LATEST NEWS
The Australian Services Union has members in diverse industries: united for a stronger voice for workers.
Bushfire smoke guidance for workers
As bushfire smoke continues to impact air quality across Victoria, people are urged to remain ... read more
Work Health and Safety – Bushfires Air Quality
No worker should be forced to work in dangerous environments, including workplaces impacted by ... read more
ASU Support During the Bushfire Crisis
We know many ASU members have been affected by the bushfire crisis facing our country. ASU ... read more
A message of thanks and support from the ASU
What should be one of the happiest times of the year has turned into a nightmare for many. The ... read more
End of Year Message 2019
The ASU would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. The holiday ... read more
Media Release – Hobsons Bay City Council CEO Threatens Indefinite Lockouts
HOBSONS BAY CITY COUNCIL CEO THREATENS INDEFINITE LOCKOUTS In the lead up to Christmas Hobsons ... read more
Branch Financial Statements
The Act and the ASU Rules, particularly Rule 57, require that financial statements, operating ... read more
Six silly season saving tips
Industry super fund-owned bank ME has simple tips to help you avoid a financial squeeze this ... read more
Workplace Bullying
Bullying and Intimidation is one of the leading causes of poor mental health in the workplace. ... read more
Working in heat
With summer here again, it’s important to stay safe when the temperature rises. The ASU has ... read more
A message from Lisa and Billy
Members of our union deliver the services Australians rely on every day. The services provided ... read more
Five reasons it’s a good time to be a first home buyer
A lot is happening in the market to turn a first home buyer’s frown upside down. Here are five ... read more
Delegate Profile – Monique’s Growing ASU Membership at Port Phillip
Monique has been working as an early childhood educator at the City of Port Phillip for the ... read more
Tell Us About Labour Hire at Your Workplace
The use of Labour Hire, including Agency staff, undermines our collective strength. Labour Hire read more
2019 ASU Delegates Conference
ASU workplaces from right across Victoria and Tasmania, and representing all of our industries ... read more
2019 ASU Delegate Award Winners
An important part of our recent Delegates Conference was recognising the work of outstanding ... read more
Media Release – Andrews Must Rule Out Privatising VicRoads
The Australian Services Union has today lashed out at the Andrews ‘Labor’ Government for ... read more
Maribyrnong CC – Overwhelming Support For Industrial Action
We have just received the results from the Australian Electoral Commission and members at ... read more
Good News on BADAC Enterprise Agreement
Enterprise agreement negotiations at Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) has ... read more
Five things we get wrong with credit reports
Your credit report can be a valuable asset when you apply for a loan. But we still seem unclear read more
Media Release – Wages Policy and MPs Pay Rise
Andrews Government Holds Down Workers Wages But Keeps MP Pay Rise Secret The Australian ... read more
Religious Freedoms Bill: Your Concerns
The Morrison Government’s draft Religious Freedoms bill is now available for viewing, and the ... read more
Fair Work Commission increases casual weekend and penalty rates by 25%
The Fair Work Commission had decided that all casuals working under the SCHDS Award should be ... read more
Union Win – Employer Recognising the Role of the ASU
ASU members at Child and Family Services (Cafs) in Ballarat are seeing the real value of active read more
Superannuation Changes
On 1 July 2019, the Federal Government’s Protecting Your Super Package Act came into effect. ... read more
Union Women
ASU members and their colleagues are invited to attend union training at the Victorian Trades ... read more
Global Climate Strike September 20
We proudly stand in solidarity with the school students from around Australia who will be ... read more
Seven ways to save money, and the planet
Climate data shows we could be up for our hottest year on record[1]. The good news is, it’s ... read more
Fighting for members at work and beyond
Our focus on delivering for members at work is absolute – we work only for the benefit of ... read more
Equal Pay Day
Today marks Equal Pay Day internationally. Here at the ASU we also celebrate our own Equal Pay ... read more
ASU Career Launchpad – Upcoming Courses
The ASU Career Launchpad is your exclusive member only professional development program ... read more
Insourcing – bringing jobs back in house
The ASU is well known for our strong opposition to outsourcing public services. From local ... read more
Financial scams to look out for on your next trip
Here’s industry super fund-owned bank ME’s quick rundown on some common travel scams to avoid. ... read more
Nillumbik CC – Edendale Farm saved from privatisation attempt
In what can only be described as embarrassing for the Council officers who recommended market ... read more
2019 Delegates Conference
You’re invited to the ASU Victorian and Tasmanian Authorities & Services Branch 2019 ... read more
ASU Delegate Awards 2019
To recognise the contribution and dedication of our delegates, we will be presenting the ... read more
Right to a fair hearing
The ASU protects, promotes and improvers the working conditions and entitlements of our ... read more
Councils Committed to Care
Latrobe City Council has joined a growing number of councils who are committed to delivering ... read more
ASU Submission to Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System
Over the past few years the ASU has fought hard for a viable, thriving psychosocial mental ... read more
Do you deal with angry or difficult customers at work?
Do you deal with angry or difficult customers at work? Or have you had to face client rage and ... read more
Feedback on PLSL Info Sessions
Thank you for attending the ASU Portable Long Service Leave Info (PLSL) Session. The purpose of read more
A message from Lisa and Billy
Right across Victoria and Tasmania the ASU has terrific workplace delegates. They support ... read more
Is your credit card giving you bang for your buck
Credit cards can be a useful money management tool – but only if your card is giving more than ... read more
ASU Election Finalised
The Australian Electoral Commission has finalised the election for the Australian Services ... read more
Statement from Lisa Darmanin and Billy King on Family Violence
For several years, our union has stood side by side with Rosie Batty in the fight to recognise ... read more
Free Career Training
At the ASU we provide workplace information, services and individual support to members. And we read more
2019-20 Annual Wage Review Decision – 3%
Last week the Fair Work Commission decided to increase the wages of workers who are on a modern read more
Identifying & Responding to Workplace Bullying
“Am I being bullied?” It is important to remember that someone acting inappropriately or ... read more
Anna Stewart Memorial Project
The Anna Stewart Memorial Project encourages more women to be active in unions. And this last ... read more
Occupational Violence in Libraries
The ASU has been meeting with members from libraries concerned with the increase in ... read more
Michele Sinclair Delegate Profile
Michele Sinclair is a dedicated ASU delegate who recently stepped up to make sure ASU members ... read more
Wyndham EBA setting a new benchmark
Delegates at Wyndham City Council, supported by ASU organisers, have negotiated an agreement ... read more
A message from Lisa and Billy
Since the last E-News, elections for our branch of the ASU have been completed. Along with ... read more
Media Release – Big Federal Court win for ASU members
In-home aged care workers at the City of Maribyrnong are set to receive over $2 million in ... read more
Have you accessed this exclusive member benefit?
Did you know as a member of the ASU you have free and exclusive access to your very own ... read more
A message from Lisa and Billy
We are determined to protect, promote and improve the working conditions and entitlements of ... read more
ACTU TV Ads
This election is about deciding what sort of Australia we want to be. We can either lock in ... read more
Create your standard Will online with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
A Will is one of the most important legal documents you will sign in your lifetime. It ... read more
Delegate Profile – Sue Bratby – Maribyrnong Stalwart
Sue Bratby is a dedicated ASU delegate at Maribyrnong City Council where she works within the ... read more
ASU Vic Tas Branch Election
ASU elections are conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission which is the same government read more
Media Release – Permanent Jobs Replace Insecure Work at Whittlesea
The ASU’s strategy of converting labour hire jobs to permanent positions is paying off ... read more
City of Greater Geelong Meetings
The ASU will be meeting with members at City of Greater Geelong to discuss everything ASU, ... read more
Exclusive Budget Analysis for ASU Members
Last night’s federal pre-election sales pitch budget failed to provide any plan to increase ... read more
Change the Rules
The next federal election is approaching fast. And in a national day of action the country’s ... read more
ASU fighting for secure work
Australians’ work is becoming less secure. Around 40 percent of workers are engaged ... read more
International Women’s Day ‘The Value of Women’
This year we celebrated International Women’s Day with a training session for members on ... read more
Federal Election
The Federal election is only weeks away and ASU members are already campaigning to change the ... read more
ASU Elections
All elected positions in the ASU are up for re-election this year. The ASU is member owned and ... read more
Change the Rules Rally 10 April
Join us to march for job security & fair pay for all working Australians. DATE: Wednesday ... read more
What do you care about in 2019?
The ASU is investing in services, campaigns and communications to build a better future for ... read more
Moreland Carers make their voices heard
ASU members have raised several work related issues, which ASU Organiser Lorraine Di ... read more
Exclusive Member-Only Professional Development
ASU members have exclusive access to the ASU Career Launchpad professional development program, read more
ASU Career Launchpad
At the ASU we provide workplace information, services and individual support to members. And we read more
Five ways to prepare for a financial emergency before it strikes
Putting plans in place for a financial emergency could help you navigate a storm when it ... read more
ASU Delegate Profile, Diane Smith, City of Whittlesea
Diane joined the ASU in 2010 and quickly stepped up to become a delegate at the City of ... read more
International Women’s Day Training “The Value of Women”
On Friday 8 March 2019, we are hosting a one-day training event at the ASU Office in Carlton. ... read more
Embracing Gender Equity Is Good For Business
As part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, is ... read more
ASU submission to the inquiry into the ‘gig economy’
The Victorian Government is holding an inquiry into the on-demand workforce or ‘gig economy’. ... read more
Media Release – Maribyrnong Councillors Slammed for Outsourcing Aged Care
Ignoring the needs of older people who live independently at home, Maribyrnong City Council has read more
Media Release – Hobsons Bay Outsourcing Plans On Hold
Hobsons Bay City Council’s plans to outsource in-home aged care services are on hold after the ... read more
City of Melbourne Member Update: February 2019
Carlton Early Learning and Family Services Centre The ASU met with concerned members last week ... read more
Launch Collingwood Delegates Share their Passion
Ella D’Abbs, Ryan Nolan and Adrian Skiba are ASU delegates at Launch Housing, Collingwood. ... read more
Equal Pay Victory Anniversary
Friday 1 February was the anniversary of the successful Equal Pay Case taken to the FairWork ... read more
Enterprise Agreement Expo Success
Delegates at Frankston City Council, supported by ASU organisers, recently ran a member ... read more
Recognising decades of work for ASU members
ASU Members deliver the services Australians rely on every day. And the union, with active ... read more
Darebin Aged Care Review
The ASU recently made a submission on the future of aged care in Darebin. The ASU’s submission ... read more
Change the Rules Election 2019 Kick-Off – Hobart
Last year, union members took the Change the Rules campaign to new heights. This is the year we read more
A Strong Voice for Members
While many people have been holidaying the ASU members have been working to bring community and read more
Beat the top five financial stresses of 2019
Industry super fund-owned bank ME identifies some of the top financial concerns facing ... read more
Building unity across the regions
The ASU has members in diverse industries united for a stronger voice for workers. And there ... read more
Supporting Workers at Esso Longford
This is why we need to change the rules. When hundreds of workers can be sacked then offered ... read more
It REALLY pays to be a member of the ASU
This Friday, the 1st of February, is the anniversary of the ASU Equal Pay Case. The ASU Equal ... read more
Federal Government’s Mental Health Funding Announcement
The devil is in the detail Recently the federal health minister announced a change to the way ... read more
We Want to Know How the ‘Gig Economy’ Has Affected You
Victorian Government is holding an inquiry into the on-demand workforce or ‘gig economy’. The ... read more
Special Tour for ASU members only
Special tour of Victorian Trades Hall Council restoration works for ASU at 4pm on 12 February. ... read more
Tell Us How The ‘Gig Economy’ Has Affected You At Work
The Victorian Government is holding an inquiry into the on-demand workforce or ‘gig economy’. ... read more
Free NDIS and Mental Health Professional Development workshops
The ASU has created a specialist NDIS and Mental Health team to support workers in NDIS ... read more
Tips for working when it’s hot outside
With summer here again, it’s important to stay safe when the temperature rises. The ASU has ... read more
End of Year Message (TAS)
As the year comes to a close, we want to wish all members and their families a happy and safe ... read more
End of Year Message (VIC)
As the year comes to a close, we want to wish all members and their families a happy and safe ... read more
Good Faith Bargaining at North East Water goes to Fair Work Commission
The ASU recently participated in a conference before Commissioner Lee, about an application ... read more
Activism against gender-based violence
As part of the international 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, ASU staff ... read more
Federal Government must commit to Community Mental Health funding
On 30 June next year funding for vital mental health programs such as Personal Helpers and ... read more
Delegate Profile: Corinn Strating
Unions have always been a part of my life. My parents are strong unionists, both coming from ... read more
Inventive Recruitment Strategies
At a recent delegates training course creative recruiting strategies were explored. A task was ... read more
Leisure Update
As warmer weather approaches and everyone heads over to our local leisure centres it is a ... read more
Your Rights when your employer contemplates outsourcing!
The ASU strongly opposes outsourcing and is fighting to Keep Services Council. We have had some read more
City of Port Phillip Home Care
Victorian local government has been a player in the provision of home care services to their ... read more
Moonee Valley Council Depot Saved (for now)!
In a triumph of common sense over bad decision making, ASU members at the Moonee Valley City ... read more
Women and Super Delegation
A few weeks ago, a group of ASU women met with the Shadow Minister for Financial Services Clare read more
Recent Victorian Election Campiagn
During the recent Victorian election ASU members campaigned for stronger workplace protections ... read more
Anna Stewart Memorial Project Report October 2018
The Anna Stewart Memorial Project is a collaboration between unions and the Victoria Trades ... read more
Let’s step up our campaign to scrap the cap
The ASU will immediately seek an urgent meeting with the new local government minister, and ... read more
City of Greater Geelong Bullying Notice
It has come to our attention that there are a number of concerns within the workplace in ... read more
Citywide Underpayments
Some Citywide members have been significantly under paid their shift penalties and overtime ... read more
Equal Pay 7th Anniversary
We are celebrating this week, leading up to the seventh anniversary of ASU Equal Pay ... read more
Home and Community Care- Maribyrnong City Council Hobsons Bay City Council
The ASU has been continuing to campaign locally to apply pressure on Maribyrnong and Hobson Bay read more
ASU Media Release: Just Transition
Good news for our members who work in power stations and also for ASU members and their ... read more
Hume Split
This election, ASU Members in Hume need to put the Liberals last. Prior to the last state ... read more
ASU will be Walking Against Family Violence this Friday 23 November 2018
The ASU has a long history of the prevention of violence campaign and has been involved from ... read more
South East Cluster Home Care Network
In response to member’s requests the ASU is organising a Home Care Network in your region. ... read more
Nillumbik Shire Council Proposed major change to kerbside waste collection
The ASU has received notification from Nillumbik Shire Council of the potential the Council ... read more
ASU Tasmanian Update
Under new local and branch level leadership the reinvigorated ASU Vic/Tas Tasmanian team have ... read more
ASU Site visit – RSPCA Launceston
ASU Tasmanian Coordinator Kath Ryman will be holding a lunch time site visit at RSPCA ... read more
Win for ASU Members at Moonee Valley City Council!
In what was a triumph of common sense over impulsive and ill-conceived decision making, ASU ... read more
Aged Care Metropolitan Delegates Network Meeting
The Australian Services Union invites all Aged Care Metropolitan Delegates to our next network ... read more
Vote no to show the Aurora Energy what you think of their tactics
The ASU strongly urges you to VOTE NO when the ballot opens on Friday 16 November 2018! The ... read more
ASU urges Aurora Energy members to Vote No again!
After a first successful No Vote in September, the ASU is urging employees at Aurora Energy to ... read more
Asbestos found at Tasmanian Council
Multiple employees at a Tasmanian Council were exposed to asbestos fibres during the course of ... read more
We say “union”, you say “power”!
The ASU were front and centre as Tasmanian workers stood up and fought back at Change the Rules read more
Safe Steps Leadership Removed Following DHHS Review
Safe Steps family violence response centre is the State-wide family violence crisis service and read more
Community Health Centre Multi Business Agreement
Following a couple of years of bargaining and waiting for the Fair Work commission (FWC) to ... read more
ASU takes fight Canberra to save mental health services
ASU community mental health delegates Tanya and Nick went with ASU Branch Coordinator Leon ... read more
Five signs you could be saving more
Is it time to show your savings some love? Check out industry super fund-owned bank ME’s five ... read more
It’s a busy time at Parks Vic!
It’s a busy time at Parks Victoria, and your Union is involved in a number of issues. Organiser read more
Brimbank City Council Home Care Workers Meeting
The Australian Service Union invites Home and Community Care Staff at Brimbank City Council to ... read more
ASU members lead the way to Change the Rules at huge rally
More than 170,000 Victorians jammed Melbourne’s CBD to demand workers get their fair share ... read more
City of Greater Geelong
The ASU is concerned that City of Greater Geelong has skirted proper processes to place an ... read more
Health and Safety Representative Conference a huge success
The fourth Health and Safety Representative conference was held in late October. This was the ... read more
Meet ASU Delegate Pat Dunne
Pat is ASU Delegate and Coordinator of Investigations Unit at Bayside City Council. Pat has ... read more
Meet ASU Delegate June Cozens
June is a Senior Library Services and Programs Officer at Brimbank City Council where she has ... read more
Aged care campaign gathers strength
The ASU has stepped up its campaign to stop Councils outsourcing aged care services. Wherever ... read more
Delegates conference
The annual ASU Conference was held on 10th and 11th of October, to meet, learn and plan for the read more
Attention: North East ASU Members and Delegates
The ASU will be supporting the following ACTION and request members and Delegates to attend. ... read more
What’s going on at Moreland Council?
Moreland Delegate Meetings ASU organiser Lorraine Di Pietrantonio is currently in discussions ... read more
Aurora Energy – Update meetings on your Enterprise Agreement
Following the Vote on your Enterprise Agreement being postponed by management, the ASU will be ... read more
Carers Victoria ASU Members EA Update November 2018
Please note there will be EA update meetings at Carers Vic listed next week. All members and ... read more
Broad Spectrum Members’ Meeting
The ASU invites all members at Broad Spectrum Mornington to a members meeting. Please come ... read more
Melton City Council Home Care Workers Meeting
The Australian Service Union invites Home and Community Care Staff at Melton Council to an ... read more
Melton terms and conditions in 2019 – Agreement Negotiations due to start
The EBA negotiations are fast approaching as the agreement expires in June 2019. This lead up ... read more
Aurora Energy Enterprise Agreement – VOTE NO!
SLIP SLOP RECHARGE YOUR PAY! We urge all members to VOTE NO as you deserve a better pay ... read more
Community Health Centres
Following a couple of years of bargaining and waiting for the Fair Work commission (FWC) to ... read more
Royal Commission into Mental Health
ANDREWS’ GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO MENTAL HEALTH The Andrews Labor government ... read more
Pay Rise Rally
If you only go to one rally in your life, make sure it’s this one. On October 23, ... read more
ASU wins clarity for Perm Part Time Irregular workers & more
ASU members and delegates working together have at long last got the matter of all staff on ... read more
Full Bench decision on Family Friendly Clause
The ACTU has been running a test case for all Australian workers in an effort to remove the ... read more
Maribyrnong and Hobson’s Bay – Aged Care Crisis!
Maribyrnong and Hobson’s Bay have recently put their Home and Community Care services out to ... read more
ASU Tasmanian Delegates Training
The last week of the month, ASU delegates from a wide range of industries spent 3 days at the ... read more
Further changes within TasWater
The ASU has been notified by TasWater of further preliminary decisions made under the Retail ... read more
Online Access Centres Tasmania
Did you know that 20% of Tasmanians are still is without internet Access? Yes 20%! So what do ... read more
ASU Women front and centre at the Unions Tasmania 2018 Women’s conference!!
An impressive delegation of Tasmanian ASU women joined over 100 women unionists from across ... read more
Tasmanian ALP Conference
All five Tasmanian ASU representatives attended the Australian Labor Party State Conference in ... read more
Australia Needs a Pay Rise Rally
Whilst more than 50 Council Officers (mostly CEO’s & Directors) earn as much as or more ... read more
Change the Rules Tasmania
Our ACTU Branch Secretary Sally Mc Manus was in Hobart to connect with the union members ... read more
7 steps to rein in living costs
Try these simple strategies from industry super fund-owned bank ME to manage bills without ... read more
What is the role of an ASU Delegate?
As we head towards the ASU Delegates Conference in October you may have wondered “what is the ... read more
Australia’s First Gender Equality Bill: Have Your Say
The Andrews Labor Government is enshrining gender equality in law for the first time in ... read more
Meet our Tasmanian team!
Meet our wonderful, dedicated and hard working Tasmanian team! (L-R) New North West ASU ... read more
Mental Health Update
The ASU have been campaigning around the defunding of Mental Health Community Support Services ... read more
ASU Facebook
Two years’ ago the Victorian Government ran the first ever family violence workforce census. Sector peaks are supporting this, with Family Safety Victoria (FSV) and key organisations. Meaningful data helps to support meaningful decisions and the ASU is encouraging all relevant workers to participate!
The census closes 28 February and needs to hear from workers across a wide range of workforces that come into contact with, provide support or assistance in family violence, even if it is not the main focus or function of their role. Please respond and share with people who work in:
• Counselling
• Disability Services
• Employment Services
• Financial and Gambling Services
• Housing / Social Housing
• LGBTIQ Services
• Older Victorians services
• Policy, Research and Advocacy –
Please follow this link to complete the census vcoss.org.au/family-violence-workforce-census/
As bushfire smoke continues to impact air quality across Victoria, people are urged to remain vigilant when working outdoors.
WorkSafe has provided Bushfire Smoke Guidance for workers across Victoria.
You can check out the guidance here: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/health-risks-outdoor-work-areas-impacted-bushfire-smoke
You can view the air quality at monitored locations and the forecast air quality for each region here: www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/airwatch
No worker should be forced to work in dangerous environments, including workplaces impacted by the smoke haze. Smoke pollution levels are beyond hazardous in many parts of the country. While the critically important work to fight and recover from the fires must continue, any worker who is concerned about their health and safety should contact their manager directly and inform the union.
The air quality today has fluctuated between hazardous and very poor. Avoid outdoor work.
If experiencing difficulty breathing, STOP WORK call 000 or Nurse on Call 1300 606 024.
Air quality in the last 48 hours
A general overview of air quality over the last 48 hours, calculated at one-hour averages. For more information about pollutant concentrations, see the pollutant concentrations graph below.
If the air is recirculating constantly in an office I'm sure there could be health concerns with that alone.
No worker should be forced to drink Fluoride industrial waste that can't legally be dumped in rivers, land or the sea.