WC: Representation of women in the union

Women’s council, 17 June 2008

Report adopted

Update of Executive report "Representation of women in the union"

The Women's Unit has been actively contacting Departmental Committees and Branch Committees to involve delegates in increasing the representation of Women in the PSA.

The half hour activity with delegates involves mapping the current representation of women in union at their workplace and identifying tasks to improve the representation of women including:

• Informing and engaging delegates in current structures including Women's Council and electing a Women's Officer to the delegates committee
• Informing and engaging delegates in communications/information including Les Carr's Bulletins and Women At Work
• Informing and engaging delegates in current campaigns especially the Paid Parental Leave Campaign
• Inviting delegates and potential delegates to attend the Women in the Union Training
• Inviting delegates to organise a workplace meeting(s) speak with members and potential members about issue relevant to PSA Women.

Since the last Women's Council meeting of 13 May the Women's Unit has spoken with delegates from the State Library, Juvenile Justice, Attorney Generals, Petty Sessions Officers Association, NSW Housing and the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Women's Councillors are actively encouraged to organise meetings with your delegates committee and at your workplace regarding issues relevant to women in the PSA. Please contact the Women's Unit at wunit@psa.asn.au to organise a meeting.

The Women's Unit and Industrial staff are also currently working on as a result of training conducted for PSA organisers on 12 May 2008 to increase representation of Women in the Union: a. A PSA leaflet targeting women to become more involved in the Union b. A 1 page information sheet about Parental leave c. A PSA information package targeted at potential female members It is envisaged that the information will be finalised in July.