HSUWA Member Charter

We, as members of HSUWA, recognise ourselves as the custodians of a proud history of unionised health workers in Western Australia.

HSUWA Members are committed to being a trusted and influential union of workers, collectively achieving stronger, fairer work conditions as well as accessible quality health care for Western Australians. We respect and honour the contributions and legacy of union members who worked to achieve the rights and conditions that put us on the path towards dignity and respect as workers.

We are committed to upholding and building upon this legacy. We will work to ensure that we improve outcomes to pass on better jobs and a better society to those who follow us. We understand that we are part of our society and are affected by and can influence improvements to the industrial, political and social elements of our society, as well as the quality and accessibility of healthcare.

We adopt and commit to the following charter of principles to advance the interests of the collective membership of the HSUWA:

  1. We will always act in accordance with the union’s rules, policies and this charter.
  2. We will treat each other with the respect that membership of a progressive union requires. We will not tolerate the division of our collective through racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination.
  3. We will build a united membership capable of achieving the objectives of HSUWA through an education program that supports members who are informed, engaged and active.
  4. We believe in fairness, equal opportunity and justice and will promote workplace practices that deliver this, whilst fighting for the elimination of injustice and discrimination.
  5. In recognising the struggle waged by previous health workers in achieving the workplace rights and conditions of employment we enjoy today, we will take collective action that seeks to secure and advance our rights and conditions into the future.
  6. We will strive for democratic workplaces where safety, dignity in employment and life, career path development and equal opportunity are enshrined within elected frameworks.
  7. We commit to participating in the decision-making processes and attending meetings and events to strengthen the union that unites us.
  8. We recognise power comes in workplaces where an overwhelming majority of workers are active, committed union members, and we will pursue this goal for all health workers.

We understand that failure to adhere to these principles will weaken the position of the union and members. We agree that adhering to these principles at all times will strengthen our capacity to maintain and advance our collective interests and ensure the legacy we leave to those that follow will be a better one.