As an industrial lawyer, it was probably a mistake logging onto
social media on Thursday, in the aftermath of the Fair Work
Commission's order in relation to the RTBU strike proposed on
the Sydney rail network. Social media in the modern political era
is rarely a place for nuanced, informed or intelligent discussion.
Rather, it has become a place where people from both sides of
politics (there are only two sides by the way) do little more than
'like', 'share' and
'comment' on pieces of web content that conform
with their side's view, and to dismiss (or troll) anything that
doesn't.
The backlash to DP Hamberger's order was typically fervent.
For example, Greens politician Adam Bandt stated: "The
right to strike is under threat in Australia. We stand with rail
workers who are organising for safe and fair working conditions and
better pay [fist emoji]". Mr Bandt's post led to a
barrage of commentary, with common references to the
'Unfair Work Commission', a comment
