Graeme Kelly addressing delegates training session

Accredited Delegates Training

USU delegates are the face of the Union in the workplace and are a valuable asset. Delegates play an important role in representing and assisting members with grievances and disputes, in key forums such as local consultative committees and on health and safety matters. Delegates are also active in recruitment and in campaigning on various matters in the workplace such as Metropolitan Amalgamation Protection (MAP) and Stop the Selloff and in making local agreements. The USU’s extensive network of local delegates, organiser’s and industrial staff is a powerful force in protecting and enhancing good working conditions and supporting strong secure workplaces.

Our delegate training program has recently had its biggest overhaul since it was introduced in the early 2000’s. The product of a partnership with the GMB (General Municipal and Boilermakers Union) in the UK, the training is called USU@WORK and has been worked into the Australian context, specifically by USU officials for USU Delegates.

USU@WORK has been accredited through our RTO, the ACTU and Level 1 training is 2 units of competency from the Certificate IV Unionism and Industrial Relations, they are:

  • Develop and implement an organising plan; and
  • Communicate with workers

Training will still require a component of assessment and work to be done at home, but now also includes a component of structured mentoring of the Delegate by the Organiser.

Important Information:

  1. All courses close 6 weeks prior to the date of training to allow correspondence to be sent to delegates and employers, within the requisite 4 week period;
  2. Delegates must ensure that their details are correct in the membership system prior to completing the training form (these details are relied upon when sending correspondence);
  3. Training Applications must be fully completed, including a 1st and 2nd preference date for training and banking details;
  4. Requests for regional attendance to deliver training may be accommodated.

Delegates can download the application for training here>>>

Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Training

The United Services Union is committed to taking a constructive role in promoting improvements in work health and safety practices, and assisting persons conducting businesses or undertakings and workers to achieve a healthier and safer working environment, and promoting the provision of advice, information, education and training in relation to work health and safety. (Part 1, Division 2, 3. Object (1) (c) and (d), WHS Act 2011, No. 10).

We have notified our members and their employers that the Union will commence delivery of Health and Safety Representative training, with Trainers having recently gained WorkCover approved training provider status to do so. The USU’s training is very cost effective and can be delivered in our training rooms in metropolitan Sydney or in regional areas if required.

How do I get HSRs at my workplace?

  • You have to ask for elections and the PCBU (person conducting the business or undertaking – employer) must allow them to happen.
  • The PCBU MUST consult with workers on the make-up of work groups.
  • Once elected the HSR’s can undertake training at the training provider of their choice.
  • Recently Virgin Airlines took the TWU and one of their members to the Regulator, WorkCover, disputing his attendance at HSR training conducted by his Union. The Regulator came back saying, essentially, that it was as stated in the legislation, the choice lies with the elected HSR.