Structure of the NUW
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| NUW Structure |
The NUW is a democratic organisation. It operates under a set of Rules (the Union's Constitution), which provides that the supreme control of the Union is vested in the Union's members. Within this structure, the Rules also establish various elected bodies. These bodies and representatives play important roles.
Local Workplaces
The NUW relies on the organisation of its members on the job in order to operate effectively.
At workplaces that have NUW members, decisions about the conduct of the Union in the workplace are made democratically by the members. The members at the workplace also elect representatives, such as Union delegates and members of local site union committees.
Union Delegates
A delegate is a Union member at a particular workplace who has been elected by the other members to act as their representative in Union matters, and to maintain contact between the Union office and the members on the job.
The activities of a Union delegate can depend on factors such as the size of the workplace, degree of Union membership, attitude of management, and strengths of the Union, but generally would include the following:
- recruiting new members to the Union;
- negotiating local disputes with management;
- notifying the Union office of major disputes or unsettled minor ones;
- distributing information to members, such as notices, newsletters etc;
- promoting the election of Health & Safety Representatives and involving members in Health & Safety;
- reporting Union decisions and policies to members;
- advising members on Union services and administration;
- attending central Union meetings;
- checking breaches of industrial awards and regulations by employers;
- representing the Union on any workplace committee that might be set up.
Usually the NUW delegate’s main contact with the Union is with the local full-time Organiser.
Branches
There is a Branch of the NUW located in each state, as well as a Central Branch, which has a presence across all states. Each is governed by a Branch Committee of Management, which meets monthly to manage the affairs of the Branch. At least half of the members of the BCM must be rank and file representatives, with the rest made up of elected officials such as the Branch Secretary, President and Organisers. Elections for BCM are held every four years.
Branch Secretaries are responsible for the administrative and industrial affairs of members of their Branch. They are assisted by the other elected Branch officials, as well as full-time specialists in areas such as health and safety, industrial issues, training and organising.
National Office
The Union is governed at the national level by the National Council, which meets annually. The National Council is made up of all elected national officers, and delegates elected from each Branch. It is responsible for deciding the broad policies the Union will follow. Throughout the year, the Council’s powers are held by the National Committee of Management, which consists of the Branch Secretaries and the National Officers.
The General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary of the National Office are responsible for the overall management and development of the Union, and are elected by the members every four years. The National Office also employs Industrial Officers and technical staff to support the Branches in their role of looking after members’ needs.
This covers a range of activities, including representing members in the Industrial Relations Commission, co-ordinating negotiations for national agreements, working on the national wage case, and providing technical support.
Last modified 2004-12-21 04:18 PM
