Delegates play an important role representing member needs, helping to answer your problems, recruiting new members and organising workplaces.

They are the face of the union at your workplace and available immediately to members if you have a problem. If they can't fix your problem on their own, they can consult with union industrial officers who can.

Workplace Delegates are members who are prepared to volunteer their time and effort to build the strength of the HSU in their workplace, assist members with resolving their issues, and help to organise members to campaign on issues of importance to members.

An effective network of workplace delegates is essential for the union movement if it is to achieve its major goals: building strength in the workplace, representing member's needs and achieving member's goals.

Why have Workplace Delegates?

There are three vital ingredients for an active union:

• Information - members know what goes on in their workplace and with their jobs.
• Communication - members can communicate that information to other members and/or the HSU Office.
• Action - Members with the support of other members and/or HSU officials can work out what action is needed to deal with any workplace issues.

What does a Workplace Delegate do?

An HSU Workplace Delegate performs the following tasks: Action - that is, where an issue arises an HSU Workplace Delegate may give the affected member(s) advice, act as an employees friend for other members, act as a go-between for members and the HSU Office, recruit new members and HSU Contacts, organise meetings of members in their workplace, and negotiate with their employer.

The limits to a Workplace Delegate's role are the willingness and imagination of the person doing it ! In practice most HSU Workplace Delegates are involved in some or all of the following - Enterprise Bargaining negotiations, dealing with issues at their workplace, acting as an employee friend, giving new employees application forms to join the HSU, and keeping in regular contact with the HSU Office. It is impossible to estimate how much time any of this takes, but it is a lot less than you think! 

What are my rights as an HSU Delegate ?

• You are protected from discrimination under the Industrial Relations Act, Workplace Relations Act, and Equal Opportunity Act.
• You have the right to contact the HSU Office on any issue affecting your employment, or that of your colleagues. Any communication with the HSU Office is both confidential and privileged.
• You have the right to distribute information to your colleagues, and maintain an HSU Noticeboard in your workplace (by request/negotiation with your employer)
• You have the right to leave to attend to union business and union training.
• The HSU will use all its resources (and that of other unions if needed) to protect HSU Contacts and Workplace Delegates from harassment or intimidation by employers.

What support does an HSU Delegate or Contact receive?

Each HSU Delegate receives a copy of their Award, Enterprise Agreement, and information relevant to their role as an HSU Delegate. 

The HSU also assists delegates with advice, representation and advocacy. The HSU Office is only a phone call away at 1300 723 733.

At larger workplaces Delegates often form Workplace Organising Committees which meet regularly to keep on top of issues at their workplace. Speak to your organiser who can assist you in setting up your own WOC.

How do I get involved ?

Simply contact the HSU Office for a nomination form. HSU Contacts can self nominate, acceptance of the nomination is at the discretion of the Secretary .

HSU Delegates must be nominated by another financial member of the HSU. Delegates are elected by the membership in a workplace, and the HSU Office will assist in organizing this process.

Want to get involved ?

Then contact the HSU by email or on 1300 723 733 or fax on (03) 9341 3334.