The USU’s Winter 2022 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out.
Graeme Kelly OAM USU General Secretary: “I am very proud of the work our members have done and so was now Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he visited the area. He said council workers and energy workers are heroes. “
When our last journal went out at Christmas who could have envisioned how much harder things would get.
Following on from devastating bushfires we had battled Covid and all the hardships that came with it.
Then earlier this year the rains started … and just kept going.
The floods in northern NSW were unbelievable in their devastation and now more recently huge parts of Sydney have been laid to ruin.
Through it all there has been one shining light, in particular from our members in local government and energy. These members worked to repair roads so help could arrive, they worked to ensure power could be maintained and they continue to work to ensure basic services are delivered.
I am very proud of the work they have done and so was now Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he visited the area. He said council workers and energy workers are heroes.
On 28 June I visited members at Lismore City Council to thank them for their work in the aftermath of the floods. Northern Manager Stephen Hughes and I also visited the flood damaged infrastructure and witnessed the amazing work done by USU members in patching up the East Lismore sewerage treatment station until it is rebuilt. We were fortunate to be able to talk with members Matt Potter and USU Treasurer Ross Crawford.
Our members throughout the flood ravaged areas of NSW have not stopped since the flood – ensuring the most basic of needs are delivered to residents. I am truly in awe of the work they have done.
These members have not let the community down and we will not let them down.
Council services by Council workers
Our fight for secure jobs has become more important than ever.
In a world that is becoming increasingly insecure with rising costs of living; secure, well paid jobs have become vital.
We have already had some great wins as members will see in this journal. The success at Shoalhaven Council where members stood up and said NO to threats to waste jobs is one great example.
Not only has Council stopped their outsourcing plan but more secure jobs have been created. This is a great win!
We are always by your side.
Graeme Kelly OAM
General Secretary
United Services Union
