Non-union and low-paid workplaces will be a key focus of the AMWU’s Growth campaign in 2011.
According to Victorian Growth Unit Coordinator, Paul Chirgwin, recruitment drives at non-union sites in 2010 helped deliver improved conditions and new members.
“Megabolt and Eagle Lighting, were examples of sites where workers were significantly underpaid and were expected to operate in unsafe and unsatisfactory environments.
“Last year we were able to convince them of the benefits of joining and soon after we had every worker signing up. Six months later it resulted in a massive improvement in pay and conditions.
“This year we’ve identified a series of new workplaces to recruit and organise. They’re in a range of new shops and emerging industries. Places that have never had union coverage."
New South Wales Growth Unit Coordinator Jagath Bandara says that although non-union workplaces proved challenging to recruit, his team members build worker support through a range of methods.
“We do encounter hostile employers. Bosses who warn their workers off joining unions and tell them they will be reprimanded. But we can tell them the law does protect people who join the union.
Mr Bandara also said that the union was becoming stronger by reaching out to workers from all backgrounds.
“We are a culturally diverse team and we are active in the Chinese, Fillipino and Sri Lankan communities. That can really help when it comes to recruiting workplaces and breaking down the fear within workers,” Mr Bandara said.
“Because the union doesn’t have an existing relationship with these sites, workers can be very individually minded. We turn that around by encouraging a sense of collectivism and talking about winning together.
“Once our organisers start working through outstanding problems, the workers begin to witness the benefits of joining the union.”
Queensland Growth Unit Coordinator Danny Dougherty says his team frequently encounters non-union workers who have had enough of poor treatment.
“They tell us their bosses treat them without respect and without dignity. They want to see change at their workplace and to get better deal.
“There are four of us in the team. We’re determined to get to as many of those sites as possible as well as our existing low density workplaces.
“There are many of them out there, we know we can make a major difference,” Mr Dougherty said.
The AMWU has growth teams in every state dedicated to help workers who don't yet have union representation.
If you or someone you know doesn't have a union presence at work and wants to find out how being in the union can deliver better wages and conditions, call the AMWU HelpDesk on 1300 732 698.