Building a Better Union
Unions and Union members face a hostile environment these days. Our rights to organise and to bargain collectively are being attacked by the Howard Government. Employers are encouraged to play a hard line and the casualisation of the work force reduces working people's bargaining position.
This doesn't mean we should give up, but it does mean we need to be better organised, better educated and better prepared.
We know from experience that our union fares better when we are well organised at the local or enterprise level and when there is an effective delegate structure in place. This is the reason the NUW has delivered good outcomes to members and continues to grow its membership.
In order to continue the good work and to achieve even more, we must continue to resource our delegates and improve our on the ground presence.
Taking a smarter approach through education
Education is a most important foundation for the future of our organisation. The Union has made a commitment to make educational opportunities available to our delegates and to active union members at a level that makes a real difference to our organisational ability.
It is through this commitment to educating our delegates and activists that we will commence the building of a better, smarter union that can deliver the outcomes and provide the support that members are looking for.
Our education program will be aimed at building local organisation, but it will also provide activists with the opportunity to gain an understanding of a range of subjects important to members' welfare.
Not only do we need to be active when it comes to negotiating the Enterprise Agreement, we also need to be able to give good advice in the areas of Vocational Training, Workcover, Occupational Health and Safety and Superannuation, to mention a few.
The Union's Education program is a critical element of ensuring we do all we can to prepare the union to do its best when it comes to representing members and negotiating good local agreements.
Last modified 2004-08-31 04:57 PM
