On 7 November, the IEU Organising Campaigning Committee conducted a workshop for organisers from each IEU branch across the country. The workshop focused on the current bargaining campaigns nationally and highlighted the challenges and strategies of organising during bargaining.
Organisers shared resources and success stories arising as well as highlighting concerns and challenges.
NSW/ACT Industrial Officer Robert Seals conducted a session on the current legislation, which underpins collective bargaining and provides for protected industrial action. The session gave organisers a sound knowledge base.
Organisers discussed the importance of close communication and support for the Chapter Reps and IEU members in schools.
“The work and actions of our Chapter Reps and Chapter members are vital to the success of any bargaining campaign,” NSW/ACT IEU Assistant Secretary Liam Griffiths said.
“Organisers know how essential it is that our Chapter Reps are supported with regular organising visits, up-to-date information, advice and resources so that they understand the status and progress of the campaign and feel confident to take action,” Liam said.
Allaying fears and addressing concerns during bargaining campaigns are the major communication tasks for IEU organisers and the workshop provided an opportunity for organisers to refresh and strengthen their communication skills while working with their colleagues from other branches.
Bringing organisers together from all IEU Branches to learn from each other and share experiences is important to the ongoing development of an organisers’ knowledge and skills and a further workshop will be planned by the committee for 2015.