What is: Unions

Knowing your legal commitments to staff

It’s important that managers understand the role that unions play in Queensland Health workplaces. You need to abide by the commitments Queensland Health has made to unions through various Enterprise Agreements.

Why is this important and what’s my role?

Queensland Health recognises the right of individuals to join a union. It’s committed to constructive relations with unions and to working co-operatively in an open and accountable way. It expects that union partners will reciprocate.

Managers are not to directly or indirectly impede legitimate union activity and are required to make the ‘Union Encouragement Policy F4’ accessible to all current and new employees.

Definitions

What’s a Queensland Health recognised union?

There are many unions, associations and organisations that represent the interests of employees. Australian law allows individuals to join any organisation they choose. A number of unions are recognised in Enterprise Agreements with Queensland Health and are known as ‘Queensland Health recognised unions.’

Staff Type	Recognised Union
Nurses	Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union Australian Workers Union
Administration	Together Queensland
Operational	Australian Workers Union United Workers Union Transport Workers Union
Medical	Australian Senior Medical Officers Federation of Queensland Together Queensland
Health practitioners (eg Allied Health)	Together Queensland Australian Workers Union United Workers Union Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union
Building, Engineering, and Maintenance Services	Many unions, such as: Electrical Trades Union Plumbers and Gasfitters Union
This is not an exhaustive list, please check the relevant Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for a complete list or consult your local Human Resources Team.

It’s important to understand that organisations that are not Queensland Health recognised unions are still able to represent employees, although they don’t have the same authority.

If you’re approached by an organisation to represent an employee and that organisation is not one of the Queensland Health recognised unions (or if you’re not sure), contact your local Human Resources team.

Union Organisers and Union Delegates

A Union Organiser or Union Official is an employee of a union and not an employee of Queensland Health. They hold a Right of Entry Permit which gives them the legal right to enter workplaces. They’re permitted to meet with members or potential members of the union they represent.

A Union Delegate is an employee of Queensland Health and chosen to represent the members’ interests. The role of the Union Delegate is formally recognised, accepted and supported by Queensland Health. Delegates of Queensland Health recognised unions can participate in union discussion or activities during paid work time on the condition that service delivery is not disrupted, and work requirements are not unduly affected. As Queensland Health employees, Union Delegates are bound by the Code of Conduct, policies and procedures when conducting union activities.

Employees are to be allowed access to Union Organisers, Officials and Delegates during working hours to discuss any employment matter or to seek union advice.

If you have any questions, please consult your local Human Resources team.

What do I need to do?

Familiarise yourself with the Union Encouragement Policy F4. Always engage with union partners professionally and respectfully and expect the same courtesy in return.

Don’t discourage employees from union membership or activity. Queensland Health respects the right of individuals to choose whether or not to belong to a union.

If you’re unsure of any matter raised by a union, its Delegate or members, please consult your local Human Resources team.