Developing workplace leaders
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 125 No 2, 20 March 2020, page no.16
I joined five other enthusiastic QTU Union Reps from across the state in travelling to Brisbane to participate in the ACTU’s Developing First Nation Workplace Leaders Program
We gathered with activists from other unions for the five-day program, which was skilfully facilitated by former Queensland state school teacher, QTU member and ACTU Indigenous Educator and Organiser Wayne Costelloe.
The goals were to:
- increase the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activists in the union movement
- empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders
- develop our potential as future union/community organisers
- increase strategic engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers and communities.
The program was delivered in a culturally safe learning environment. Participants were able to yarn, participate and talk without fear or embarrassment. The safe space generated many great conversations.
We studied the history of the union movement in Australia and the active involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the early union movement, for example the Wave Hill Walkout. We felt so proud of our forebears’ courage and resilience as they fought grassroots battles and paved the way for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.
As part of the program, we spent a day with our Union in Milton, where we toured the building and met with Officers and staff members who play key roles in supporting members. With courage and confidence, we asked questions and received answers; and, all in all, found that the QTU talked the talk and walked the walk. We studied our workplace Union structure and identified where opportunities lay and where improvements could be made or implemented.
We learned that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not alone - our Union stands by our side. We met family, we made friends, we networked, but most importantly we found the courage to speak up, be active, participate and resolve workplace issues and support our fellow educators. We have an opportunity to make a real difference, to continue the fight and stand up for teachers and students.
Thank you QTU for matching words with actions – we are grounded in truth and we can walk together in reconciliation and will continue the fight for our working rights and conditions, ably supported and guided by our Union.