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Workers covered by collective agreements
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Behind every workplace win and every protection workers have was someone willing to speak up. Delegates are essential to building the collective power that makes them possible.
What is a delegate?
A delegate is a union member who puts their hand up to become more active and represent their workmates. Delegates are the vital link between members, their workplace and the union, helping workers understand their rights, raise issues and have a stronger voice at work.
Delegates play a key role in building a strong, united AMWU. They keep their workmates informed, support members when issues arise, build union membership and lead campaigns in their workplace and community. With the support of their fellow members and the AMWU, delegates help turn workplace concerns into collective action.
Roles and responsibilities
Delegates are the face of the AMWU in their workplace. They connect members with the union and its organisers, provide information and support, and help build the strength and confidence of their workmates.
Delegates can:
- Share union information and updates with their workmates
- Sign up new members to the AMWU
- Represent the AMWU at employee inductions and introduce new workers to the union
- Keep in regular contact with union organisers about workplace issues and campaigns
- Support and develop other union activists
- Represent and support members in individual and collective workplace issues
- Keep the union informed about changes affecting members
- Lead AMWU campaigns in the workplace and the community
Frequently Asked Questions
An AMWU delegate is a worker who represents their fellow union members in the workplace. Delegates are the link between members and the union, helping workers understand their rights, raise issues and build collective strength at work.
Delegates support their fellow workers, raise workplace issues with management, help members understand their rights and work with organisers to build a stronger union at work. They also help keep members informed about what is happening in their workplace and union.
Delegates put the union in the hands of workers at the workplace. They make sure members have someone they can turn to, while helping workers organise together and build the collective strength needed to improve wages, conditions and safety.
If you are an AMWU member, you can put yourself forward to become a delegate at your workplace. Delegates are elected by their fellow workers and receive training and support from the AMWU to help them carry out their role.
Yes, the AMWU provides training to help delegates develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to represent their fellow workers. Training covers areas such as workplace rights, organising, health and safety, bargaining and union leadership.
Yes, your delegate can be your first point of contact when you have a workplace issue. They can help you understand your rights, raise issues with your employer and, where necessary, work with an AMWU organiser to get further support.
Delegates represent AMWU members in their workplace, so you need to be an AMWU member to take on the role. If you want to get more involved at work, joining the union is the first step.
Delegates can raise issues and represent members in discussions with management, depending on their role and the circumstances at the workplace. They also play an important role in helping members organise around workplace issues and participate in collective bargaining.
Delegates help workers stand together. By talking with their colleagues, listening to workplace concerns and getting more workers involved, delegates build the collective strength needed to win better wages, conditions and safer workplaces.
Yes, there are many ways to get involved in your union, from attending workplace meetings and taking part in campaigns to supporting your colleagues and helping organise at work. Becoming a delegate is one way to take on a greater role in building the union at your workplace.