DELEGATES' RIGHTS

Recognition and respect from the employer, through

• Recognition of the position of delegates as the proper representative of members with the right to speak of behalf of members in the workplace.
  
• Paid time to perform legitimate union business, with the delegate’s position being appropriately backfilled, including the right to attend industrial tribunals.
  
• The right to bargain collectively on behalf of members.
  
• Paid time to research and prepare prior to all negotiations with management.
  
• The right to be treated with respect and without victimisation by all relevant management representatives.
  
• Genuine consultation by the employer prior to decisions being taken which impact on union members including representation on consultative committees.
  
• An assurance that issues raised by delegates will be dealt with promptly and on their merits.
  
• Protection of these rights in enforceable enterprise bargaining agreements.

Access to facilities, including

• Access to a private room to meet with individual members and perform union business.
• Facilities and paid time to consult with other delegates and members on a day-today basis.
• Access to basic private communication and information resources including telephone, fax, email, Internet, photocopier and stationery.
• Provision of a lockable cabinet in which to keep union information and records and a lockable union notice board in a prominent location in the workplace.
• Access to all relevant information, including appropriate awards, agreements, job descriptions, company policies and staff lists.

Organising in the workplace, through

• Access in paid time to new employees to explain the benefits of union membership as part of their induction to the workplace.
  
• Access to a private, sheltered area for meetings of members.
  
• The right to call paid meetings of members and non-members to discuss legitimate union business without fear of victimisation or discrimination against any members attending.

Beyond the workplace…

• Access to time to pursue activities designed to promote the union in other workplaces, in other industries and in the community and, in particular, to:
  
  • promote legitimate union issues and campaigns through rallies, community involvement,
  • participation on committees and involvement with other workplaces;
  • promote delegates’ interaction and communication with other delegates in the industry, and in the union generally; and
  • assist delegate development, including paid work in the union office
    
• Access to paid time for participation in internal union forums and committees (eg. branch or national conferences).
  
• Access to appropriate paid time, resources and reimbursement of expenses associated with union activities outside the workplace.
  
• Access to paid leave to work with the Union.

Also

Access to resources and facilities

Access to union training and skill recognition