What Is A Union Delegate?
- Union delegates are coworkers who represent you at work.
- They help fix problems and negotiate better pay and conditions.
- They make sure you know your rights.
What is a delegate and what do they do?
Union delegates (also called shop stewards or union reps) are your coworkers who represent union members at your workplace.
Because they work alongside you, they get what you’re going through. They’re there to back you up and help you stand up for your rights at work.
Got a problem at work or want to see something change? Your delegate is your go-to person. They’re on your side, and they’ve got your back.
Being in a union means you’ve got collective power – and delegates help use that power to negotiate better pay and conditions.
Delegates are there to:
- Be your first contact when you need help
- Take your concerns to management
- Pass on info between union organisers and members
- Run workplace meetings
- Help sort out workplace issues
- Make sure you know your rights
- Come with you to meetings with managers as support
- Negotiate your work agreement on your behalf
Want to become a delegate yourself? Just contact your union.
How has the Albanese Government strengthened the role of delegates?
The government brought in new laws that protect delegates and recognize the important work they do.
Delegates covered by the Fair Work Act 2009 now have legal protection to represent workers. They have the right to talk with members and potential members about work stuff.
Delegates may also get paid time off during work hours for training – so they can build the skills to represent you better. How much training time depends on your workplace size and how long they’ve been a delegate.
What do employers have to do now?
Under the new federal laws, your employer can’t:
- Refuse to deal with your delegate without good reason
- Lie or mislead your delegate
- Unreasonably block or get in the way of your delegate carrying out their role, so long as the delegate is exercising their powers reasonably.
Basically, employers need to work with delegates in good faith to fix workplace problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have more than one delegate at work?
Yes! The bigger your workplace, the more delegates you should have.
Why would I want to become a delegate?
Apart from helping out your coworkers, there are some solid benefits:
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- You’ll learn valuable skills like negotiation, public speaking, and how to run meetings – skills you can use anywhere.
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- You’ll develop important soft skills like emotional intelligence, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking.
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- You’ll know your rights inside out – knowledge that’ll help you in every job you ever have.
What’s the difference between a delegate and a Health and Safety Rep (HSR)?
Both represent workers, but HSRs focus only on health and safety issues – anything affecting workers’ physical or mental health. They have different powers to delegates.
What’s the difference between a delegate and an organiser?
A delegate is your coworker who represents you at your workplace. An organiser works for the union full-time and supports delegates across multiple workplaces.
Are you already a union member?
When it comes to workplace rights, unions are the experts. Reach out to your union for more specific information about how you and your workmates can make the most about your rights at work.
Not yet a member?
Joining your union is the most powerful decision you can make to protect your rights at work.