Unionised workplaces with active union members and structures are safer workplaces. This 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence we want to encourage you to step up to be a workplace activist! There are so many things every worker can do to get the information needed to make work safer and get organised to end gendered violence at work. There are some tips, a checklist and conversation starters at the end of this blog, and links to other topics! Let's get active to end violence.
A survey conducted by Australian Unions in 2021 found that 79% of workers with a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) present said their workplace complies with work health and safety policies, compared to just 51% in workplaces without one. This highlights the critical role of union structures in protecting workers' rights and ensuring safe workplace environments.
When a workplace is organised, and union members are actively involved, workers are empowered to take collective action and fight for safer, fairer conditions. More active union members means more worker power and better outcomes.
Two key roles in organised workplaces are union delegates and HSRs.
What is a Union Delegate?
A union delegate is a worker who is elected to represent the interests of union members in the workplace. Their role involves standing up for workers’ rights, engaging with management during disputes, and ensuring workers are informed of their entitlements.
This year, union delegates won new rights under the Fair Work Act, further strengthening their ability to support workers. These new rights entitle union delegates to:
- Represent the industrial interests of union members (and potential members) in disputes with their employer.
- Communicate with workers during work hours, breaks, or before/after work about union-related matters.
- Have reasonable access to workplace facilities to perform their duties.
- For workers in non-small businesses (more than 15 employees), union delegates now have the right to reasonable paid time off for workplace delegate training.
These changes also protect delegates from being unfairly treated when performing their duties, ensuring that employers cannot refuse to engage with them, mislead them, or obstruct their work.
What is a Health and Safety Representative (HSR)?
HSRs are elected by workers to address health and safety issues in the workplace. HSRs represent their designated work group (DWG), and act on their behalf to resolve health and safety issues in the workplace and maintain safe working conditions. Employees at every workplace are allowed by law to elect their own HSR.
Their role is vital in preventing workplace injuries, holding employers accountable, and making sure health and safety laws are followed. When an HSR is present, workers have a direct advocate for health and safety matters, making the workplace safer.
Good communication between union delegates, HSRs, management and workers about workplace policies, culture, safety and change is integral to a safe and organised workplace.
Union Pride!
An organised workplace also demonstrates a strong, proud union culture that promotes safety, respect and inclusion. Posters, stickers, and notice boards with up-to-date union information not only keep workers informed, but reinforces the message that union activity is integral to a safe and inclusive workplace.
Action:
The more organised a workplace, the stronger its safety measures. When union delegates and HSRs are active, workers are informed, engaged, and ready to take action together for safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces. Visible union pride and effective communication are key to embedding this culture. Check out the checklist below and start some conversations at work!
Activist Checklist:
- How familiar are you with your working rights and conditions? Do you have an EBA? Do you know it and enforce it?
- Do you know who your union delegates are?
- How visible is union at your workplace? Have you updated your notice board or shared a union story or information with co-workers recently?
- Does your workplace have HSRs? Have you ever talked to them about something unsafe at work?
- Do you hold union inductions for new employees to let them know how your union works and how they get can involved?
- When was the last time you asked a fellow worker to join the union?
Check out our other 16 Days of Activism - How to be a Workplace Activist Workplace Checklists and Conversation Starters:
Right to family and domestic violence leave
Stopping work-related gender-based violence
Creating safe, well-organised workplaces
Winning gender equal workplaces