Legal Aid – Your rights in the Union
26 July 2018
Legal Aid – Your rights in the Union – July 2018 (PDF version)
Being a union member brings a number of benefits, not only collective action and individual support, but your Award also lists a variety of entitlements that you can have access to as soon as you join up!
Special Leave
As a member of the É«ÀÇÉçÇøyou are entitled for special leave (which is leave on top of your other leave (family leave, study leave, sick leave, etc.,) that is specifically for union business.
You’re able to attend any accredited WHS courses (which the É«ÀÇÉçÇødoes provide) under the negotiation of local arrangement – this can be done with the help of the PSA, so just give us a ring if you’re interested, or contact your delegate.
You’re also able to receive up to 12 working days over a period of 2 years to attend a É«ÀÇÉçÇøtraining course. We have a variety of different ones which may be of interest to you, which you can find HERE.
Consultation
As a union member you have the right to be consulted on any major changes in your office (including policy), as well as technological changes. If you’ve noticed this hasn’t happened, contact the Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 or email .
On top of all of this, if you are an elected delegate to the DC you are entitled to the following:
Release from duty
If you are to partake in any union business such as:-
- Attending WHS Committee meetings
- Attending meeting with management (or their representation)
- Being a part of an induction meeting
- Distributing official union material
- Preparation time for all of the above
You will be released from duty, but regarded to be on duty, so you will still get paid for your time.
Special Leave for Delegates
As a delegate you also receive Special leave to attend the Annual É«ÀÇÉçÇøConference, Meetings with the Departmental Committee, Unions NSW and ACTU conferences, to give evidence before any Industrial Tribunal as a witness for the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand travel time to all of the above.
Access to Facilities
As a delegate you also have access to phone, fax, internet and email facilities, access to the work notice board to post É«ÀÇÉçÇømaterials, as well as meeting facilities.
Elections are still open to become a Legal Aid DC delegate, so if you’re interested please don’t hesitate to apply via the link found .
If you have any other questions about your rights and entitlements under the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award, please contact the É«ÀÇÉçÇø–
Member Support Centre: 1800 772 679