04 August 2003
Being a union member and speaking up collectively is the most effective way for workers to be heard on OHS issues, according to the Victorian Trades Hall Council.
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The VTHC will launch the "Speak Up Together" campaign on Monday (4 August) with the aim of increasing OHS awareness and providing extra support to workplace health and safety representatives.
The campaign follows a recent WorkSafe advertising campaign that encouraged all parties to speak out about health and safety concerns in the workplace.
The VTHC is calling for legislative improvements to ensure the OHS rights of workers. In particular Trades Hall wants all workplaces to have access to health and safety representatives.
Many workers find it difficult to speak up about OHS concerns without the backing or support of a union, VTHC secretary Leigh Hubbard said.
"This campaign is designed to give workers practical advice about how to stand up together and speak out for health and safety. The most effective way to do this is through union health and safety reps."
Mr Hubbard welcomed a landmark decision in the Sunshine Magistrates Court last week (29 July) that found transport company Boylan Distribution Services guilty of the unlawful dismissal of driver Brian Davies after he raised safety concerns.
"This decision sends a clear message to employers that it is illegal to discriminate against workers who raise legitimate health and safety concerns. It also demonstrates that we still have the unfortunate situation where some employers are willing to put workers' lives at risk in the pursuit of profits."