Members at Kempsey Shire Council will be aware that on Friday 6 February 2009, a number of Union members bravely told their stories to Commissioner John Stanton of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. Commissioner Stanton listened to our members grievances with compassion and empathy. Throughout the process, a number of agreements were reached with Council, of particular note are the agreements surrounding communication issues at Kempsey Shire Council.
Come along and have a talk! USU Organiser Narelle Rich advised the Commission that many communication issues arose because the USU could not always gain access to discuss issues with members.
As a consequence Kempsey Council has agreed to provide facilities to enable USU members to meet.
Information sessions will be held in the Blue Room on: 19/02/2009 at 11.30 – 1.30 26/02/2009 at 10.30 – 12.30 05/03/2005 at 10.30 – 12.30
All Union members are welcome to attend this session. At this stage, no appointments will be necessary; however this may change in coming weeks as the need increases. This time will be available to discuss issues that Union members are having in the workplace and a decision will be made at the time about how best to deal with each issue.
Narelle Rich said, “I am pleased that our members had the opportunity to present their issues to the Commissioner. Our members were pleased to have their concerns heard and be treated with compassion.”
On the issue of communication Narelle said, “The Commissioner provided both parties with some excellent opportunities to improve the consultative mechanisms available to the Union and Council, in particular, allowing the Union regular weekly access to its members in an effort to avoid this situation arising again. The Union is happy to provide assistance to Council in the drafting of policies which will assist them in supporting their staff in a range of issues.”
The Union also hopes to look at a joint initiative with Council, regarding the delivery of training in identifying and combating “Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace”.
New members are most welcome!! For any non-members interested in YOUR conditions join the USU today to maximise YOUR benefits and rights at work today!
Any interested non members can join by contacting your local workplace delegate or by contacting Narelle Rich on 0419 447 054 or nrich@usu.org.au
