IYESHA PAULL IYESHA PAULL IYESHA PAULL

“I was proud that I was a member and representative of the ETU (which I noted was highly respected and established within the congress), that have given me so many opportunities to shine I was able to talk about my experiences as a member, apprentice, delegate, and woman. I noted that many other unions didn’t have an Apprentice of the Year award, and I was able to talk about why they should consider implementing one It was great to have my ETU comrade Jason Constable with me at the congress, he was able to speak with authority about the success of the ETU QLD & NT Youth Crew and how raising the profiles and voices of youth in the union is so important in being able to show other young workers the value in being part of their union ”

“As for women’s representation at the congress, there were women unionists there, there weren’t many electricians other than apprentices It is a numbers game and a work in progress, to be honest The issues we face across the industry and the world are similar and the answer is the same –we need more women It is a no-brainer for me, If you are in a trade like ours, you need to be in the union, the process is simple: you start a trade, you join your union, and you stand up and raise your concerns.”

Proudest moment in a big year

“Hands down the proudest moment was meeting the new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and having the opportunity to deliver a speech in front of him and my colleagues at the ETU National Conference.”

“That experience and the others this year have all inspired me to take more action and use the opportunities that my union has given me to this point to make a difference for workers in our industries and to educate younger workers about why they should join with us to make us even stronger ”

“My favourite thing about being in the ETU is the people I meet They are my people, they have passion and drive to make things better.”

The future

Far from resting on her laurels, the energetic and committed Iyesha is excited about what the new year brings, and she has some big plans

Attending the conference has inspired Iyesha to spread the union message far and wide starting in her own backyard

“I want to establish a Cairns-based youth crew along the lines of the successful Brisbane-based crew and the Bundy crew. The issues faced by young members in Cairns can be very different to those faced by Brisbane-based workers, so by acknowledging that we hope to give space for those issues to be discussed ”

“I am committed to helping establish an International youth crew involving youth representatives from the unions at the congress and beyond, we will plan to meet via zoom at regular intervals throughout the year, we aim to create a safe space for youth members from across the world to share stories, discuss issues and develop strategies to resolve them. "I'm really excited about theprospect for international solidarity at a youth level ”

And to cap it off, she is also completing her final year of her apprenticeship, including her capstone

A big year ahead, but if the last 12 months is anything to go by, anything is possible for Iyesha

Congratulations comrade, you do us all proud with your passion, energy and commitment!