The Brotherhood of St Laurance (BSL) and ASU members have been negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement for months.
Members have been asking that one of the biggest Community Services organisations in Victoria, who receive over $160 million in taxpayers’ money, pay their staff a real pay rise and have some additional entitlements for some of the most marginalised workers in our society (e.g. Trans and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff).
No longer just wanting to accept the hand they are dealt, your fellow members decided they want to take protected industrial action!
Community Services members have historically been reluctant to take any workplace action because the employers have done a fantastic job at making workers feel guilty about fighting for their own rights using clients as a bargaining chip.
Times are changing! More and more Community Services members are recognising that if we want a strong sector that can help as many people as possible, workers need to be supported.
Many lessons have been learnt during this time:
- The importance of a strong Union Delegate network (speak to us about establishing one at your workplace).
- The power of Persistence!
- Worker and class solidarity can overcome anything!
BSL members have now voted to take protected industrial action!
They need all the encouragement they can get, so please send any messages of support to kdaruwalla@asuvictas.com.au and we will share it with the members.
See how else your fellow members are trying to make Community Services a better place to work: https://www.asuvictas.com.au/campaigns/job-security/
We can’t do this alone, speak to your colleagues about being part of the change by joining the ASU here: www.asu.asn.au/asujoin
For further information please contact:
ASU Organiser Kerman Daruwalla | 0437 035 721 | kdaruwalla@asuvictas.com.au
