Episodes
Lost without a trace
December 05, 2023 00:00This 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
October 24, 2023 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Family of WA teenager who died in custody speak out Human rights groups criticise new Victorian bail laws DAIRY WORKERS UNITED AHEAD OF RETURN TO WORK Offshore Alliance a...
Save Toondah Harbour!
October 03, 2023 00:00This 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! Childca...
Woolies workers take action!
September 26, 2023 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Gunditjmara ocean defenders call for whales to be protected Offshore Alliance and Chevron come to an agreement Residents oppose incinerator plan Inghams Chickens workers strike for a decent pay rise Woolworths workers take industrial action Cr...
Ipswich Power
September 19, 2023 00:00This 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 Links to what we talked about Stop the Stink Ipswich Leaked report finds potential secret graves at Kinchela Boys Home No 'accountability' for Queensland police nine months after secret recordings leaked Cross River Rail Protest Fear of Australian Border Force raids sending work...
put your bodies upon the gears
June 20, 2023 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Karina's father went blind at Emu Field. Now, she's fighting for a treaty on nuclear weapons CPSU launches campaign to 'Bring Back the CES' Netball Australia warned players they wou...
Queerswich
May 30, 2023 00:00This week we talk to Rach, an organiser for Queerswich, the Ipswich Pride celebration, about the upcoming event and what's happening. Links to what we talked about Queerswich - Ipswich Pride Parade First Nations man murdered by police Deebing Creek AFULE wins sanitary bins Neoliberalism is an illness
Crowns are so out of fashion, try a guillotine
May 09, 2023 00:00This 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
May 02, 2023 00:00This 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
May 01, 2023 00:00We 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'
April 25, 2023 00:00This 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 ...
200th Episode! Time to talk about human rights abuses
April 18, 2023 00:00This 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
April 04, 2023 00:00This 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
March 28, 2023 00:00In 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.
Create change
February 28, 2023 00:00We 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: Al...
The Disgruntled Taxpayers
January 24, 2023 00:00This 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
November 29, 2022 00:00We 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
November 15, 2022 00:00Today 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
November 08, 2022 00:00On 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
October 25, 2022 00:00For 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!
October 18, 2022 00:00This 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
October 11, 2022 00:00This 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 Represent...
Disrupt Land Forces!!
October 04, 2022 00:00This 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!
August 30, 2022 00:00This 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
August 23, 2022 00:00This 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 Links to what we talked about ALS stops taking new clients Court hearing to halt Santos drilling Screws go on strike in support of killing First Nations people USyd workers on strike for the fourth time McCain forced to follow their own EBA WA public servants protest for a raise PFD B...
Figuring it out
August 02, 2022 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about NT makes deal with remote community for increased self-determination Despite abolition of cashless card, thousands remain on income management National childcare strike Australia Post workers win wage rise with inflation Rally for Brisbane Airport Cleaners this Thursday MUA announce...
Young workers fight back!
July 26, 2022 00:00This week we spoke with Martin from Young Workers Hub about their campaign against the Mantle Group.
Songs of Working Life and Death
July 05, 2022 00:00his 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 int...
Rock, roll, and land rights
June 28, 2022 00:00This 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
June 14, 2022 00:00This 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
June 07, 2022 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Aboriginal Tent Embassy Caretaker counters Uluru Statement Rio Tinto sits down with Traditional Owners New South Wales public sector workers to strike Ipswich city council workers take action NSW nurses reject bad offer Seattle government building vandalised in response to sweep...
A union member in parliament
May 31, 2022 00:00This 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
May 10, 2022 00:00This 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
May 03, 2022 00:00This 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!
May 02, 2022 00:00We 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
April 19, 2022 00:00On 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
April 12, 2022 00:00This 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
March 15, 2022 00:00This 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
March 08, 2022 00:00This 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
March 01, 2022 00:00This 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 ...
Why is it so? - A history of the early Brisbane punk scene
February 22, 2022 00:00This 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 we...
Sunbus workers on strike!
January 18, 2022 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about NSW police must ask Indigenous status Ipswich waste workers win QTU prevents extension of work year ACTU threatens strike to improve covid measures Patrick Terminals threatens to half capacity during supply chain crunch Wildcat strike in Turkey Beekeepers (and bees) protest McDonalds CEO says workers don't n...
Revolutionary QLD - The history of the Red North
January 11, 2022 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about...
SEQUR's first campaign and the anti-anti-vaxxers
December 14, 2021 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Vigil held to remember women who died in Melbourne prison NT kids education program hailed a success Ipswich waste workers win Ramset Reid workers win Rail workers call out government mismanagement McDonalds w...
Save Our Bowlo and the history of the IWW in Queensland
December 07, 2021 00:00This 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
November 30, 2021 00:00This 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
November 23, 2021 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Spit hoods banned SEQUR pickets real estate agency Blockade Australia finishes blockading coal port Country Road strike victorious FedEx workers on strike Toll warehouse workers victorious Better Read Than Dead owners break deal, workers...
Young Workers Hub
November 16, 2021 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Anti-vax counter-protest Qld Rental Crisis Gig - presented by Workers Power Police killing of Stanley Russell Protesters hit Sydney streets on anniversary of Gomeroi man's death in custody SEQUR picket this Friday Toll warehouse strike Gardens of Stone in NSW’s Blue Mountains protected Geelong Regional Librar...
The Proletarian Review
November 02, 2021 00:00This 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 Fed...
Protecting our homes
October 19, 2021 00:00This 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. Links to what we talked about Victory for Toll workers Victory for Saint-Gobain workers Victory for Accolade Wine workers SEQUR meeting event John Deer...