Workplace Delegates Handbook - The Services Union.

Workplace Delegate Handbook

CONTENTS Welcome from Branch Secretary & Executive President - 4 Important Numbers and Links - 6 Delegates Training and ASU LaunchPad - 8 Our Branch Objectives - 8 How Our Union Works - 12 Role of the Delegate - 13 Communication - 14 Representation and Support - 15 Setting Boundaries and Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace - 16 External Service Providers - 18 Visibility in the Workplace - 19 Winning Through Campaigning – Portable Long Service Leave - 20 Campaign – Domestic and Family Violence Leave - 21 Delegate Training and Development - 21 Our Committees - 22 Our Staff Organisational Structure - 23

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WELCOME On behalf of everyone at The Services Union, congratulations on your endorsement as a union delegate for your workplace. You’ve just joined a network of over 450 Workplace Delegates, from the Torres Strait to Coolangatta, who are by the side of members of our Union every day making sure they receive support and representation at work.

Whether they work in Local Authorities, Social and Community Services, Energy or the Transport and Northern Administrative Industries, the work our members perform touches the lives of millions of Queenslanders. We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve done across each of these industries to advocate for the needs of our members.

We always aim to ensure that the frontline services and support our members provide is rewarded with fair pay and working conditions which are just and safe.

But none of that work would’ve been possible without Workplace Delegates like you who ensure that our Union’s values and objectives are demonstrated in workplaces every day through negotiations, advocacy and representation.

We know that in workplaces and industries where we have strong cohorts of Workplace Delegates, being part of our Union is normal - it’s just something that the majority of workers do. That’s why we’re investing more resources into training, development and ongoing support so that you can feel confident and skilled when you’re carrying out your role.

We’ve also established an Exclusive Delegate Hotline, a phone-based resource dedicated to you where your questions will be answered quickly by an Industrial Officer. The phone number to call is 07 3010 4444.

So, once again, congratulations and we hope you find the role rewarding and worthwhile.

By Your Side Jennifer Thomas - Executive President & Neil Henderson - Secretary

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EXCLUSIVE DELEGATES HOTLINE

I M P O R T A N T NUMBERS AND LINKS SERVICES CONNECT - (07) 3844 5300

If you’re supporting a member, or a group of members at work and you need some advice about the best approach, call the Exclusive Delegates Hotline on 3010 4444.

For general enquiries, email general@theservicesunion.com.au For enquiries relating to Social and Community Services, GovernmentOwned Corporations and TANA, email general@theservicesunion.com.au If a member in your workplace has a query or an issue, and you are not able to answer it, or if you don’t have time, please encourage them to call Services Connect on 3844 5300. They’ll be connected to a Member Benefits Officer. If the query relates to an industrial matter the member will be booked in for an appointment with an Industrial Officer.

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For enquiries relating to Local Government, email general@theservicesunion.com.au For enquiries relating to training and development, email training@theservicesunion.com.au

DELEGATES PORTAL The Services Union website: www.theservicesunion.com.au To login to the website, you’ll need your Member ID and the password you received when you joined.

Once logged in, you’ll be able to download resources to help you promote our Union.

Problems logging in?

“I’m proud to keep pushing for fairness; supporting people when they feel vulnerable; wanting the best for them, especially if they feel beaten but you know they’re not in the wrong.”

Call Services Connect on 3844 5300 and select Option 2.

Join page: www.theservicesunion.com.au/member information/join/

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AGREEMENTS AND AWARDS Local Government Agreements www.qirc.qld.gov.au/agreements/ lga-agreements Social,Community,Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 Awards awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/ show/MA000100 Government Owned Corporations www.fwc.gov.au

Leonie Quick, SEQ Water Delegate and 2021 Delegate of the Year

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DELEGATE TRAINING We know that the work our members perform touches the lives of millions of Queenslanders.

As a Workplace Delegate, we’d like to commend you on being the voice of members in your workplace.

Whether you are new to a Workplace Delegate role or almost a professional, it’s now time to get you registered for training this year.

In 2022, new Workplace Delegates can register for our newly developed Core Skills training.

This course is open to new Workplace Delegates like you (from any industry) and explores the skills needed to get started on your journey. Once you’ve attended training, you’ll receive support to apply the skills you’ve learned. To find out more and to register please visit our website at: www.theservicesunion.com.au/member-information/get-active/ The ASU Career Launchpad is also your exclusive member-only Professional Development webinars designed to help you take the next step in your career. Registrations for new courses are now open!

Information on our current courses can be found also via our website: www.theservicesunion.com.au/ benefits/ We look forward to seeing you.

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Free and exclusive professional development for ASU members!

ASU Career Launchpad is our free professional development program – exclusively run for ASU members!

Only ASU members get access to free and interactive professional development webinars, as well as a huge range of courses available on-demand.

Our courses are designed to help you take the next step in your career with presenters who are experts in their field. The Australian Services Union is by your side, throughout your working life!

Over 100 free courses are available online today – exclusively for ASU members!

• Become an Excel Expert in 3 Sessions: From Beginner, to Graphs, Tables and more!

• Top Skills for Successful Leaders and Managers • Contributing to and Leading High Performing Teams • Google Suites: Ins and Outs of Free Online Tools for Productivity and Workflow • A Survival Guide For Dealing With Difficult People • Conflict Management and Resolution in the Workplace • Consultation at Work: What Rights do Workers Have and What are the Obligations of Employers?

• Your Right to a Safe Workplace 2-Part Series: Mental Health and Safety, and Physical Safety at Work

Register today at asucareerlaunchpad.tln.org.au

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HOW OUR UNION WORKS The Services Union is member-led with a structure that enables members and Workplace Delegates to be involved with every aspect of decision-making and the setting of our Union’s strategic direction. For more information please visit our website at www.theservicesunion. com.au and login to the Delegates section.

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ROLE OF THE DELEGATE

1 2 3

• • •

• • •

• • •

COMMUNICATION

Welcoming and recruiting new members Promoting the benefits of union membership Consulting with members

REPRESENTATION

Support and advice for union members Connecting members with support from our Union office Advocating for members

VISIBILITY

Holding regular member catch-ups Promoting our union via noticeboards, events or in staff meetings Identifying other members who can be active

“I love the appreciation from my fellow workers and fellow members for the support we can give when they encounter issues in the workplace.”

Mark Taylor, Brisbane City Council Delegate and 2020 Delegate of the Year.

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COMMUNICATION

IN A RECENT SURVEY OF NEW MEMBERS, 51.4% OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY HEARD ABOUT OUR UNION THROUGH ANOTHER MEMBER OR A WORKPLACE DELEGATE.

1. Welcoming new members to our Union Welcoming new members to our Union is a great way to let people know they have joined a community of workers who are all interested in fairness at work.

3. Consulting with members Once workers have joined, it’s important to keep them, and existing members, engaged.

This builds strength, but also demonstrates the value of union membership.

2. Promoting the benefits of membership to The Services Union Our strength as a union comes from membership. We also know that workers are more likely to join if they are asked by a colleague. In a recent survey of new members, 51.4% of respondents said they heard about our Union through another member or a Workplace Delegate. Some people join because they have an issue that they need support with. Others join because they believe in union values like fairness, democracy and equality. Some people join because of the benefits. If you have nonmembers in your area, why not go and have a chat to them? Tell them the reasons why you joined and why you think everybody should

This can be done in a variety of ways:

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• 1:1 conversations • Regular lunchtime meetings, in person or on Teams/ZOOM • Newsletters • Email Bulletins • Surveys • Online groups •Flyers

SUPPORT AND REPRESENTATION Supporting and representing union members at work is one of the most important roles for our Workplace Delegates. This flowchart explains some of the different pathways for support that you should consider using to assist members who are experiencing an issue in the workplace. This is not an exhaustive list but is intended to give you some ideas about how best to support members.

MEMBER WITH A QUERY

MEMBER WITH A GRIEVANCE

SUPPORTING A MEMBER IN A MEETING

Member has a query about a workplace entitlement OR member thinks they are being denied access to an entitlement.

Member approaches you about raising a grievance against the employer.

Has the member has been given adequate time and been presented with all the relevant information? If not, encourage them to ask for more time to prepare.

Support the member to find the relevant entitlement in their Agreement or Award and then help them interpret it.

Member has a query If you aare unsure about workplace of how to advise entitlement OR the member on member thinks the entitlement, they are being or the entitlement denied access to is unclear, call the an entitlement Delegate Hotline on 3010 4444 for clarity.

Talk through: Facts: what happened?

Issues: What are the impacts for the member?

Outcome: What do they want?

Options: what can we do?

Action: What will we do?

Support the member to raise their grievance OR, if you are unsure, call the Delegate Hotline on 3010 4444.

Encourage the member to contact our union before the meeting to review the matter and their response.

Ensure that you and the member are clear on their responses for the meeting and potential next steps.

If you need advice call the Delegate Hotline on 3010 4444.

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SETTING BOUNDARIES Being a Workplace Delegate and being by the side of union members in the workplace is rewarding and worthwhile. But the role can also be demanding. So, it’s important to be mindful of your own wellbeing.

Since our 27 Ways and Growing Campaign was launched in 2013. We’ve gone on to win Natural Disaster Leave (28th Way) and Domestic and Family Violence Leave (29th Way) for many members through EBA bargaining and/or policy development.

We’re now campaigning to highlight Mental Health in the workplace and make it our 30th Way. For more information, please visit our website www. theservicesunion.com.au/ campaigns

Being a Workplace Delegate and being by the side of union members is rewarding and worthwhile. But the role can also be demanding. So, it’s important to be mindful of your own wellbeing. One of the strategies you can use is to set some clear boundaries about the sort of support you can provide. Below are some ideas to help you.

What is the Workplace Delegates role when supporting or representing members?

• Ensuring a fair process/natural justice.

• Ensuring compliance with the relevant Award or EBA. • Making sure the member’s industrial interests and confidentiality are upheld.

• Considering the facts and the issues • Educating the member about reasonable/ unreasonable management direction.

• Supporting the member to come up with a solution that they have ownership for • Managing expectations around what can be achieved.

What are Workplace Delegates not doing when supporting members?

• Providing counselling or psychology services.

– it’s not your role. However, we can signpost other services (see next page).

• Railroading the member into taking a certain approach.

• Being “on call” for the member.

What are some strategies for setting boundaries with the member?

• Let the member know what your role is and the support you can provide and the support our union office can provide.

• Be explicit that you need the member to tell you the WHOLE story.

• Be realistic about what the outcome could be based on the facts.

• Outline the times you’ll be available.

• Be clear that everything the member says is confidential UNLESS you hear something that suggests the member is at risk. .

We’ve also developed a resource for Workpace Delegates on Best Practices for Having Difficult Conversations.

To receive a copy, call the Delegate Hotline on 07 3010 4444.

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MENTAL HEALTH OR MEDICARE

30 th

OR SICK L EAV E

Way

OR PAY EQ U I T Y

OR N AT U R A L

OR DFVL

D I SA ST E R L EAV E Unions have WON a lot for Australian workers like Sick Leave, Medicare, Superannuation and Pay Increases.

Since our 27 Ways and Growing Campaign was launched in 2013, we’ve WON Natural Disaster Leave (28th Way) and Domestic and Family Violence Leave (29th Way) for many members through EBA bargaining and/or policy development.

JOIN US TODAY

www.theservicesunion.com.au

We’re now campaigning to highlight Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace and make it our 30th Way! Authorised by Neil Henderson, Branch Secretary, Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) BranchABN 86 351 665 653.

Trading as The Services Union.

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Mental Health & Wellbeing

30th Way

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES YOU ARE NOT ALONE, THERE’S ALWAYS SOMEONE TO TALK TO

Beyond Blue

Carers Australia

Kids Helpline

Lifeline

24 hour crisis support & suicide prevention services

Anyone feeling anxious or depressed

Counselling for carers & their families

Counselling for young people aged 5 to 25

1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au

1800 422 737 carersaustralia.com.au

1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au

13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

Q Life

Relationships Australia

Suicide Call Back Service

Relationship support services for individuals and families

Providing 24/7 telephone & online counselling to people affected by suicide

1800 184 527 qlife.org.au

1300 364 277 relationships.org.au

Mensline

Support for men to deal with relationship problems

1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au Workers Psychological Support Service

For those experiencing a work related psychological injury

1800 370 732 wpss.org.au

Counselling and referral service for LGBTIQ+ people

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk or harm, call TRIPLE ZERO

Authorised by Neil Henderson, Branch Secretary, Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) Branch, ABN 86 351 665 653. Queensland Services, Industrial Union of Employees, ABN 13 540 483 194.

Trading as The Services Union. 32 Peel Street, South Brisbane, 4101, QLD.

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1300 659 467

suicidecallbackservice.org.au

UNION VISIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE •

•

Maintaining union visibility in your workplace is a key role for Workplace Delegates.

There’s heaps of things you can do to make sure workers know our Union is active in your workplace. For example:Promoting our Union via noticeboards. This should also include a poster with the names and contact details of every Workplace Delegate.

Promoting our Union via events or in staff meetings.

GotGot ananidea for making our Union more visible in idea for making our union more visible in the workplace? theorworkplace?

Talk to your Organiser our Comms Officer, Belinda Hogan-Collis belinda.hogan-collis@theservicesunion.com.au Talk to your Organiser or our Media/ Communications Officer, Belinda Hogan-Collis belinda.hogan-collis@theservicesunion.com.au •

•

•

Holding regular catch-ups for members. This is a great way to keep members in the loop, ask their opinion on things and get feedback.

Talking to new starters at inductions. Talking to workers right at the start of their employment is a great way to paint a picture that being a union member is normal in your workplace.

Identifying other members who can be active. Getting

other members to step up and be active means there’s more people to do the work.

•

Our Union is also very active on Social Media, so encourage members to Like us and comment on the following sites: Facebook: /TheServicesUnion Instagram: /theservicesunion Twitter: /ServicesUnion

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WINNING THROUGH CAMPAIGNING PORTABLE LONG SERVICE LEAVE SCHEME FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICES INDUSTRY IS NOW A REALITY! In 2017, members of The Services Union working in the Social and Community Services Sector (SACS), embarked on a campaign to win Portable Long Service Leave for workers in their sector.

Prior to this campaign, members working in the SACS

Industry were unable to transfer accrued Long Service Leave when they moved between employers. Given that workers in the Industry change jobs frequently, this put them at a big disadvantage.

Members of our Union shone a light on the issue by filling out surveys and petitions, lobbying employers, putting up flyers in workplaces, getting active on social media, completed submissions and told their stories.

After a long campaign and a lot of hard work, The Community Services Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2019 was passed into law by the Queensland State Government.

This significant piece of legislation, brought by the Minister for Education and Industrial Relations the Hon. Grace Grace MP, ensured the establishment of a Portable Long Service Leave Scheme for Social, Community and Disability Services workers.

This outcome delivers access to a block of Long Service Leave for people working in the Industry while also making it more desirable to work in.

Well done SACS members!

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CURRENT CAMPAIGNS The Services Union is currently campaigning on issues that are important to our members and to every community in Australia. Issues like Domestic and Family Violence Leave (DVFL).

Our Workplace Delegates are already achieving great wins on this issue but we need to make surethe State and Federal Governments recognise the importance of making sure EVERY worker in Australia can access this entitlement.

WE WON’T WAIT – DVFL OUR 29th WAY We have a family violence crisis on our hands in Australia!

It can affect anyone – regardless of gender or class. Women, men and children are being abused and murdered by trusted partners or family members.

According to statistics, women are most affected by this violence.

Violence against women is one of the most serious causes and consequences of gender inequality.

It increases the risk of women facing disadvantage and can have far-reaching impacts on their social and economic participation, health, housing and security.

Therefore, DVF is not only a social issue, it is a workplace issue and this has been recognised as such by the Union Movement which has been advocating for Paid DVFL to become a National Employment Standard.

As part of this Movement, our Union has been strongly advocating for these leave provisions to be included in all Awards, Agreements and National and Queensland Employment Standards.

“A highlight of my 20+ years as a delegate is one that is personal and very close to my heart. Mackay Regional Council being awarded the 7 Star Award for their Family Domestic Violence Policy illustrated the positive outcomes that can be achieved when there is collaboration and cooperation between workforce and employer.

The circumstances surrounding Domestic Family Violence situations is unique to each individual. What is not unique is Mackay Regional Council's consistent reinforcement that they will not tolerate violence of any type, perceived or real, in the workplace.

Mackay Regional Council upholds the adopted Values of ‘Respect’ and ‘Employee Health and Safety’ with the clear messages in the policy.

On the 22nd of November 2017, The Services Union was pleased to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment Mackay Regional Council made with respect to domestic and family violence at the launch of the “Mackay Draws the Line” Campaign.

Mackay Regional Council have set an incredible benchmark for all local governments by providing leave and other support to staff who may find themselves in a domestic or family violence situation.”

KATE COTTER, BRANCH PRESIDENT AND WORKPLACE DELEGATE

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OUR COMMITTEES IN 2022 WOMEN’S NETWORK The Services Union Women’s Network meets every quarter with the aim of promoting and improving the position of women in our Union.

The Services Union’s Women’s Network participates in the Queensland Council of Unions women’s agenda, including International Women’s Day, the Anna Stewart Program, the Emma Miller Awards, the Organising with Equity Conference, and the annual women’s breakfast. We also act in support of our own campaigns, for example, Making Super Work for Women and Family and Domestic Violence Leave, as well as participating in community led campaigns like Red Rose Rallies, Orange the World and Reclaim the Night.

If you’re interested in joining the action and the discussion at The Services Union Women’s Committee, please send an email to our Women’s Officer, Jennifer Thomas: jennifer.thomas@theservicesunion.com.au

GLAM COMMITTEE The Services Union believes equality is Union business. If you are a Union member that identifies as LGBTQ+, intersex, and/or gender-diverse – you’re in!

If you’re an ally, we want you to be included, too. It is everyone’s responsibility to fight for inclusion at work and in our communities. As an ally, you can play an important role. However, be mindful that you are there to support your LGBTQ+ comrades, not to speak over them. Elevate LGBTQ+ voices and be sure not to overstep. If you can do that, you are welcome to be in GLAM! Moving forward to build inclusive workplaces and diverse communities GLAM is already active in workplaces and communities today and that is only going to grow. Our Union plans to talk with other Unions to encourage LGBTQ+ committees across the Union movement. Together, all Union members can fight for equality across Australia. If you would like to join the GLAM Committee please contact GLAM Officer, Darci Wanamaker: darci.wanamaker@theservicesunion.com.au YOUTH COMMITTEE The Services Union Youth Committee is keen to give young people an opportunity to have a greater say in our Union. The committee is comprised of various members across our industries with the aim of advocating for the progressive principles of social justice, economic fairness, environmental sustainability and to gain greater cooperation and participation of young people in the workplace and in our Union.

If you are interested in being a member of the Youth Committee or becoming more involved, please send an email to our Youth Committee Officer, Imogen Smith: imogen.smith@theservicesunion.com.au

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Davis Murphy

Industrial Officer

Jess Wiggan

Industrial Officer

Josh Maguire

Industrial Officer

(Mat Lve)

Maddy McGinnity

Industrial Officer

Samarah Wilson

Industrial Officer

Aaron Alexander

Industrial Officer

Drew Cutler

Services Connect Lead

Jack Donaghy

Senior Industrial Officer GOC’s

Merinda Foster

Senior Industrial Officer SACS

Michelle Robertson

Senior Industrial Officer LG

Rebecca Girard

Industrial Coordinator

BRANCH SECRETARY Neil Henderson

Debbie Draper

Membership Officer

Chevaughan Grey

Membership Officer

Diana Sparke

Finance & Membership Officer

Cary Pollock

Finance & Membership Coordinator

Jane Grey

Office Admin Manager

Cianan Beaton

Admin Support Officer

Craig Dunn

Organiser - SWQ

Jason Shepherd

LG Organiser – SEQ

LG Organiser – SEQ

Brendan Parkinson

John Denny

Tom Rivers

LG Organising Co-ordinator

SEQ Organising Lead

Ben Jones

LG Barganing Co-ordinator

Jacqui Pedersen

Organiser - GOC

Chris McJannett

Reg. Organiser – C/Qld

(P/T Wed)

Chiara Millard

Reg. Organiser - TSV

Glenn Desmond Adam Brown

Organiser - SEQ

Imogen Smith

Organiser - SEQ

Tracey Coorey

Darci Wanamaker

Organiser – SEQ

Organiser – SEQ

Jeremy Young

Stuart Maggs

SACS SEQ Organisers Lead

Wayne Inman

Organiser – C/Qld

Organiser – Nth Qld

Admin Support Officer

Justine Moran

Organising Coord. / SACS Co-ordinator

BRANCH EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT Jennifer Thomas

Marylin Taylor Reg. Organiser - TSV

Danny Reeves

GOC Organising Co-ordinator

Organisational Structure

THE SERVICES UNION – OUR TEAM

Simon Ross

Admin Support Training

Media & Comms Officer

Belinda Hogan-Collis

Jim Oliver

Trainer

Jessica Daniels

Member Benefits Officer

Dominic Skelton

Member Benefits Officer

Jayde Hagger

Member Benefits Officer

Juliet Salmon

Membership Benefits Lead

STAFF ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

*Note this structure will be updated annually. Please call the Delegates Hotline for direct support on 3010 4444.

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exclusive delegates hotline

Connect to Industrial Services whenever you need support. www.theservicesunion.com.au

3010 4444 Authorised by Neil Henderson, Branch Secretary, Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) Branch, ABN 86 351 665 653. Queensland Services, Industrial Union of Employees, ABN 13 540 483 194. Trading as The Services Union.