Question: 2001EHR: Management-Employee Relations Practice-based Assignment Part 1 Reading and Interpreting the Nurses Award Part 2 Employment Relations in Action in Aged Care __________________________________________________________________________________ TASK Part
2001EHR: Management-Employee Relations Practice-based Assignment Part 1 Reading and Interpreting the Nurses Award Part 2 Employment Relations in Action in Aged Care __________________________________________________________________________________ TASK Part 1 Questions on the Nurses Award 2010 Part 1 (10%) Sun 26 Mar, 11.59pm (no set length, just answer questions) DUE SUBMISSION Online via the course Blackboard site; as Word Documents. FORMATTING GUIDELINES For Part 1, please clearly number the questions. RATIONALE To understand how to read and interpret awards (and, later on, agreements) which is a key practical skill for practitioners in employment relations and human resource management. To understand and explain the motivations and challenges of the parties in employment relations. To develop skills in writing short, plain documents that communicate with a lay (that is, not a trained ER audience), a key employability issue and an important graduate attribute. RESOURCES PART 1 The latest consolidation (i.e. most up to date version) of the Nurses Award 2010, current as at 30 January 2017. Obtained from: https://www.fwc.gov.au/. The Fair Work Commission is an independent statutory body that is Australia's national workplace relations tribunal. 1 PART 1 QUESTIONS ON NURSES AWARD 2010 Awards have numbered sections for ease of reference. They also have Schedules at the end, which are for 'additional' but still vital information. For each question, give the name of the relevant clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s) in each case. It's very important that you note that you may need to refer to more than one clause/schedule to answer a question. Please do not cut and paste sentences or paragraphs from the Award. We want you to summarise the issues more briefly and in your own words. Please clearly number the questions. Each question is worth one mark. You must get all parts of a question right to get the one mark. 1. What part of the Award covers penalty rates? (Remember, there may be more than one 'clause'. ) Specifically, what are the Sunday penalty rates? And what is the origin of penalty rates; i.e. why were they initially put in awards? (a general knowledge question). Give the name of the clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). Clause 2.3 pg.3, clause 7.1 schedule (c), pg.6, clause 26-Saturday and Sunday work, schedule 26.2- an employee who works on midnight Sunday receives 75% more in their rate of pay for the hours that they have worked during that time. Pg.22. clause 28, schedule 28.1(A)(ii)employees receive double time outside of their ordinary hours. From 1 July 2009, most Australian workplaces are governed by a new system that was implemented by the fair Work Act 2009. The Fair Work Ombudsman helps employees, employers, contractors and the community to understand and comply with the new system. We provide education, information and advice, help to resolve workplace complaints, conduct investigations, and enforce relevant Commonwealth workplace laws. (http://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/templates-and-guides/factsheets/minimum-workplace-entitlements/modern-awards) 2. What rest breaks are given by the Award? Be specific about duration and whether the break is paid or not. Give the name of the clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 3. Does the Award provide for the same, or better, provisions than the National Employment Standards (NES)? (These are widely available on government websites.) If the latter, in what respect(s) is/are the provisions an improvement on the NES? Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 4. This Award, like all others, provides for casual employment. What are the practical differences between how much a casual is paid, as compared to permanent employees? Do casuals get any types of allowances or extra rates, or does the 'casual loading' cover everything? 2 Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 5. What is the minimum weekly wage of an Enrolled Nurse? Explain why there are five rates. Give the name of the clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 6. What percentage is the minimum Enrolled Nurses' weekly wage above Australia's legal minimum wage? Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s), and the current weekly minimum wage as well. 7. You are a permanent, full-time Registered Nurse with ten years' experience, a Masters' degree, and you are working night shift this week. You work Thursday to Sundays, inclusive, a total of 38 hours. There are no public holidays during the period. What wage should you be paid for that week? Show all workings. Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 8. Find an article in Workplace Express that relates to industrial relations in aged care. Summarise in a couple of lines what the article is about. Has the issue concluded, and if not, what do you think will happen next? Give the reference to the article (i.e. title of article and date it was published). 9. Employees covered by this award receive the NES for personal/carer's leave, and compassionate leave. Hence, briefly, what are their entitlements? 10. Dispute resolution clauses (Clause 9, p.10) are mandatory in awards and agreements. This is a brief clause. Would it be useful for an organisation to have an ER policy and procedure about this issue, in addition to the clause; and why (or why not)? __________________________________________________________________________________ Part 2.1 Article: Queensland Nurses Union journal Write an article about the benefits of union membership with the QNU specifically for registered nurses working in Aged Care. Your audience is both existing and prospective members who may read the union's journal. You can access a sample of the union's journal tqn (The Queensland Nurse) at: http://www.qnu.org.au/QNU/Media_and_Publications_Public/TQN_Public/QNU/Media_and_Public ations/TQN_The_Queensland_Nurse.aspx. 3 2001 EHR - Rubric Part 2: Article and CEO Memo Part 2 (20%): Article for Union Journal and CEO Memo Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Content Article (7 marks) Covers all main issues in adequate depth, given the purpose, audience and length Correct information Content and style appropriate for genre (press release) Contains no irrelevant, redundant or repetitive information Appropriate references (you do not need to in-text reference, just attach the list of 3 (at least) references) Content CEO Memo (7 marks) Covers all main issues in adequate depth, given the purpose, audience and length Correct information Content and style appropriate for genre (press release) Contains no irrelevant, redundant or repetitive information Appropriate references (you do not need to in-text reference, just attach the list of 3 (at least) references) Technical issues (6 marks) Correct format for type of communication (press release, formal email) Clear, unambiguous businesslike language and Correct tone for audience and type of communication Clear and accurate English expression (spelling, grammar, punctuation; please Spellcheck) Avoidance of slang/clichs/colloquialisms/ discriminatory language Well proofread Mark: /20 Poor 2001EHR: Management-Employee Relations Practice-based Assignment Part 1 Reading and Interpreting the Nurses Award Part 2 Employment Relations in Action in Aged Care __________________________________________________________________________________ TASK Part 1 Part 2 Questions on the Nurses Award 2010 Two-part assignment: 2.1 Article for union journal 2.2 Memo to new CEO of aged care organisation DUE Part 1 (10%) Part 2 (20%) SUBMISSION Online via the course Blackboard site; as Word Documents. FORMATTING GUIDELINES For Part 1, please clearly number the questions. Part 2.1 and 2.2 should be 500 words each. Type your submissions using Word. Your submission should be at 11 or 12 point font and double-spaced, with 25mm margins on all sides. RATIONALE To understand how to read and interpret awards (and, later on, agreements) which is a key practical skill for practitioners in employment relations and human resource management. To understand and explain the motivations and challenges of the parties in employment relations. To develop skills in writing short, plain documents that communicate with a lay (that is, not a trained ER audience), a key employability issue and an important graduate attribute. 1 RESOURCES PART 1 The latest consolidation (i.e. most up to date version) of the Nurses Award 2010, current as at 30 January 2017. Obtained from: https://www.fwc.gov.au/. The Fair Work Commission is an independent statutory body that is Australia's national workplace relations tribunal. PART 2 The Workplace Express website: www.workplaceexpress.com.au. Username: Password: griffith.uni@workplaceexpress.com.au griffwexp17 Publicly available documents on the employment relations in the aged care industry. See for example Department of Health and Ageing (2012) The Aged Care Workforce 2012; Final Report, available at: http://apo.org.au/node/33009. It's extremely long, so don't print it out! You'll find the 3-page Executive Summary at the beginning useful. Industry websites. For instance, there are recent submissions to government on the Aged Care Legislative Review on the websites of both the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNU), and Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA; which represents not-for-profit aged services providers. The QNU was advertising for an Aged Care Project Campaign Officer prior to Semester starting; the information package (which has useful information about the QNU's strategies) is under the Assessment tab on the course website. PART 1 QUESTIONS ON NURSES AWARD 2010 Awards have numbered sections for ease of reference. They also have Schedules at the end, which are for 'additional' but still vital information. For each question, give the name of the relevant clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s) in each case. It's very important that you note that you may need to refer to more than one clause/schedule to answer a question. Please do not cut and paste sentences or paragraphs from the Award. We want you to summarise the issues more briefly and in your own words. Please clearly number the questions. Each question is worth one mark. You must get all parts of a question right to get the one mark. 2 1. What part of the Award covers penalty rates? (Remember, there may be more than one 'clause'. ) Specifically, what are the Sunday penalty rates? And what is the origin of penalty rates; i.e. why were they initially put in awards? (a general knowledge question). Give the name of the clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 2. What rest breaks are given by the Award? Be specific about duration and whether the break is paid or not. Give the name of the clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 3. Does the Award provide for the same, or better, provisions than the National Employment Standards (NES)? (These are widely available on government websites.) If the latter, in what respect(s) is/are the provisions an improvement on the NES? Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 4. This Award, like all others, provides for casual employment. What are the practical differences between how much a casual is paid, as compared to permanent employees? Do casuals get any types of allowances or extra rates, or does the 'casual loading' cover everything? Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 5. What is the minimum weekly wage of an Enrolled Nurse? Explain why there are five rates. Give the name of the clause(s) (and/or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 6. What percentage is the minimum Enrolled Nurses' weekly wage above Australia's legal minimum wage? Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s), and the current weekly minimum wage as well. 7. You are a permanent, full-time Registered Nurse with ten years' experience, a Masters' degree, and you are working night shift this week. You work Thursday to Sundays, inclusive, a total of 38 hours. There are no public holidays during the period. What wage should you be paid for that week? Show all workings. Give the name of the clause(s) (or schedule[s]) and the page number(s). 8. Find an article in Workplace Express that relates to industrial relations in aged care. Summarise in a couple of lines what the article is about. Has the issue concluded, and if not, what do you think will happen next? Give the reference to the article (i.e. title of article and date it was published). 9. Employees covered by this award receive the NES for personal/carer's leave, and compassionate leave. Hence, briefly, what are their entitlements? 10. Dispute resolution clauses (Clause 9, p.10) are mandatory in awards and agreements. This is a brief clause. Would it be useful for an organisation to have an ER policy and procedure about this issue, in addition to the clause; and why (or why not)? 3 __________________________________________________________________________________ PART 2 EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS IN ACTION IN AGED CARE This part of the exercise is in two sections, each of 500 words. Please submit as a single document. You must do both sections. Each is worth 10 marks. Referencing: Don't in-text reference. But give a bibliography at the end of the document. Your work must show you have used the textbook and at least three suitable references for each part (i.e. at least six references in total), that help you develop an effective article and memo. The references may be academic articles on union strategy, employment relations in aged care, bargaining strategy and bargaining processes, etc. Or they can be industry references, such as material from government websites or the Queensland Nurses Union. You don't have to in-text reference, but give the full citations of the articles you use. Style: Use plain language and avoid jargon when writing the press release and the email, as you are writing for what we call 'a lay audience'; that is, people who are not specialists in IR. Remember in each case the nature of your 'audience' and the purpose of the document, and think about what kind of approach and language will be most suitable. Part 2.1 Article: Queensland Nurses Union journal Write an article about the benefits of union membership with the QNU specifically for registered nurses working in Aged Care. Your audience is both existing and prospective members who may read the union's journal. You can access a sample of the union's journal tqn (The Queensland Nurse) at: http://www.qnu.org.au/QNU/Media_and_Publications_Public/TQN_Public/QNU/Media_and_Public ations/TQN_The_Queensland_Nurse.aspx. Please don't use fancy fonts, or add pictures etc.; just supply the text of the article. Part 2.2 Memo: HR Manager in Aged Care Organisation to new CEO In the role of the Employee Relations Manager for an aged care organisation, write to the new CEO to set out the pros and cons of continuing to bargain with unions (remember, there is more than one relevant union; do your research!), and make a clear recommendation for action, giving your reasons. Assume the CEO knows the organisation somewhat, and the industry, and is an intelligent individual (and of course your boss!), but that s/he hasn't previously worked in an aged care organisation with substantial union membership and has no particular employment relations expertise. You can choose an actual organisation, or make up a fictional one. 4 INFORMATION PACKAGE FOR AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER POSITION Brisbane Written applications for the position should be emailed to hr@qnu.org.au by Midday, Thursday 2nd February, 2017 Project Officer Be part of a new aged care campaign project Proud not-for-profit organisation Great West End location with competitive salary & benefits Summary: We are seeking an experienced Project Officer and qualified Nurse or Midwife with aged care experience to join our team in a newly created role coordinating the development and implementation of the Aged Care Campaign project. Classification: Healthcare & Medical Sub-classification: Nursing & Aged Care About the QNU The Queensland Nurses' Union (QNU) is the industrial and professional organisation for nurses and midwives working in public and private health and aged care in Queensland. The QNU seeks to promote and defend the industrial, professional, social, political and democratic interests of over 54,000 members. We have over 150 employees including organisers, professionals and administrative personnel, and manage a multi-million dollar operating budget. About the Role The QNU is about to commence an Aged Care Campaign project focused on achieving positive change in aged care for both older Australians and workers in the sector. As a result, we are now recruiting for an experienced Project Officer and qualified Nurse or Midwife with aged care experience initially on a 12 month temporary full-time basis with a possibility of extension. You will report to the Director, Campaigning and Communications and be responsible for coordinating the detailed development and implementation of the agreed recommendations for the aged care campaign strategy based on an approved framework. In this diverse role, your key accountabilities will see you: Developing and operationalising all aspects of the campaign plan initially at a state level, focusing on transitioning to a national campaign as developed and collating and presenting project findings; Facilitating the coordination of industrial, professional, organising, recruitment and campaigning efforts in aged care; Researching and analysing specific project related issues and providing advice to key stakeholders; Performing the secretariat role for the steering committee and more effectively undertaking and maintaining the operational, tactical and strategic functions of a long term aged care campaign. Engaging and managing relationships with key stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered as per the agreed plan. Queensland Nurses' Union Information Package AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER January 2017 About You Working with the relevant internal and external stakeholders and as part of a cohesive team, you will have a professional approach, with the confidence to roll up your sleeves and get the job done. To be successful in this role you will possess: Demonstrated experience in a project management role; Demonstrated experience within the aged care sector; Experience as a qualified Nurse or Midwife including both management and administration as well as clinical experience; Proven ability to research industry change or reform and to apply this to the operational impacts of an organisation; Well-developed negotiation and problem solving skills with the ability to develop creative and practical solutions to complex issues, and provide sound reasoning behind the proposed solution; Experience in and a broad understanding of the diverse elements that would constitute an aged care campaign; Well-developed analytical, written and verbal communication skills coupled with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders; and Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks and prepare reports and presentations. What we Offer You will be joining a values driven union which advocates for nurses and midwives and for those in their care, offers challenging opportunities and a supportive team environment in addition to a variety of benefits, including: Attractive salary package including salary sacrifice options; Work/life balance with flexible working arrangements including accrued days off; Health and Wellness initiatives including vaccinations; Access to a free, confidential counselling service through our EAP provider; Generous leave entitlements; and A commitment to professional development. How to Apply To apply, please click 'APPLY' below and submit your resume and cover letter addressed to Rebecca Stoodley, Human Resources Advisor. Applications should clearly address how you meet the \"About You\" section outlined in the above advertisement. For further information about the QNU, head to our website www.qnu.org.au If you would like to request an information pack or have any questions in relation to this vacancy, please either send an email to HR@qnu.org.au or refer to our QNU jobs page at the following link:http://www.qnu.org.au/QNU/About_Us_Members/QNU_jobs_Members/QNU/About_Us/QNU_jobs.aspx? hkey=78aba232-98d2-4e51-a22f-10600cbe50fa Applications close midday, Thursday 2nd February. 3 Queensland Nurses' Union Information Package AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER January 2017 POSITION DESCRIPTION - Aged Care Campaign Project Officer Job Title: Team: Location: Reports To: Supervises: Aged Care Campaign Project Officer Campaigning and Communications Brisbane Office Director, Campaigning and Communications Nil Organisational Environment The Queensland Nurses' Union (QNU) is the industrial and professional organisation for nurses and midwives working in public and private health and aged care in Queensland. The QNU seeks to promote and defend the industrial, professional, social, political and democratic interests of over 54,000 members. We have over 150 employees including organisers, professionals and administrative personnel, and manage a multi-million dollar operating budget. The Aged Care Campaign Project Officer reports to the Director, Campaigning and Communications and is part of the Campaigning and Communications team. The Campaigning and Communications Team comprises an Education team, a Growth and Recruitment team and Communications and Campaigns Team. Job Purpose The Aged Care Campaign Project Officer is responsible for coordinating the detailed development and implementation of the agreed recommendations for the aged care campaign strategy based on an approved framework. Key Accountabilities Description Performance Criteria Project Work Develop an overall campaign implementation plan with sub-plans to reflect objectives and/or specific bodies of work. Coordinate a review of aged care recruiting, in conjunction with QNU stakeholders in order to develop strategies to support a greater focus on aged care membership recruiting. Collaborate with the ANMF Federal Office to develop and operationalise the campaign plan initially at a state level, focusing on transitioning to a national campaign as developed. Appropriate consultation undertaken and preferred solutions implemented within agreed timeframes and to budget. Queensland Nurses' Union Information Package AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER January 2017 Description Facilitate the coordination of industrial, professional, organising, recruitment and campaigning efforts in aged care. Performance Criteria ??? Collate project findings and data in papers and reports. Papers and reports completed on time and to a high level. Present project findings to stakeholders as required. Ensure effective administration of project deliverables, including the organisation of resources, identifying project issues and risks, and communication with a wide range of stakeholders. Proactively undertake research and analysis of specific project related issues and provide high level written and verbal advice to the Director, Campaigning and Communications as required. Assist in the preparation of bulletins, reports, presentations and other materials for different audiences and different purposes (such as reporting project progress, supporting facilitation of groups, and for issue identification or action). Participate in project progress meetings with the key stakeholders including the production of relevant supporting material for these meetings. Plan project events, workshops and forums as required. Campaigns Perform the secretariat role for the steering committee and more effectively undertake and maintain the operational, tactical and strategic functions of a long term aged care campaign. Assist Team Leaders / Supervisors to recruit Member Organisers for specific campaigns as required. Campaign delivered to schedule with agreed actions and Member Organisers recruited as per agreed timeframes and to budget. Stakeholder Engagement Build effective working relationships with QNU internal and external key stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered as required. Stakeholder satisfaction. Facilitate presentations and consultations with QNU key stakeholders. Be a source of information to QNU stakeholders seeking ad-hoc updates on aged care campaigns. Exhibit well-developed and effective negotiation and problem solving skills to navigate complex problems and environments Engage with contractors, and manage the production of sub-contracted work items when required. Organisational & Administrative Contribute to the team planning and professional activities of the Campaigning and Communications Team. Effective team contributions and positive feedback. Participate in internal and external committees as required. Nil breaches relating to QNU policies and procedures. Adhere to all QNU policies and procedures. Queensland Nurses' Union Information Package AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER Position Dimensions Staff Reporting: Indirect reports: Decision Making Authority Signing authority on expenditure: Policy: Staffing: Operational: January 2017 Nil Nil Nil Interprets and applies policies, develops new policies for formal approval Nil The position prioritises own workload within agreed standards and timeframes Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications Demonstrated experience in a project management role. Experience as a Registered Nurse or Midwife including both management and administration as well as clinical experience. Proven ability to research industry change or reform and to apply this to the operational impacts of an organisation. Experience in or a broad understanding of the aged care sector. Well-developed negotiation and problem solving skills Experience in and a broad understanding of the diverse elements that would constitute an aged care campaign. Well-developed analytical, written and verbal communication skills coupled with strong interpersonal skills. Strong internal and external stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to put in place strategies and mechanisms for managing competing stakeholder interests. Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks and prepare reports and presentations. Ability to develop creative and practical solutions to complex issues, and provide sound reasoning behind the proposed solution. Able to effectively communicate ideas, get decisions made, and to resolve problems with a range of audiences. Proven activist record (desirable). Demonstrated commitment to trade unionism. Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and take a collaborative approach to work. Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, establish priorities, use initiative and be proactive in raising and dealing with issues. Other Information QNU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment free from discrimination, harassment or bullying Applicants are expected to be committed to the principles of unionism generally and the QNU's values http://www.QNU.org.au/your-union/about-us/statement-of-union-values Applicants will be expected to comply with Expectations of QNU Staff Smoking is prohibited in all QNU buildings and vehicles Further information may be found at http://www.QNU.org.au Queensland Nurses' Union Information Package AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER January 2017 QUEENSLAND NURSES UNION OF EMPLOYEES GENERAL INFORMATION The Queensland Nurses' Union (QNU) currently has over 54,000 nurses and midwives in membership in Queensland. The QNU has regional offices in Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Cairns and a satellite office at the Gold Coast and at the Sunshine Coast as well as the Brisbane Head Office. A No Smoking policy exists in all QNU offices and at all QNU meetings. Car parking is not available at the QNU office. HOURS OF WORK While the QNU actively promote work life balance, the hours of work for all salaried officials shall not be fixed, but shall be in accordance with reasonable expectations of employees in similar salaried occupations. The QNU provides one day off with pay for every 20 paid days as compensation for travel, attendance at meetings and the nature of the working hours. ABOUT THE QNU The QNU is the principal Union in Queensland with the legal capacity to improve and protect nurses' wages and working conditions. The QNU is one of the largest Unions in Queensland, is the Union with the largest membership in the health sector and has the largest female membership of any Queensland Union. The Queensland Nurses' Union is registered under industrial relations legislation at both the state and federal level as a 'Union of Employees'. At the state level, the QNU is formally registered as the Queensland Nurses' Union of Employees and at the federal level we are registered as the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (QNU Branch). The rules which govern the activities of the QNU are formally registered and set out our objectives, role, responsibilities, structure and processes. The registered rules of the QNU may be amended by a majority of Council provided Council has been given 5 days notice of proposed amendments. The Secretary may conduct a ballot of members of Council in relation to any proposal to amend the rules. Our rules must conform to relevant state and federal legislation. QNU MISSION STATEMENT The Queensland Nurses' Union - the Union for Nurses and Midwives - promotes and defends the industrial, professional, social, political and democratic values and interests of members. This mission statement is based on the objectives of the Union which are contained in the QNU's registered rules. Our objectives are broad and reflect the fact that our activities are not confined to the industrial arena. All the activities undertaken by the QNU are founded on our objectives. Queensland Nurses' Union Information Package AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER January 2017 Statement of Queensland Nurses' Union Values QNU Conference 2009 PREAMBLE The QNU unites members to work together to achieve security and fairness in the workplace and fairness, equality and opportunity in the community. We promote the recognition and acceptance of the legitimacy of the core nursing values of caring, professionalism, advocacy and holism as central to the identity and social contribution of nursing. In accordance with the ACTU Congress 2009 resolution that committed Unions to the needs and interests of all working Australians and their families, the QNU also commits to the following: FAIRNESS, EQUALITY AND OPPORTUNITY IN THE COMMUNITY 1. The QNU believes in a democratic Australia, which values all citizens and their aspirations. 2. The QNU believes in the right of all citizens to employment and a decent standard of living - to a fair share of the nation's wealth. 3. The QNU believes that every Australian must have access to free, quality public health care and education, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances. 4. The QNU believes that families and individuals must be guaranteed decent minimum living standards through the social security and taxation systems. 5. The QNU believes that all Australians must have access to decent and affordable housing. 6. The QNU believes in the right of all Australians to a rich and rewarding life outside work including a secure and dignified retirement. 7. The QNU respects the fact that indigenous Australians are the original owners of our land, and that reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians is a vital goal. 8. The QNU believes in a multi-cultural Australia. 9. The QNU believes in a sustainable environment. 10. The QNU is opposed to discrimination in all forms including that based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual preference and political beliefs. 11. The QNU believes that all Australians must be treated equally by the law and have access to legal representation as a right. 12. The QNU believes that governments have a central role in ensuring fairness, equality and opportunity throughout the community. 13. The QNU is committed to Australia's participation in international cooperation to promote peace, security, human rights, labour standards and prosperity through fair trading arrangements. Queensland Nurses' Union Information Package AGED CARE CAMPAIGN PROJECT OFFICER January 2017 SECURITY AND FAIRNESS IN THE WORKPLACE 1. The QNU believes that workplaces should be safe, secure, healthy and free of harassment, intimidation, violence and discrimination. 2. The QNU believes that workers should have a right to a decent wage and fair working conditions. 3. The QNU believes that all workers have a right to secure employment and protection against unfair dismissal or unfair treatment by the employer. 4. The QNU believes that workers should have the right to join and be represented by a Union. 5. The QNU believes that all employees should have the right to bargain collectively. 6. The QNU believes that workplace Union representatives should have rights enabling them to carry out their role. 7. The QNU believes that Unions should have the right to recruit, organize and represent workers. 8. The QNU believes that workers should be consulted and informed about issues affecting their employment. 9. The QNU believes that Australian businesses and their executives have a responsibility to engage in legal and ethical conduct and environmentally sustainable practices at all times with employees, stakeholders and the community. 10. The QNU believes that working parents must have access to good quality, affordable child care. 11. The QNU believes that working parents have a right to employment standards that enable them to manage work and family. 12. The QNU believes that working parents must have the time and opportunity to form and maintain relationships with their children which foster the child's development. 13. The QNU believes that officers and representatives of this and other Unions should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this Statement of Australian Union Values