23 March 2020
Article from January edition of INPractice
Reducing workforce casualisation, hitting the streets to campaign for aged care staffing ratios, and correcting underpayments... all in a day's work for two ANMF (SA Branch) worksite representatives from the Riverland, Sue Norris and Kathryn Penney.
But to the union movement, the efforts of these two Barmera-based Enrolled Nurses are worthy of broader recognition, with the pair awarded joint winners of the Australian Unions’ Delegate of the Year Award at a ceremony late last year.
“Sue and Kathy are both incredibly passionate about safe staffing, safe working conditions and a fair wage for aged care workers and all hospital staff working in rural and remote areas of South Australia,” said ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Elizabeth Dabars AM in nominating the duo for the prestigious union-wide award. “They saw the only way to address issues within their workplace was to become active union members and nominate as Worksite Representatives.”
Getting the best outcome inside their workplace has often taken the pair outside into the community, with Sue and Kathy having been instrumental in staging rallies to engage their Riverland community on issues such as the need for mandatory staffing ratios in aged care and safer care conditions for nurses, midwives and their patients.
Award-winning ANMF (SA Branch) Worksite Representatives
Sue Norris (left) and Kathryn Penney
Sue and Kathy were surprised by the nomination and say they are honoured to be acknowledged for work they find “incredibly rewarding.”
“Every workplace deserves to have someone representing it and looking out for it and supporting the people in it,” says Kathy.
“You get a lot of members coming to you with issues, so it is really rewarding to be able to provide that support and have the tools and backing of the ANMF (SA Branch) to be able to do that,” says Sue.
A personal highlight for Sue in her three years as a Worksite Representative was helping a group of casual nursing attain permanent employment contracts.
For Kathy, who became a Worksite Representative 12 months later it is about “being able to make our presence known and bringing the strength to your workplace that comes with the support of the union.”
“The more knowledge you have, the more confidence you have to stand up and question decisions by facilities or managers that are not quite right,” she says.
Ensuring new staff are aware of the benefits of union membership is also a passion for the pair.
“I’ve been a member of the union from the moment I hit the floor, because of the protection and insurance coverage membership brings. That’s certainly wisdom we impart on any new graduates or students who come to work with us.”
“You need to have the passion and personality that empowers staff to feel comfortable coming to you for help or support,” Sue and Kathy agree. “If that sounds like you, we’d definitely recommend joining the team of ANMF (SA Branch) Worksite Representatives.”
THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN ANMF (SA BRANCH) WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVE?
ANMF (SA Branch) has more than 300 nurses, midwives and personal care workers representing more than 100 health workplaces across South Australia. If you’re interested in becoming a Worksite Representative and would like to find out more, give us a call on 8334 1900.
Click here to read the January 2020 edition of INPractice.