Understanding QNMU Member Representation

BY TERESA CHASE, QNMU MEMBER SERVICING OFFICER

QNMU members understand that collective action is critical to achieve the best outcomes for nurses and midwives and our communities.

Members are not just a part of the union, they are the Union.

Membership means many things to many people, but a core value of the QNMU is that the strength to improve the lives of nurses, midwives and our communities, comes from collective voice and action.

The QNMU values of Fairness, Equality, Collectivism and Opportunity reflect members’ commitments.

From time to time, members may face issues related to their employment or their registration that affect them individually.

Members will often be able to resolve these issues themselves in the first instance. If an issue relates to an industrial entitlement, such as pay, roster, leave or hours of work, members are encouraged to consult their contract, Award, or Enterprise Agreement first.

Award and Enterprise Agreements can be found by logging into the member portal on the QNMU website.

If there are relevant local workplace policies members may consider approaching their manager or local human resources team for copies of these, if they feel comfortable to do so.

For those matters where members require support or further advice on their rights, obligations or industrial entitlements, QNMU workplace representative/s, Branch activists or delegates provide an excellent first source of assistance.

Members may also approach their QNMU organiser for advice, particularly if the issue affects more than one member.

Utilising the workplace representative structure is the best approach for resolving workplace issues in the first instance.

Members are also able to contact QNMU Member Connect for advice on workplace matters or professional issues. Member Connect can be reached on 3099 3210 or (toll-free) 1800 177 273.

Individual representation

If members have taken the above steps to try to resolve the issue, the QNMU may be able to provide individual member advice or representation.

The QNMU can advise and represent financial members on a range of industrial, employment, professional, legal and workplace health and safety issues, including:

■ employment issues

■ worker’s compensation

■ professional and disciplinary matters

■ award and agreement entitlements

■ contract of employment matters

■ coronial matters

■ civil matters *where the QNMU Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) policy has been triggered

The QNMU is committed to providing cost effective, quality services which are appropriate, equitable and sustainable to eligible members.

Representation may be provided by either a QNMU official or QNMU’s external solicitors.

Examples of representation

Over decades, QNMU members have received the benefit of representation for matters including:

■ Unfair dismissal

■ Discrimination

■ Underpayment of wages

■ Enforcement of leave entitlements

■ Employer breaches of contract

■ Notifications to AHPRA or the Office of the Health Ombudsman

■ Public Service Commission appeals on disciplinary matters

■ Flexible working arrangements

■ Disciplinary matters

■ Workers Compensation reviews

■ Medical assessment tribunal matters

■ Coronial matters

Some of the outcomes members have been able to secure with representation from the QNMU include reinstatement or compensation following unfair dismissal, settlements for workplace injuries, resolution of industrial disputes regarding pay, leave entitlements and rosters, and the reduction of disciplinary penalties.

The QNMU have also achieved wins for working parents in negotiating flexible working arrangements, wins for employees on temporary contracts wanting the security of permanent employment, and compensation for members who have experienced discrimination or other unlawful conduct by employers.

These matters are complex and often require expert advice and representation. The benefits of this representation are only available to financial members.

Eligibility

Members are eligible for QNMU representation if they were a financial member at the time the incident leading to the need for representation occurred, and they remain a full financial member throughout the period of representation.

Are there matters the QNMU will not provide representation for?

There are a number of more serious matters for which the QNMU will generally not provide representation. These are:

■ criminal proceedings

■ boundary violations where proven

■ breach of conditions set by regulator

■ defamation claims initiated by the member

■ proceedings initiated against other members, or

■ general civil proceedings.

Expectations of members

As a member-based organisation, the QNMU expects recipients of representation to comply with the QNMU Member Code of Conduct.

This means members who are being represented in individual matters need to conduct themselves in a way that reflects and supports the values of the QNMU, including professionalism, integrity, honesty and respect for others.

The QNMU Member Code of Conduct also requires members to ensure that any information provided to the QNMU is accurate and to value the QNMU’s resources and use them wisely.

The QNMU may discontinue representation in circumstances where matter is inconsistent with the QNMU Member Code of Conduct or the object and values of the QNMU.

Members can apply for representation by the QNMU for an individual matter by logging into the member portal and filling in an online Request for Representation at www.qnmu.org.au/rfr

C P D

1. How well did you understand the QNMU member representation support mechanism before you read this article? What are the key points you’ve now learned?

2. Consider a situation where you notice you are being underpaid. Describe the steps you might take to resolve the issue yourself first, then identify the point where you should contact QNMU for support.

3. Why do you think it is important for members to comply with the QNMU Member Code of Conduct? What are the benefits of following it? What are the potential consequences for both member and the QNMU for breaching it?

Don’t forget to make note of your reflections for your record of CPD at www.qnmu.org.au/CPD