The OHS rights we enjoy have been won by the union movement over many years of organised struggle. Current legislation provides powerful protections for workers to elect a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in each workplace to promote and protect these rights. Let’s fully honour and support this critical role.
Encouraging workplaces to have an elected HSR who can participate in OHS training and work collectively with the local AEU sub-branch to represent the interests of members is a focus for all of us in 2020.
We want to ensure that HSRs can use their knowledge and powers not as lone wolves but in an integrated, informed and supported union model of representation and protection.
This means working to ensure that HSRs are provided with time to canvass views, share information, attend OHS training and participate in structures and meetings to promote the interests of the workgroup. At times it will also involve standing together to work through complex situations and, if necessary, to escalate unresolved safety matters.
The work that our AEU reps do in campaigning for public education and in protecting and improving conditions at work is vital.
The AEU Reps Conference on 22 May will bring together workplace reps across all sectors to promote and foster union organisation and effectiveness. Sub-branches and reps that have effectively developed local activism and advocacy will also be specially acknowledged at the conference.
You can nominate your magnificent AEU reps, including your Health and Safety Representative, at aeuvic.asn.au/nominate-now-sub-branch-and-rep-year. Nominations close on 7 May at 12pm.
If you would like to discuss how to build OHS representation and activism at your sub-branch, you can email me at [email protected].
The work that our AEU reps do in campaigning for public education and in protecting and improving conditions at work is vital.
Worksafe Conference
The annual VTHC/Worksafe Conference will be held on 6 October in Melbourne and regional Victoria. We urge all HSRs to save the date – and attend.
The OHS Act entitles elected HSRs to attend this conference provided that 14 days notice is given to the employer. There will be further information in due course.
