Participating in collective purpose and action
Published: 12 April 2011
It seems every time I turn on the television or open the newspaper I am greeted by tragic images of yet another natural disaster.
While the media’s attention has now turned to Japan, we have not forgotten about those QNU members who are still struggling to come to terms with the devastation caused by the cyclone and flooding back home.
Our heartfelt thoughts and best wishes also go out to our colleagues who have had family and friends endure the consequences of the recent earthquake in New Zealand.
With all of these recent disasters I have been humbled by the community spirit demonstrated in local towns and cities. The commitment of so many people to chip in and lend a hand has drastically expedited the clean-up process. And while there is much more to be done, what I have witnessed so far has proven yet again that there is such strength in collective single-mindedness of purpose and action.
Similarly, your role as a member of the QNU is to participate as part of a collective to better the profession of nursing and midwifery, and the working lives of nurses and midwives no matter which sector they work in.
QNU Branches facilitate member-driven collective action. Whether you have local concerns or your work is influenced by broader issues, being an active member of your Branch is an important way to participate in establishing the goals and direction of the QNU. Our union comprises over 100 Branches representing nurses and midwives in all work settings – public, private, community health, aged care, and offender health services.
A QNU Branch is simply a group of member nurses and midwives working together to achieve common goals. QNU Branches have been successful in achieving more safe and secure working environments, better wages, and fairer conditions for all nurses and midwives in their workplace.
Branches also play a critical role in setting the direction of our union. The elected officers of QNU Branches represent the members from their workplace or area at the QNU’s Annual Conference, where motions from each Branch are brought to floor for debate. These motions cover industrial, social, professional and democratic issues.
Many motions that are carried at the Conference are then included in logs of claims for enterprise bargaining. One example was a motion for the QNU to negotiate professional development leave for members in the private sector. This provision has been achieved in some workplaces and is a priority item for the next round of private sector negotiations.
Being an active member of your Branch means you have the chance to participate in a collective purpose. It’s your chance to say how you’d like things to be for nurses and midwives, and for nursing and midwifery as a profession. If you have a new Branch, are thinking of establishing a Branch or you need an injection of enthusiasm and direction into your Branch, the QNU holds Branch Development training courses at various times and at various locations across the state. Click here to find out more about these courses.
Your local QNU Organiser also has training schedules and they can talk to you more about what’s involved in establishing a QNU Branch.
May I encourage you to attend your next Branch meeting and find out what you can to do to be a part of the collective strength and purpose of our union.
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Work it. Claim it. Stop donating your services!