I used to think of the unions as a necessary evil. A backstop, a support network, if situations in the workplace went pear shaped. In my two careers as a teacher and a paramedic where litigation can occur, having that support seemed a wise thing to attain.
Not anymore. I no longer consider unions as necessary – just evil.
This has been the case since I left the health services union (HSU) in 2008. They are supposedly representing paramedics and have our best interests at heart.
Instead they show themselves as having no heart and being severely self-serving. The amount of ex union officials in Labor party ranks is testament to that.
Within the last week the HSU has outlined a wage claim that it was going to present to the industrial relations commission. They say they are going to fight for a 27% wage rise in an effort to catch up for a lack of wage increases over the years. Sounds good so far, but wait there’s more. They snuck in that the wage rise should only apply for financial HSU members.
This spits in the face of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 which says, amongst other things, that, “a person cannot be compelled to become a member of an industrial organisation” and that “an employer must not victimise an employee because the person does not belong to an industrial organisation”. It’s illegal under the act to have minimum wage claims apply to only part of the workforce as non-union members are being victimised for exercising their freedom of association.
It also spits in the face of the hard working highly skilled health professionals that just want a fair go. Luckily we still have a voice in our apolitical professional association, EMSPA (emergency medical services protection association). We growing and the union is rightfully concerned.
Not anymore. I no longer consider unions as necessary – just evil.
This has been the case since I left the health services union (HSU) in 2008. They are supposedly representing paramedics and have our best interests at heart.
Instead they show themselves as having no heart and being severely self-serving. The amount of ex union officials in Labor party ranks is testament to that.
Within the last week the HSU has outlined a wage claim that it was going to present to the industrial relations commission. They say they are going to fight for a 27% wage rise in an effort to catch up for a lack of wage increases over the years. Sounds good so far, but wait there’s more. They snuck in that the wage rise should only apply for financial HSU members.
This spits in the face of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 which says, amongst other things, that, “a person cannot be compelled to become a member of an industrial organisation” and that “an employer must not victimise an employee because the person does not belong to an industrial organisation”. It’s illegal under the act to have minimum wage claims apply to only part of the workforce as non-union members are being victimised for exercising their freedom of association.
It also spits in the face of the hard working highly skilled health professionals that just want a fair go. Luckily we still have a voice in our apolitical professional association, EMSPA (emergency medical services protection association). We growing and the union is rightfully concerned.
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4 comments:
What an hilarious post!
Do you draw power from the grid without paying for it and expect everyone else to cover it for you? Or a mobile phone, or any other service?
As a HSU member, I'm glad that the union is finally blocking the scabs and grubs from freeloading on those of us who contribute to the union and its work, which includes a 52% pay increase over the past 12 years.
No one is being forced to join a union. It's a matter of choice. If your morals allow you to sit back and gain a benefit at someone elses expense, so be it. But don't pretend anyone is being forced.
Lets cut the crap, the comment that
"It’s illegal under the act to have minimum wage claims apply to only part of the workforce as non-union members are being victimised for exercising their freedom of association."
is irrelevant as it not going to be a minimum wage, it is a further substantial increase on the current base rate. The clause quoted doesn't apply.
As for the comment that you only have to look at the "number of union people in labor", how surprising, considering it was set up as the political wing of the industrial movement. Where do you think the 52% came from?
Pretty disengenuos, considering, EMSPA has solid links with the Lib Nats Party in QLD. The mob who brought you Workchoices. The net result of groups like EMSPA is that they fragmant, not strengthen industrial representation. Have a look at NZ if you want to see the net result of fragmented union representation on paramedic wages and conditions.
If you believe there is a case to answer, of course, EMSPA could take it to the NSW IRC. Doh! I forgot, EMSPA cannot appear before the NSW IRC as they are not a registered industrial organization and don't have any industrial coverage of paramedics.
HSU is like any organisation, you get the most out of it when you roll up your sleeves and contribute. Otherwise, the organisation becomes representitive of those who sit back and complain and whinge without contributing.
As for EMSPA, you get what you pay for: am organisation that cannot represent you on pay issues in the IRC whichich is also, BTW, contributing a wonderful regular income stream to lawyers offices in the Gold Coast and who knows elsewhere.
United we stand, divided we beg.
Mike.
A proud and appreciative HSU member.
On the note of what EMSPA have done for AMBO'S may i suggest that the fact they have done nothing for QLD ambo's via workplace law changes, new equiptment, wages etc etc gives you the answer.Did they even show up only last friday at what most thought was the QIRC Decision all have been long waiting for..Answer NO the didnt even attend..I also see they sought dialogue with The Union in QLD as they cant represent their members other than having to waste members money on a solicitors letter at every oppertunity. $20 a fortnight towards something that cant even win you anything is the best waste of $20 ever...The unions that represent AMBO'S have combined numbers of well over 130000 compared to EMSPA who have at most 1500 across 3 states..Do the maths as the resources must be dwindling fast....I hear the Union in QLD is growing to record levels of Ambulance officers and lets hope when they get a decision it is a good one...Im sure EMSPA will make out they contributed but if im correct EMSPA didnt even make a submission in the QIRC....Although they will make out it was them.....I advise their members to read the transcripts of the hearings and make their own minds up.....
Brian ...
Oh dear Timmy!! you are going to upset some people aren't you!!
My thoughts. I think your first comment about Unions being a necesarry evil are probably more correct. They are needed to keep interesting governments in check! All the nonsese in the Education system at the moment is only being challenged and questioned because there is a union to do so on teacher's behalf, and they are sticking it to a labour government.
I do think it is wrong that any wage increase is only for financial members, and I am sure you will find that particular point is fought by somebody, or some group of people and will never really come to fruition, but I do also kinda agree with Mike's comment "If your morals allow you to sit back and gain a benefit at someone elses expense, so be it. But don't pretend anyone is being forced"
I read on a wall in a school once a sign that said "To not be a part of a union is your democratic right, but to not be a part of it is to accept the hard work, perserverence and sacrifice of those who have gone before you and the benefit they have received with no sacrifice on you part." I think it is sometimes important to acknowledge the sacrifices of people who have fought for the benefits you now have (for me as a teacher things like being able to wear pants, time off from face to face teaching to enable me to do my job better, pay that reflects the job I do).
Do I think the NSWTF is evil? Yes! Do I think the DET is evil? Yes! Do I think there are some good people at the NSWTF who have my best interest at heart? Yes! Do I think there are some good people at the DET who have my best interest at heart? Yes!
You can't have it all, but you can at least have something and know that you are protected a little. And that keeps me happily paying my $220 a year.
There you go!! Look! I commented and everything
I pity those HSU members who pay their fees to...their employer...the NSW Government. Come on guys. Wake up and smell the coffee. Tim, brave post. But well said. The apolitical approach is the way to go. Anyway, check out who is in the IRC this Friday. I believe it might be an EMSPA member being represented by industrial lawyers and supported by EMSPA. As the saying goes, "You don't need a union, you just need a lawyer!"
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