Union Reps

The Union Representative position in schools and workplaces is perhaps the most important of all union positions.

 The Union Rep is often the first point of contact for members in schools and TAFE Institutes seeking information or advice about their working conditions or entitlements.

The Union Rep will often refer members to the extensive range of information and advice brochures available on the QTU website, which contains the answer to those commonly asked member questions.

Under the QTU Constitution and Rules,  the staff of a school/workplace are to be entitled to elect:

  •  two Union Representatives where up to fifteen are appointed to the staff; 
    and
  • an additional Union Rep for each additional fifteen members or part thereof;
    • provided that no fewer than 50% of the Union Reps at a school or workplace shall be female if sufficient candidates nominate for the positions.

The Women’s Contact position in schools and workplaces ceased to exist at the end of 2005, and those members who were women’s contacts in schools, are strongly encouraged to apply for a Union Rep position.

The term for Union Reps is three years.

The current term is from 2012 to 2015.

Union training is available for reps. 

Senior Union Repsare the key union activists in regional areas, and their role includes coordinating local campaigns in conjunction with the QTU Organiser, leading delegations to local members, doing media interviews and attending investigations when the QTU Organiser cannot attend.

Resources:

[page updated 23 April 2012]