INDUSTRIAL
UNIONS MATTER
We all remember the very first few days, or even weeks of starting a new job. As the feelings of anticipation and nervousness creep in, all you can focus on is ensuring you’re doing the absolute best that you can in your new role.
The Australian Nursing Federation formed in 1924, providing a national body uniting the state and territory nursing organisations. Today, the support and protection unions offer make them essential for Nurses
For our Nurses and Midwives, those
We represent you and fight for
first few days are usually filled with
safer workplaces and better work
a lot of excitement as well as many
conditions, so you can strictly
Unions not only play an imperative
unknowns. Uncertainty about the
focus on doing the job you love.
role in pay negotiations but they are
long hours, the potential shortage of staff that would lead to greater responsibilities and more patients to care for, and unknowns about their rights at work. ANMF ACT Branch Secretary, Matthew Daniel says that from the very first day, unions can help
Unions have been around in Australia ever since the first act of convict resistance back in 1804, and by the time of Australia’s Federation in 1901, the union movement was established as a vital part of national life.
you know and understand your rights.
and Midwives.
an invaluable source of support in employment and disciplinary issues. You might not believe you need union representation but you never know when you may find yourself needing support. In times of need, being a Branch member can provide you with information about employee rights, support during a complaint process or help if you raise a concern or have other issues at work. Matthew Daniel continued: “If something happens and you’re not a Branch member, we can’t help you. If you are, you’re part of a supportive framework that can assist and provide you with guidance on the issues you’re experiencing.” In the last 200 years, Australian unions have achieved key milestones ensuring better working conditions for employees across the country. From annual leave, minimum wage, wage increases, paid public holidays, personal carer’s leave, maternity and paternity leave, there’s a tremendous amount we can be thankful to unions for.
ANMF ACT members at the 2018 Change the Rules Rally
8
Observations March 2022
