"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.

United Voice, the Health Union, is pleased to announce the approval of the new Hospital Support Workers Industrial Agreement.

Hospital Support Workers, from multiple hospitals, spent months bargaining with the Department of Health and secured some great wins, including protecting jobs and preventing privatisation.

United Voice members are disappointed in the Fair Work Commission’s decision under the Turnbull Government to cut penalty rates.

Members in hospitality will be especially hit with their penalty rates reduced on Sundays and public holidays.

United Voice Legal

Here at United Voice Legal we know that anyone going about their work or travelling by car can suffer an unexpected injury at any time. Dealing with the consequences can be an extremely difficult time.

United Voice Legal are a legal practice experienced in helping injured people with their personal claims.

Our mission is to provide quality legal services and to protect workers’ rights and interests. 

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance payment for workers if you are injured or become sick due to your work. Workers’ compensation includes payments to workers which cover your:

• wages while you are not fit for work; and
• medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

Though workers compensation' is a scheme designed to ensure workplace injuries are managed fairly, it can be a complicated process to navigate. Especially while you are trying to deal with ongoing injury or illness.

In many cases, you are likely to need legal advice during your workers’ compensation journey; for example if your claim is disputed, your payments cease unexpectedly or an offer of settlement is made. 

It is also important to note that strict time frames apply to the workers' compensation claims process, and this is especially the case if your injury occurred as a result of your employer’s negligence.

If you believe your injury or illness is your employer's or some other person’s fault (negligence) you should seek legal advice immediately.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents are also covered by a compulsory insurance scheme with a range of rules and timeframes applying to the claims process.

If you need legal assistance in dealing with injury claims related to a motor vehicle accident, United Voice Legal are here to help - enquire online.

Special discount for Union members:

We offer a special discount to United Voice members and their families for our legal services.

If you are a United Voice member, contact your Union office to seek a referral for assistance from United Voice Legal.

Phyllis De Gois, a proud United Voice member for almost forty years, and theatre technician at Royal Perth Hospital says the proposed changes to security at public hospitals is vital to keeping staff and patients out of harmful and violent situations.

On Sunday 1^st January Mark McGowan announced new measures which would bring a heightened level of safety to frontline security staff at major public hospitals.

From the 21^st of January to the 11^th of March United Voice members will be working together for political change, making shock waves across Perth and campaigning everywhere and anywhere for a fresh government and a brighter future.

Why? Because we deserve a government that works for the people and with the people.

What will we do over the 50 days?

• Doorknocking and phone calls
• High visibility on the streets
• Earning media and public attention
• Wobbleboarding and honkathons
• Leafleting train stations, community events and letterboxing

Remember there is no effort too big or too small. You give the time you can, whenever you can.

Sign up and join in on the fun!

What is the Burgundy Wave?

It's new! It's fun! It's going to transform WA!

They see a brighter alternative for themselves and their families via change of Government and a fresh start. The Burgundy Wave crew are United Voice members who are fed up with the poor priorities of the Liberal Government. 

What do the Burgundy Wave Crew do?

Should I join?

• Do you think we need more secure and better paid jobs?

• Do you think we need more funding for our Hospitals and Schools?

• Do you think the Liberal Government values the big end of town at the expense of everyday families?

• Are you sick and tired of it all?

Then YES! You should join the Burgundy Wave! And together we'll fight for a fair Australia.

Does it cost money?

Nope. Not now. Not ever. All it costs is a bit of the time, and a bit of passion!

Earn Points 

You can earn Burgundy Wave points by being active in the campaign.

There are a variety of things you  can do to earn points and spread the Burgundy Wave message, like recruiting other work colleagues to the campaign by signing  up, getting along to meetings and events, sharing and signing petitions, completing surveys, liking and sharing on social media.

You can check out the leader board at any time HERE!

Take Action

You can earn points and earn rewarding incentives. Everyone in the Burgundy Wave accrues points for all of their activity and hard work!

As members of the Burgundy Wave raise their political consciousness and expand their engagement, we want to identify and reward excellence to those hard working and active members as out volunteer leaders. 

For example, everyone receives 1000 points for joining up. You can earn other points through attending some of our fun social events like production parties, drinks and dinners, signing petitions and sharing them with your work colleagues, moving work colleagues to becoming union members and joining the Burgundy Wave!

You can earn points through various workplace activities and community activities and in helping with the design and organising of activities for the Burgundy Wave - so bring your ideas, enthusiasm and energy!

The Closing the Gap report for 2016 was released yesterday, showing important targets around education attainment and attendance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are not being met.

Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer, Troy Coleman, puts the lack of progress on these goals down to a need for more Aboriginal and Islander staff in schools.

"Indigenous staff numbers need to be increased. We need more AIEOs, but we also need more Indigenous Principals, Teachers, Admin staff and especially Indigenous people in leadership positions at the Education Department.

There needs to be a greater spread of Aboriginal people in general, so there is more of our way of doing things out there,” says Troy. 

In 2014 the Barnett Government cut over 100 AIEO positions from the education system in WA. A subsequent Productivity Commission report found WA had the lowest literacy outcomes for Aboriginal students of any state in the country.

This is not surprising to Troy.

"Indigenous people in schools are leaders, by removing us it removes many of those positive role models for our young people to aspire to. 

United Voice members working at Crown Casino have launched a social media campaign called the ‘1000 Frown Challenge’ in response to management’s announcement that they are outsourcing housekeeping.

The 1000 Frown Challenge encourages members to take a photo of themselves wearing their most creative frown and post it to social media using the hashtag #FrownPerth.

The campaign aims to show management how angry and disappointed people are at the outsourcing.

Crown Perth’s profit was over $240million last year but they have decided to outsource the jobs of their lowest paid workers to AHS, who have a history of only paying the legal minimum.

On site, staff will be purposefully grumpy and frown at guests to show they are the heart and soul of the business.

Nearly 100 support staff walked off the job at Royal Perth Hospital today in response to stalled bargaining with the Department of Health.

The State Government is refusing to formally recommit to not privatise any existing hospital worker job.

Members are also fighting for better job security for casual employees and a wage increase of $50 a week to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Work bans have also been introduced with workers refusing to dispose of rubbish, wash dishes or collect bed linen.

This is only the beginning, with rolling strikes at public hospitals continuing throughout the week.

United Voice delegate Ron has worked at the hospital for over 30 years, and says privatisation doesn’t work.

“For the last 20 years we’ve had that clause in our agreement,” he said.