Delegate at Work!

How long have you been a Delegate?

I have been an ASU delegate for about 3 years

How/why did you become a Delegate?

I was made aware that the EBA that was in operation had expired. I spoke to the management of the Island but they would not respond to any of the request put to them. I spoke to Paul Burlinson, ASU Branch Secretary and he said that they would help us but we had to get ourselves organised. Steve Archer (other delegate) and I held a number of meetings over the next few weeks and staff signed up to the ASU.

True to his word Paul and his staff from the ASU office held meetings and then we started to formulate a log of claims for the new EBA. The Rottnest Island Authority now started to listen to us about the concerns we have and successfully negotiated a new EBA.

Do you think having a Delegate in the workplace has made a difference?

Yes, now members have someone to contact if any problems arise and then they can be dealt with straight away. I had a major part in the writing of the current EBA and the management can not pull the wool over our eyes because we now understand the Agreement. The delegates in the workplaces are the eyes and ears for our Union. Before we became Unionised the management would not have taken the time of the day to speak to us.

What are your Union's goals for your workplace in the next 12 months?  

To grow the Union is the first goal and also to stop the outsourcing of any positions on the Island. If we let this happen, then what will be next. ASU members have agreed to work with management on this issue with any ideas we have to be put forward and they will take them on board. We have also had a major win with both the delegates and ASU Organiser sitting on the task force that will review the operations on the Island

What does your family/ friends think about you being a Union Delegate?

My wife has been a Union member for over 20 years and is understanding and supportive of any role I choose in life.

Working life sounds pretty busy. What do you do outside of work to unwind?

After spending 25 years of my pre-Rottnest years in an office, I have come to love the out doors. I find any chance to go 4 wheel driving spending time with the family and just to love life.