Branches

The democratic framework of the QNU is based on its local Branch structure.

Branches are the ‘building blocks’ of the union – they promote membership participation and two-way communication.

In consultation with their QNU organiser, the role and purpose of a QNU Branch is to:

• provide a democratic forum for members to discuss and debate industrial and professional issues;
• improve communications between Union staff and Branch members;
• enable members to democratically develop a preferred position on local issues/grievances in the context of Union policy;
• explain and implement Union policy and perspectives on nursing and midwifery issues at a local level;
• represent members in negotiations with employers where it concerns local issues (in consultation with the appropriate QNU official);
• assist the Union in its campaigns on behalf of members; and
• elect delegates to the Union’s Annual Conference where the direction and policies of the Union are discussed, debated and formulated.

How branches are formed

Every two years, by secret postal ballot, a Branch executive is elected which comprises a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Assistant Secretary, as well as delegates who attend Meetings of Delegates and Annual Conference, and alternate delegates. Other members at the workplace (or in the geographical location or special interest group) automatically become members of the Branch as ordinary Branch members.

All workplaces with ten or more members can apply to form a Branch of the QNU which can be established by workplace, geographical location (community), or special interest.