United Voice

More than 350 delegates, representing members from across the state met over two days last week to establish processes that give all members a real say in  the future direction of LHMU.

As well as receiving advance notice of Convention topics, Delegates received a report on the implementation of previous Convention resolutions, ongoing developments and future challenges.  A large portion of the Convention was devoted to the establishment of Delegate structures that give members decision making power over industry issues including wages and other key workforce matters.

Convention outcomes

Branch Secretary, Gary Bullock proposed several options to build a more effective and powerful Union early in the Convention  and Delegates spent the remaining two days considering the impacts of these proposals on their industry and workplace before as a final sessions of debate that culminated in Delegates voting on resolutions at the conclusion of the Convention, including  that:

• Representative Industry Committees be established through democratic processes, and be resourced, to enable Delegates to set benchmark targets for wages, conditions and workforce matters and be decision makers in determining strategy to achieve these in each LHMU sector
• The finances of LHMU be protected by converting any remaining members to direct debit or credit card by March 2011 (and ceasing all payroll deductions at that time)
• Establishing a 60 cent per week increase in fees for members that have converted to direct debit or credit card, whilst charging a $1 increase for any members that remain on other payment methods until March 2011
• Establishing a low working student fee of just $2 per week, and
• Increasing the part time membership to $6 and increasing the threshold to $18, 000 per annum.

LHMU leading national debate

On day 2, Delegates invited an address from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on key LHMU industries that impact on Australia’s working families.

The Prime Ministers address was well received by Delegates and attracted wide spread media coverage. This element of the Convention was seen as an effective example of the growing political strength of LHMU.

Prior to his address, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Treasurer Wayne Swan met with six Delegates from a cross section of LHMU coverage including two Delegates each from the childcare, aged care and health sectors to discuss issues affecting their industry, their workplaces, proposals for industry reform and how these changes would impact on all LHMU members and their families.

The Prime Minster gave commitments to the Delegates Convention on key issues including:

• Increased training and qualifications for child care professionals
• The right to tripartite bargaining with employers and government to address recruitment and retention in aged care, and
• Job security for health professionals throughout the National Health Reform process.

Beyond the 2010 Convention

Delegates identified the need to focus core Union issues to improve the working lives of LHMU members including:

• Continual membership growth to maintain strength in the workplace
• The need to convert to direct debit to ensure members remain in control of their union, and
• Immediate steps to set up and commence operation of Industry Committees.

Members are encouraged to speak with Delegates who attended this year’s Convention for further information on endorsed resolutions, strategies for growth and getting involved in future union activities.

A full Convention Report including Branch Council endorsed Resolutions and video footage of LHMU Delegates interviewing the Prime Minister and debating Resolutions will be available soon.

Delegates that attended the Convention can expect a personal follow up (in most cases) to discuss implementation of Resolutions in your workplace within coming weeks.