United is our official journal which is posted to all financial members. We also include copies on our website. If you are a member and not receiving your copy please contact our Support Team on 1300 136 604.
Wage increases and a fairer workplace! New Award Endorsed! 89.94% Vote YES!
On 16 June 2026, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission made the new Local Government (State) Award, following months of negotiations, consultation and member voting across New South Wales. The Award was endorsed by 89.94% of voting members, ensuring the people it...
Your pay. Your award. Your vote.
Members, we have had a turbo charged start to 2026. Before I talk about the Local Government Award vote coming up I would like to acknowledge the work of the USU Executive and staff during my extended leave in 2025. In particular President Sharon Sewell and the...
Check out our journal news! Trust me it’s worth it!
Members, if you had told me on the 1st January that I would be sitting in the General Secretary’s chair today I would have thought you were mad! I have had the great honour, alongside several of my colleagues, to act in this position while Graeme Kelly has taken...
Another great success: USU 2025 Annual Women’s Conference and State Conference
Between Sunday the 21st of September our Annual USU Women’s Conference was held, going into Monday the 22nd of September when the USU State Conference commenced going through to Wednesday the 24th of September as well as the USU’s State Executive Meeting. Women's...
UNION WIN: NSW workers have won the biggest increase in working rights in over 30 years
In June changes to the NSW Industrial Relations Act strengthening work, health and safety laws have passed Parliament. NSW workers have won the biggest increase in working rights in over 30 years. The passing of the Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment...
Local Government Award increase and bonus coming from your first full pay period after July 1st 2025!
Did you know that, as a local government worker you are getting a pay rise in July 2025 ? Thank your Union. You will also receive a $1000 bonus (for eligible workers) However Not Every Council Gets It Right Last year, some workers had their pay rise delayed. And for...
Huge: $44,200 in Backpay Secured at Ryde Council
Getting your salary right is super important because it ensures you’re paid what you deserve for all your hard work. Many workers might be unaware of owed backpay, and negotiating with your employer can be tricky. Being part of your union means you have someone to...
Massive USU Win at Lismore Council
Following 13 months of campaigning, on Wednesday 4 December NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig announced a funding commitment to ensure the Waste Collection Fleet at Lismore Council remains in-house. This is a great win for the union and our members. It is also...
Delegates Growth Conference 2024: A great success
At our 2024 Annual Growth Conference, delegates from across NSW came together once again to celebrate our achievements over the past 12 months and plan our growth activities for the coming year. It was a great opportunity to examine the challenges and victories since...
USU WIN! 1,300 apprentices and trainees in local government!
The United Services Union welcomes the Minns government’s commitment to inject $252 million into the state’s 128 local councils to employ 1,300 apprentices and trainees to fill gaping skills shortages. The next generation of mechanics, engineers, early childhood...
Local Government Award increase and bonus coming from your first full pay period after July 1st 2024!
With many families struggling with the current cost of living crisis 1st July will deliver some relief. Tax cuts will come into affect as well as the recently announced power bill assistance. Importantly, under the Local Government (State) Award 2023 negotiated by...
Welcome to our digital journal
So much has happened over the past few years many of us feel our heads are spinning! How could it be April already? In this ever-changing world it can be hard to keep up - that's why your USU Executive made the decision to move our journal online. It means we can...
United magazine Summer 2023
The USU’s Summer 2023 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out! As I sit down to write this final editorial in our 120th year I cannot help but reflect on all the people who have gone before me fighting for a fairer and more equitable society.
United magazine Spring 2023
The USU’s Spring 2023 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out! It is time for local government to stop being treated like the poor relation when it comes to funding. Back in May with the Albanese government set to deliver their budget I was pleased to be able to lead a delegation alongside ASU National Secretary Robert Potter, to advocate for an increase to Federal Assistance Grants for Local Government.
United magazine Summer 2022
The USU’s Summer 2022 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out! What a year! It has been quite a year! As life has started to get back to normal we have been able to focus more on the future. It has been a struggle for many but we have had some remarkable highlights, one being the election of a federal Labor government, led by Anthony Albanese.
United magazine Winter 2022
The USU’s Winter 2022 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out! USU members essential to flood recovery; Member action delivers at Shoalhaven; Vale Peter McMahon; Private sector members win; Award 2023: Fighting the cost of living; Congratulations Steve Birney AM and more!
United magazine Summer 2021: Secure Jobs Vital
The USU’s Summer 2021 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out! Council Services by Council workers; USU Fighting for Secure Jobs; How healthy is your workplace?; Riverside Resort on the Road to Recovery – and more!
United magazine Winter 2021: Fighting for secure jobs
The USU’s Winter 2021 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out! Council Services by Council workers; USU Fighting for Secure Jobs; How healthy is your workplace?; Riverside Resort on the Road to Recovery – and more!
United magazine Summer 2020: It’s called respect
The USU’s Summer 2020 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!
United magazine Winter 2020: We are always by your side
The USU’s Winter 2020 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!
United magazine Summer 2019: Looking to the future
The USU’s Winter 2019 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!
United magazine Winter 2019: Farewell Steve Birney
The USU’s Winter 2019 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!
United magazine Summer 2018: Union proud USU Strong
The USU’s Summer 2018 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!
United magazine Winter 2018: It’s time to change the rules!
The USU’s Winter 2018 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out here.
United magazine Summer 2017: Stronger Together
The USU’s Summer 2017 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out here.
United magazine Winter 2017: Why we fight
The USU’s Winter 2017 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out here.
United magazine Summer 2016: Delivering the message on jobs
The USU’s Summer 2016 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!
United magazine Winter 2016: Fighting for Five
The USU’s Winter 2016 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!
United magazine Summer 2015: Fighting for the Future
The USU’s Summer 2015 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out!