Statement of Queensland Nurses' Union Values
PREAMBLE
The QNU unites members to work together to achieve security and fairness in the workplace and fairness, equality and opportunity in the community. We promote the recognition and acceptance of the legitimacy of the core nursing values of caring, professionalism, advocacy and holism as central to the identity and social contribution of nursing.
In accordance with the ACTU Congress 2009 resolution that committed unions to the needs and interests of all working Australians and their families, the QNU also commits to the following:
FAIRNESS, EQUALITY AND OPPORTUNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
1. The QNU believes in a democratic Australia, which values all citizens and their aspirations.
2. The QNU believes in the right of all citizens to employment and a decent standard of living – to a fair share of the nation’s wealth.
3. The QNU believes that every Australian must have access to free, quality public health care and education, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
4. The QNU believes that families and individuals must be guaranteed decent minimum living standards through the social security and taxation systems.
5. The QNU believes that all Australians must have access to decent and affordable housing.
6. The QNU believes in the right of all Australians to a rich and rewarding life outside work including a secure and dignified retirement.
7. The QNU respects the fact that indigenous Australians are the original owners of our land, and that reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians is a vital goal.
8. The QNU believes in a multi-cultural Australia.
9. The QNU believes in a sustainable environment.
10. The QNU is opposed to discrimination in all forms including that based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual preference and political beliefs.
11. The QNU believes that all Australians must be treated equally by the law and have access to legal representation as a right.
12. The QNU believes that governments have a central role in ensuring fairness, equality and opportunity throughout the community.
13. The QNU is committed to Australia’s participation in international cooperation to promote peace, security, human rights, labour standards and prosperity through fair trading arrangements.
SECURITY AND FAIRNESS IN THE WORKPLACE
14. The QNU believes that workplaces should be safe, secure, healthy and free of harassment, intimidation, violence and discrimination.
15. The QNU believes that workers should have a right to a decent wage and fair working conditions.
16. The QNU believes that all workers have a right to secure employment and protection against unfair dismissal or unfair treatment by the employer.
17. The QNU believes that workers should have the right to join and be represented by a union.
18. The QNU believes that all employees should have the right to bargain collectively.
19. The QNU believes that workplace union representatives should have rights enabling them to carry out their role.
20. The QNU believes that unions should have the right to recruit, organize and represent workers.
21. The QNU believes that workers should be consulted and informed about issues affecting their employment.
22. The QNU believes that Australian businesses and their executives have a responsibility to engage in legal and ethical conduct and environmentally sustainable practices at all times with employees, stakeholders and the community.
23. The QNU believes that working parents must have access to good quality, affordable child care.
24. The QNU believes that working parents have a right to employment standards that enable them to manage work and family.
25. The QNU believes that working parents must have the time and opportunity to form and maintain relationships with their children which foster the child’s development.
26. The QNU believes that officers and representatives of this and other unions should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this Statement of Australian Union Values.
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