Innovation and Democracy in the Queensland Nurses' Union (QNU)

Published: 10 November 2009

by Dr Liz Todhunter, Research and Policy Officer, QNU

A feature of trade unionism is the simultaneous existence of bureaucracy and democracy. However, while these two characteristics may co-exist within most unions they are by nature dichotomous, and therefore the source of speculation and tension. Critics of union ‘bureaucracy’, taken here to mean non-elected officials, claim that because the membership does not directly elect these staff, it conflicts with a Marxist tradition where the rank and file elect officials. In their view, a bureaucracy within a union runs counter to democratic traditions that locate authority within an elected hierarchy.

In this paper, I discuss the QNU, the union for nurses and midwives in Queensland which has continued to increase in membership and industrial strength over the past two decades. The QNU’s membership growth has occurred alongside an expansion in the number of non-elected officials who have facilitated a range of innovative practices. I argue that one of the reasons for the QNU’s success has been the willingness of the elected representatives to reconcile democracy with ‘bureaucracy’. The QNU upholds its democratic principles and performs effectively because it has ensured that decision making rests with its members, elected officers and its Council.

Over the past 20 years, Australian trade unions have experienced declining membership. There are a number of reasons for this. Hostile state and federal governments, increasing employer militancy, massive industry restructuring, changing patterns of work and employment and the increasing ‘globalisation’ of the Australian economy have challenged the union movement (Peetz 1990, 1997, 1998). Such times have drawn attention to the role of union officials as leaders, policy makers and members’ representatives as these officials sought to reform their own practices to respond better to new conditions.

A feature of the QNU’s operation is a commitment to both the industrial and professional aspects of nursing work. For the QNU, the values that attach to these two roles are inextricable as the QNU seeks to advance the working conditions of nurses and midwives as well as the nursing profession. When many other unions were experiencing an exodus of membership, the QNU has continued to grow, even through the era of WorkChoices.

This study has drawn on internal documents and other resources of the QNU as well as unstructured interviews with elected and non-elected officials. It has also relied on Jarley, Harley and Hall’s (2000) model of trade union innovation as a guide to indicate its practices, services and resources.

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