Agenda Number: 18:10 Resolution: Organising Women Committee

Date: 31 May 2013

Reference: Organising Women Committee Report and National Discussion Paper State Conference notes the report from the Organising Women Committee and acknowledges the work and activities undertaken by Officials, Officers and Committee members in progressing the interests of women within our Union, our workplaces, and industry. State Conference acknowledges the high participation of women members at previous Queensland and Northern Territory Organising Women Conferences. These Conferences provide a platform for our Sisters and their deliberations and resolutions are strongly reflected in the future direction of the AMWU. State Conference further notes the first National Womens Conference that was held in February this year. The Branch thanks those Sisters who represented us in these important deliberations. Conference encourages that future National Womens Conferences are held, noting the importance of empowering women and increasing womens membership. State Conference further notes the recommendations developed by National Womens Conference that are before us for consideration at this State Conference.

1.

That the National Conference Policy on Family Violence (2002) be reviewed with particular reference to the recognition that security of employment is critical for any worker who experiences family violence.

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Further that the policy provide for the development of a model clause to be pursued across the union in bargaining and refer to the principles that such a clause must contain as follows: a. b. c. d. e. a broad definition of family/domestic violence access to leave information on family violence and support services flexible working arrangements no adverse action.

Note: The AMWUs policy review and Model Clause development should be guided by ACTU policy on this matter. 2. That the National Bullying and Conference (2002) and be the policy on Sexual to of Harassment reference procedures with and to in

Workplace intimidation enterprise

reviewed inclusion for

include agreed

bullying,

agreements

principles

dealing

members

experience of intimidation, bullying and harassment in the workplace, building on the principles contained in the AMWU Delegates Manual; and 3. That the recommendation from the 2013 National Womens Delegates And Activists Conference proposing a revision of the National Conference policy objective of 20% to extend this to an objective of a minimum of 30% representation of women across all AMWU representative bodies by 2016.

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Recommendation State Conference congratulates the work of the National Organising Women Conference and endorses recommendations 1 and 2. State Conference, proposes the below amendment to recommendation 3 that will reflect the proportionate membership base within the Branch. Consideration must be afforded to each Branch when filling peak body representation.

3.

That the recommendation from the 2013 National Womens Delegates And Activists Conference proposing a revision of the National Conference policy objective of 20% to extend this to an objective of a minimum of 30% representation of women across all AMWU representative bodies by 2016. That National Conference recognises the proportionate women

membership base within each Branch. Those Branches with low women membership should be considered when setting the objective of 30%. State Conference calls on a Branch-wide approach to be taken, their current Strategic Plan to ensure the following: 1. Maximize recruitment of women in the AMWU including identifying potential women Delegates and activists who could fill peak body positions within the Branch. This would include the establishment of a strategy document on the identification and development of women to fill peak body positions to be developed by the Organising Women through the

Organising Women Committee under the direction of the State Secretary to revisit

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Committee, in consultation with the State Secretary, Union Executive and Organisers. a. The strategy document shall link in with the various other strategies being undertaken by the Branch and Committee in relation to the recruitment and development of women members, delegates and activists b. Ensure those women Delegates identified as potential Delegates to Peak Bodies are trained, mentored and understand the role of a peak body within the AMWU. c. A workplace and industry mapping exercise be undertaken to identify potential women recruitment and organising opportunities in existing workplaces and new emerging industries.

Moved:

Kaela Lay

Seconded: Katelyn Allen

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