Making the NDIS the best it can be
ASU delegates working in disability services across Australia recently came together for the inaugural ASU NDIS Summit. I know that members in disability services welcome greater choice and control for the people they support, and also the additional funding and jobs that will come to the sector as a result of the NDIS.
Fighting for the rights of casuals in our sector
The ASU is working with other unions to advance the rights of casuals. We are putting the case in the Fair Work Commission for all Awards to include the right for casuals to convert to permanent positions and for minimum 4 hour shifts for casual and part-time workers. I know that many ASU members are “long-term casuals” who work regular shifts and would like the opportunity for permanent employment.
Members defend Equal Pay
The lowest paid youth workers in Australia – that’s what staff at Premier Youth Works were facing until they decided to join together in Union to campaign to have their correct Equal Pay rates paid at work.
Like many ASU members working in child protection and out of home care services, members at Premier Youth Works have significant experience and specialist qualifications in the work they do.
Yet their employer has outrageously classified a significant number of youth workers at level 1 of the SCHADS Award.
Fuji Xerox EBA 2015
In a little under four months the agreement that covers your wages and conditions will need to be renegotiated.
Yep - it’s time to get bargain ready.
Soon our ASU National Office will be writing to Fuji Xerox with a proposed timeframe for bargaining, including when you should receive your ‘notice of representational rights’.
Changes to the Modern Award
Changes to Annual Leave in the Modern Award
The Fair Work Commission recently handed down a decision in relation to annual leave which affects all SACS members who are covered by our Award, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award or the Labour Market Assistance Award. The decision does not change the amount of annual leave that you receive – but it does create some new conditions about the taking of annual leave which will now apply. To find out more about how these changes affect you, click here.
Changes to Annual Leave in SACS Modern Awards
The Fair Work Commission recently handed down a decision in relation to annual leave which affects all SACS members who are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award or the Labour Market Assistance Award. The decision does not change the amount of annual leave that you receive – but it does create some new conditions about the taking of annual leave which will now apply.
Sector news and views- ASU member Contribution
WHO CARES? (By Jaq Dredge)
This article, let’s face it – is a rant!
As I sit here and type this article, I have $100 until next pay day and three teenagers to keep fed and entertained in school holidays. I am supposed to work a shift on Saturday that will cost me the half a tank of fuel I have left, leaving me unable to get to work on Monday. This particular shift in disability services requires $50 of my fuel and there are some 50 plus km not paid by my employer and 2 ½ hours of shift time that is unpaid travel time. I have advised that I am ceasing this shift that costs me money, leaving me down in hours again. I felt I needed to do this to make a stand and let them know that while some people will be willing to work under these conditions, the shift is costing me money and I miss a Saturday with my kids. Welcome to community services, casual work and the poverty I thought I would leave behind with the completion of a degree!
Delegate profile: Peregrin Chiara, St Vincent de Paul
Pere has worked in the disability sector since late 2005 in roles including administration assistant, support worker, social educator and caseworker. Pere currently works as a social educator and will soon be working as a person-centred planner.
Pere re-joined the ASU in late 2012 and became a delegate last year during an ASU campaign to keep the above award wages received by workers at his organisation. The above award wages was originally fought for and won by union members who wanted their employer to recognise the skill and professionalism of its employees.
Don't get shafted on shift allowances
Award in focus: Don’t get shafted on shift allowances
The disability sector provides supports and services for people with disabilities around the clock, every day of the week. Workers in residential, respite and transitional accommodation settings may be rostered on at a variety of start and finish times to meet the needs of the people they support. Our award- the Social, Community, Homecare and Disability Services Award (SCHADS) provides for extra pay for when you work a shift which is considered outside regular hours.
The Edna Awards
Do you know a woman who is making a feminist difference? Nominate her for an EDNA! Edna Ryan (1904–97) worked towards making a better world — especially for women. She had a lifetime involvement in campaigning for equal pay.
The EDNAs are awards for women who have made a feminist difference, i.e. whose activity advances the status of women: the battlers and the unsung heroines who show commitment and determination.
To nominate someone, download this form.
To book a table at the Awards, download this form.
Public assets in public hands
-- Statement from ASU NSW & ACT Branch Secretary, Natalie Lang.
The Australian Services Union is proud to campaign for a fair go for all Australians. ASU members work in many industries that strive to ensure that no one in our community will be left behind.
Our members run vital community and disability services that engage, protect and support vulnerable members of our community.
They are the world-class workforce that runs publicly owned essential services like Sydney Water, Hunter Water and our rail network. And they work every day to keep assets in public hands for the benefit of every member of our community.