retained as were overtime rates.
The employer refused to backdate the pay increase to include 2006 (negotiations had stalled during the year due to the hotel closing for several months for renovations) and insisted on a two-year term.
Considering that just 20 per cent of the staff are union members it was a significant achievement that improvements were won and existing rights maintained.
Like many good unionists before them, these workers have led the way in standing up for a better workplace.