The Editor,

Sydney Morning Herald.                                                 October 11, 2005. 

So, John Howard says that terrorists want to destroy our values (‘Workplace for robots: PM under fire’, Herald, October 11). 

Based on his anti-terrorism laws & proposed workplace reforms, his is clearly pursuing a cunning strategy to beat them at their own game.

‘Workers at auto parts maker Delphi Corp. will be asked this week to take a two thirds pay cut. It's one of the most drastic wage concessions ever sought from unionized employees. 

Workers at General Motors Corp., meanwhile, tentatively agreed on Monday to absorb billions of dollars in healthcare costs. Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler employees are certain to face similar demands.  

The forces affecting Delphi and GM workers are extreme versions of what's occurring across the American labour market, where such economic risks as unemployment and health costs once broadly shared by business and government are being shifted directly onto the backs of American working families.  

Four years into an economic recovery, workers across America should be riding high. Instead, they're facing new demands to surrender hard-won benefits and agree to wage concessions. Companies say these cutbacks are essential to stay competitive in an increasingly globalized economy.’ 

US Labor Is In Retreat As Global Forces Squeeze Pay & Benefits