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Winter 2002

New Disability Services Sub Branch established

HACSU members working in disability services workplaces have upped their level of organisation and cemented a significant presence for themselves within the union, with the establishment of a Disabilities Services Sub Branch.

The move represents a watershed for disability services workers, who have taken up the challenge of the organizing union model, where workers become better organized and more self-reliant in their workplaces.

Workers from a wide range of disability services workplaces have now established Worksite Committees, with representatives from all sections participating. Most of these representatives have also undertaken union training.

The results have been higher levels of membership, a stronger negotiating force, more effective and quicker resolution of disputes, less bullying and victimisation and improved communication between different work areas.

The formation of the Disability Services Sub Branch will provide an ability to campaign on disability services issues on a State-wide basis and provide a forum to discuss strategies for improving wages and conditions in this important sector.

The Sub-Branch covers both the private and public sectors and replaces the Disabilities Services Reference Group (DSRG).

The Sub- Branch will consist of the current DSRG members as an interim executive until the first election is held. The Disabilities Services Sub- Branch (DSSB) election must take place by 1 April 2003.

The DSRG was formed around two years ago and consists of 12 HACSU members in both the public and private sectors, with equal representation from the three regions.

The DRSG has worked tirelessly in improving conditions throughout the Disabilities Sector. For example the last item the DRSG worked on was the Sleepover Survey.
The results of the survey were excellent, due in no small part to the work put in by the DRSG members. This survey is currently being used to support the 'Close on call'(Sleepover) campaign.

The first issue facing the Sub-Branch members is the implementation of the Close on Call (Sleepover) campaign and encouraging members to participate. The members need to support this campaign to ensure better working conditions in the disabilities sector.

The following members are on the DSSB committee;
South: Bev Wilson, Ian Davidson, Steve McCreanor, Chris Cooper and Allan Poole.
North: Gary Clark, Stephen Harmey, Christa Clark, Michele Dowlman
North West: Kaylene Burk, Leanne Hodgkinson, Helen Murphy, Peter Moore.

For further information on the Disabilities Services Sub- Branch or the Close on Call campaign, contact one of the above members in your region or HACSU on the following numbers 62312253, 63312237 or 64246885.