For decades, British trade unionists have known Australia to be the land of the "fair go" - a place where working people were accorded more respect than in most parts of the world. Unions were an integral part of the economy, class seemed to matter less, and there was a refreshing open-ness about public life and political debate.
But now, prime minister John Howard has taken an axe to the country's industrial relations system and to workers' rights down under.
