With world economies in turmoil, it has never been more important for unions to be on the front foot, writes CPSU National Secretary, Stephen Jones.
Most CPSU members will have a role delivering the Federal Government’s vision for Australia’s future.
This includes action on health, safety, education, climate change, telecommunications, broadcasting, industrial relations and Indigenous disadvantage.
These challenges require a public sector environment which encourages skill development, recognises the importance of education, motivation and creativity, and fosters a commitment to achieving long term sustainable outcomes.
To ensure members’ voices are heard in planning for the future, CPSU engaged in a comprehensive consultation process with members across the country, over many months. The several hundred members who took part contributed a wide range of proposals and suggestions.
These ideas have now been published as report called Agenda for Change which is included with the latest issue of The Works magazine.
The paper addresses key issues that the CPSU will focus on over the next five years, including;
funding for quality public services
closing the pay gap
promoting fair and democratic workplaces
building work / life balance
getting open and transparent government
protecting people at work
improving employment for indigenous people
taking the education revolution into the workplace
ensuring our workplaces and industries are environmentally sustainable.
Agenda for Change also includes a plan to challenge the continued use of the arbitrary funding cuts such as the efficiency dividend, which in our view continues to erode the capacity of the public sector.
With the world economy now changing so rapidly, CPSU must be on the front foot. We need to engage with these debates and build a positive agenda to represent the interests of our members and our industries.
With your support we can ensure Agenda for Change makes a positive difference to CPSU members. Please feel free to let us know what you think about these issues by posting a comment below.
