What is a Job Representative?
ANMF Job Representatives – also known as workplace delegates – play a critical role in contributing to a fairer and safer workplace. Job Reps are the conduit, the eyes and ears of our union, and the first port of call for members in the workplace. Job Reps support and advise members on when and how to seek further advice and assistance from Organisers and other branch staff.
Our Job Reps play an important role in the recruitment of new members and other delegates. but also educating and updating members on union activities, participating in enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations and of course campaigning and taking collective action which helps grow out membership, advance our professions and improve the working lives of nurses and midwives.
What are my rights as a Job Rep?
The Fair Work Act provides for specific rights and protections for members who undertake the important role and work of a Job Rep.
Additionally, all awards and enterprise agreements must include a workplace delegates rights clause, which provides specific entitlements for Job Reps. These include:
- Representation: Job Reps can represent the industrial interests of union members who wish to be represented in matters including in consultation, disputes and disciplinary processes.
- Communication: A Job Rep may communicate with union members for the purpose of representing their industrial interests.
- Access: Employers must provide Job Reps with reasonable access to workplace facilities e.g. meeting rooms, noticeboards, emails and office facilities.
- Paid training: Delegates are entitled to be paid to attend training to fulfill their roles (except for small businesses with fewer than 15 employees).
- Protection: Employers are prohibited from taking adverse action against, or unreasonably hindering, a Job Rep in their role.
Some enterprise agreements provide for additional entitlements for Job Reps. You can check specific entitlements available to you as a Job Rep in your workplace by accessing your enterprise agreement, which can be found in the Members Portal.
