Eight ways we will bring transformational change
for the members of the United Workers Union.
We know we can deliver on this change with the existing resources of the Union. The Union brought in over $118 million in total income last financial year. We have the resources to do whatever we want to do – it is simply a matter of priorities. This platform clearly outlines a realistic set of priorities that puts the Union back in the hands of its members and delivers on the promise of the United Workers Union.
READ OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Members First will put the United Workers Union back in the hands of members.
Members First will stand with early childhood educators, disability support workers, teacher aides, aged care support workers, school cleaners and other sectors that are overwhelmingly held up by women.
Members First will prioritise organising. Organisers are not a cost to be reduced, but an investment to help our union grow bigger and stronger.
Members First will fund more worksite organisers visiting workers on site to represent members in person and support delegates to negotiate living wages, safe workplaces and secure jobs.
Members First believes that growing the union is the solution to any budget deficits. Growing the union will bring in more membership revenue and allow the union to sustainably scale up. Aggressively cost-cutting the arm of the union that brings in membership revenue is not a sustainable financial plan.
Members First will not allow union leaders to make backroom political deals.
Members First believes we cannot be dependent on the political class to change our lives for us. Workers coming together in their union have the power to change our own lives.
Members First will make the United Workers Union open and transparent. Strong unions are not secretive and bureaucratic.
Members First will end the outsourcing of delegate training and bring this critical function back into the union.
Members First will support workers across sites and industries to build something stronger by bringing members together, showing solidarity and taking action to win.
Members First acknowledges our history and will stand with First Nations leaders as we organise on the unceded lands of First Nations people.
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Organising
Face to Face Organising
Members First will make face to face organising the central focus of our union. Members deserve to see an organiser on their site and be represented by organisers in-person during meetings.
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Organising
Invest in Delegates
Members First will equip delegates with everything they need to build a strong union presence at their workplace. We will bring back UWU-run delegate training, industry and statewide delegate conferences, and build pathways for delegates to become organisers.
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Organising
Regional Organising
Members first will revitalise organising in our regional centres across Australia. Regional members need more, not less support.
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Finance
Strike Fund
Members First will set up our union to ensure members can take strike action to fight for real change. We will create and invest $1 million seed capital in a UWU strike fund to support members taking action.
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Democracy
Member-led politics
Members First will implement strong political strategy driven by members. No backroom deals without members knowledge.
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Finance
Financial Transparency
Members First will improve financial transparency and accountability to ensure we are spending members money responsibly.
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Democracy
Open + Democratic Union
Members First will build an open and democratic Union, led by our members for our members.
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Democracy
Diversity & Solidarity
Members First will build a stronger more diverse union based on respect, understanding and solidarity.
