Campaigning is what Unions do to achieve better outcomes for our members.
In this article we discuss campaigning and when is it appropriate to run a campaign.
So when should we run a campaign and what should we expect? Campaigns do not always have to be significant and small campaigns can make a difference!
Recently a small campaign was conducted by the Northern Manager for the payment of higher grade pay whilst on Annual leave. This campaign was simple yet effective.
IDENTIFY THE ISSUE
Firstly, the issue was identified as a potential breach of the Local Government (State) Award and secondly whom the people that are affected by the alleged breach of the Award.
INFORM OUR MEMBERS
An Industrial update was drafted and sent out to our members in the area with an invitation for non-members to join the Union should they wish to join the campaign.
INFORM THE EMPLOYER
Correspondence was sent to the offending Council outlining the alleged breach of the Award and those people affected.
NEW MEMBERS = INCREASED STRENGTH
This effective campaign resulted in people receiving their entitlements and non-members becoming part of the Union.
PROTECTING LIFEGUARDS @ COFFS HARBOUR
In the last month a significant campaign was run to save the lifeguard service at Coffs Harbour City Council.
The service is under the threat of being contracted out to Surf Lifesaving Service rather than providing the service in house.
This campaign consisted of media releases, mass meetings, Industrial updates, the Unions sign truck and Council meetings.
It was necessary to conduct a significant campaign to protect the jobs of the lifeguards.
An effective campaign in all facets with media and the signage truck circulating in the Community!
This campaign was able to gain public support for the lifeguards which culminated in the matter being debated by the Councilor’s at the Council meeting.
Two very different campaigns with good outcomes for our membership. Whether it is a small campaign like the Breach of the Award or a large one such as saving the Lifeguards jobs at Coffs Harbour City Council, the Union is best placed to run an appropriate and effective campaign suitable to the issue at hand.
