Now is the time to HSR your workplace! The return to work for the Union in Queensland – as I imagine occurred across the country – commenced with a flood of enquiries regarding returning to campus, managing risk, unilateral decisions about vaccines mandates and more. One theme that emerged strongly was the failure of university managements to consult with their staff at almost any level. The second was how unclear most members were about their rights in returning to campus.
I am fond of telling members that the actual WH&S Act states that the best way to have a healthy workplace is to elect HSRs!
In response, the Queensland Division ran two all-staff meetings to address various issues and also to propose that members genuinely consider becoming a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in their workplace. This powerful role for our members had not been sufficiently expanded upon in the past. Surely there could never be a more appropriate time than February 2022. Two HSR information sessions run by Industrial Officer Anthony Hack and myself were offered to all Queensland members and more are already on the books. For those who are already familiar with the HSR role there will be little in them of interest. However, if you are unfamiliar with the roles of HSRs I can only suggest that you get curious.
David Szumer Senior State Organiser NTEU Qld Division
HEALTH & SAFETY
NEWS & CAMPAIGNS
place is to elect HSRs! Additionally, the HSR role can fit in with every aspect of union work and building power in the workplace. Our sessions explored the protections that HSRs are afforded to fulfil their role and also the support they can receive from others including union members and staff. Important to many of our members was the understanding that the role itself does not place members against management but rather in a position to hold management to account should they fail to meet obligations. Members currently in a HSR role said the position could be very rewarding. Since the workshops we are now working across all universities to get our members elected as HSRs. Queensland members can sign up for sessions here.
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I am fond of telling members that the actual WH&S Act states that the best way to have a healthy work-
vol. 3 no. 1
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nteu.org.au/sentry
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