We asked Olivia, ASU Delegate at Sacred Heart Mission (SHM), to talk us through her experience as a delegate. Here’s her story:
‘I’ve been a delegate since February this year and at Sacred Heart Mission for 4 years. I currently work in the Communications & Advocacy team.’
Being able to support, represent and advocate for staff rights has added meaning to my work. We are negotiating our Enterprise Agreement, and I am participating in this process on behalf of members. It is a big learning curve, but I am enjoying it!”
Being a delegate has increased my confidence in understanding policies and procedures and speaking about the rights of employees and workplace issues. It is a privilege to be a voice for employees, and also a position of power. I’ve also been able to raise awareness of the union’s role in workplace relations and built personal and professional skills.
As a delegate, I have access to ongoing learning and training from ASU, who are really supportive and effective. A shout out to fellow delegates Jessica Carroll from the Women’s House and Nicholas Cowley from the Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response team who are great to work with. We consult and negotiate between the ASU, staff and SHM Executive, and this has built my understanding of the internal workings of a workplace and my role in that.
I would encourage members to become delegates – the more of us, the more power we have to make real change. Strength in numbers! I feel coming out of the pandemic, it will be more crucial than ever to grow our membership and campaign for better conditions, flexible working arrangements and EBAs. Everyone has a vested interest!
Want to discuss becoming a delegate? Please contact:
ASU Member Contact Centre | 1300 855 570 | info@asuvictas.com.au
