United Voice News
Real jobs in union workplaces
Our union has launched an exciting new partnership to help people from disadvantaged communities find real jobs in union workplaces.
People who need work get a short-course in basic cleaning or hospitality skills. They also learn about their rights at work. When they finish their training they are placed in jobs with good employers.
Abuk Bol, 20, is a refugee from Sudan who did the hospitality training.
“It’s been hard trying to get work here in Australia. People don’t understand that English is my second language.”
“It was great learning how to be a waitress,” she says. “I work at MCG and Flemington Racecourse. It’s fun. I love it.”
“It’s very nice being a union member. It’s good to have their support if I have a problem at work.”
Mohammed Hassan is a refugee from Somalia who trained to be a cleaner.
“My family left Somalia because of the civil war. It was unsafe.”
Mohammed says the training has taught him “lots of useful information.” Now he also has a job.
“It is very good to be working. My mother and I work together.”
“If you are not working, you are on Centrelink. Now I am independent. I have freedom. I can save money. I can start planning for my future.”
He’s also a union member. “It’s good to be a union member. I would like to thank the union for their help and support.”
LHMU State Secretary Jess Walsh welcomed Abuk and Mohammed into the union.
“Too many migrant workers get ripped off by unscrupulous employers.”
“Our training program means people like Abuk and Mohammed can get jobs in union workplaces and build a decent future.”
“We look forward to rolling this program out to more employers.”
