AEU women's information network (WIN)
The Women's Information Network builds on a long history of women's involvement and leadership within the union to provide additional help and support to women already active in the workplace.
WIN positions are designed to ensure that information about‚ and action around‚ issues of specific relevance to women are given high priority and that two-way information flow is maximised. The AEU intends that every sub-branch should have a WIN position.
The WIN contact can also act as a friendly point of contact for local members to demystify the union's processes and to increase the number of women actively involved in the union.
Role
- Ensure that all information of importance to women members is disseminated
- Ensure that members are acquainted with AEU policies and initiatives for women
- Raise issues of concern to women members with the AEU women's officer or Elimination of Sexism Committee
- Raise issues of importance to women with AEU members and at staff meetings
- Work with the workplace AEU sub-branch representative and AEU committees.
Workplace activities
- Be an informed resource for women in your workplace. Contact the AEU women's officer so that you can be put on the AEU eWomen's Network
- Encourage women members to attend and participate in union meetings and activities at the workplace level‚ to participate in the Anna Stewart Program and to attend AEU women's events
- Bring AEU policies to the awareness of the sub-branch and members; including sexual harassment‚ gender equity and flexible work options
- Bring any union publications or journal articles about issues of specific relevance to women to the notice of members at your workplace
- Encourage all women members of staff to join the AEU
- Work to have the sub-branch put on the agenda the implementation of employer gender equity policies
- Establish contact with AEU women members new to the workplace and be aware of women who might be in need of special support or union advice‚ eg about maternity leave etc
- Establish an AEU Women's Support Network in the workplace as an opportunity for women in the sub-branch to meet informally or socially
- Suggest a speaker be invited to address the staff on issues particularly relevant to female members‚ eg leadership development‚ sexual harassment‚ superannuation or gender equity.
Other Activities
- Become an active member‚ or an email list member of one of the AEU committees. The Elimination of Sexism Committee is an active committee you can join
- Attend your regional AEU meeting and report issues of concern from your workplace
- Contribute letters and articles to the AEU News
- Attend the AEU Women's Conference and other AEU seminars or conferences
- Participate in an informal AEU women's support network‚ eg inviting a union officer to address a meeting‚ participating in International Women's Day at the workplace.
- Nominate as an AEU council member or AEU conference delegate.
- Participate in trade union training.
- Nominate as a delegate to Federal Women's Conference.
- Encourage other women at your workplace to do these things with you.
Join Now!
To join the AEU Women's Information Network contact Gayle Bernhardt by email or phone 9417 2822.
