"Being a Union member has helped me a number of times, but sometimes it's the little things which really matter." - Richard

Richard works in security, and until recently he had been employed as a 'casual' - despite working full-time hours for over 12 months in a row.

As a man in his sixties, the lack of job security as a casual was a serious concern for Richard. So, when his employer advertised a number of permanent positions, Richard was very keen.

Unfortunately, Richard was also a bit nervous and didn't like his chances of getting one of these permanent jobs - particularly because of his age. He wasn’t even sure whether or not it was worth trying.

But Richard is a Union member and decided to call the Union office to seek an honest opinion and a bit of support.

They say in life "nothing is certain but death and taxes"...

But it seems the rich and powerful are certainly managing to cheat their way out of paying taxes, as revealed in the Paradise Papers.

Like most Australian's you probably pay your fair share of tax. You pay fuel taxes, land rates and GST - and you probably pay tax on your income too. You may not always like paying tax, but you pay anyway because you know we are ALL better off when you do.

You know that paying your taxes keeps your local hospital open, helps make sure kids have access to quality education, and provides for upkeep of the roads and other public services on which we all rely. 

Unfortunately not everyone feels the same way.

Some, like the current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, seem more interested in using tax-havens to game the system and avoid paying their fair share of tax. (SMH)

Today in The West an article was published that was a clear attack on the hard fought wages and conditions on Water Corp members and their colleagues by Mike Nahan and the Liberal Party. 

We’ve let them know this isn’t on in the below media release:

Early childhood educators are increasingly frustrated with the lack of action on fair pay from the Turnbull Government.

Educators are urging parents to keep their kids at home on March 27 as part of the next big step in their fight for fair pay.

‘Keep You Children at Home Day’ will allow educators all over the nation to highlight the current educator wage crisis and to put pressure on the Turnbull Government to address this as a priority.

As we come out of our first month of the New Year, many workplaces are getting into Enterprise Bargaining. 

For most Union members this is known to be a standard process every three years or so, often with many delegates taking part.

United Voice members are always at the table, because Union members know what they want and how working together gets the best results.

And whilst this occurs at many different workplaces all through the year, the process can be confusing.

That's why we're going to simplify it for you.

Often known as your ‘Agreement’, a federal Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) is made in two key steps:

1. Negotiation
2. Voting

This is a letter that has been penned by United Voice Aged Care member who will be identified as A. 

I have worked in aged care for 18 years, partly as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and later as an Enrolled Nurse and in all this time there has always been this battle for funding to manage the care for residents. 

But I must say that these times are the worst I have experienced.

The money that Government has clawed back is severely damaging the level of care aged care providers can provide.

The year has changed, but old habits don't change so fast.

As we complete another circulation of the sun, ambulance officers are seeing first-hand the effects the ‘silly’ season can have.

United Voice and United Voice Legal are pleased to announce Stefania McGrath has been recognised as one of Western Australia’s top plaintiff workers’ compensation lawyers.

Stefania, who joined at United Voice Legal just over a year ago, is now regarded as one of the best in the business, listed in the prestigious legal publication Doyles Guide.

As the end of the year draws closer, workers are finding it harder to maintain composure and keep spirits high due to the heightened busy period.

Staff morale and mental health are crucial all year round, but with the increasing workload that comes with the end of the year, many feel the pain of stress, overexertion and exhaustion.

The results of a recent United Voice survey show the sad reality of the of sexual harassment in the hospitality sector.

Statistics show 89% of the 306 female hospitality workers questioned have experienced some form of sexual harassment whilst at work, with 19% of those surveyed having been sexually assaulted.