Short report by Katie Rowsell, CPSU and Oceania Youth Network Coordinator

In October CPSU members in a government call centre in Sydney, Australia reported that staff were having to keep a diary of their toilet breaks.  Staff were also being told to take no more than three minutes to use the bathroom. If at least 92% of their time was not on the phone they were “threatened” with counselling and disciplinary action. This time off the phone included time spent on some work activities, including processing claims and other paperwork. Some members even reported management had “popped in” to the bathroom to hurry them up!

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By Katie Rowsell, CPSU Organiser (Australia) and PSI Oceania Youth Network Coordinator

Once upon a time there was a new generation of worker. They were focused and knew what they wanted out of their careers. They had a high level of education, and equally high levels of student debt. They were technologically savvy and were frustrated when their parents couldn’t work the DVD player. They had been brought up by parents - both working and earning an income and who wanted their children to have EVERYTHING! When this generation started school, girls and boys alike were told “You can be anything you want to be” and they were confident that this was indeed the case. They basically got taught that they were the centre of their own little universe.

Suddenly, the new generation workers left the cocoon of family life and education and stepped out into the big wide world. The previous generations of workers could not understand them. They seemed to have no loyalty, flitting from job to job for more pay. Lifestyle came before their duty to work. They even checked that new fangled thing called Facebook during work time! The older generations thought “We’ll just have to ignore them and hope they grow up some day.”

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On May 1, 2009, The Public Services Association (PSA-Australia) organised a protest outside the Australian Labour Party’s State Head Quarters, in Sydney. Over 200 prison officers plus supporters from many Unions were there to show their opposition to the privatisation of two prisons in New South Wales. ALP policy says the Party “opposes the private contract management of prisons.” However, the ALP was voting on a scheme that would privatise up to 500 jobs.

Since the protest there has been a partial win- the privatisation of Cessnock Prison will not take place. However, the Government is pushing ahead with the privatisation of Parklea jail in Sydney’s west.

Katie Rowsell, Oceania YN Coordinator, Jo Zappia, and Matt Tibbins, took part the protest rally to represent the youth of CPSU. Please contact Katie Rowsell for further information: Katie.Rowsell@cpsu.org.au

Link News:  Give prison staff their jobs back, union urges

Katie Rowsell, CPSU Organiser and Young Workers Network of Australia, reported that CPSU organised morning tea to mark  World Day for Decent Work (WDDW). They have a serious message “Ending Poverty and Inequality for Youth”.

On this occasion, they have raised enough money for APHEDA’s Project in Manila, Philippines to give health checks and worming treatment to over 60 children’s and highlighted Day for Decent Work.

Further information please contact Katie Rowsell: Katie.Rowsell@cpsu.org.au

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Related files: Ending poverty and inequality for youth and wormy - this serious

Even the young, with the bulk of their working lives ahead of them, experience discrimination in the workforce. The ASU is concerned with making sure their rights are protected. Check out the Australian Services Union (ASU) webpage dedicated to young members: http://www.asu.asn.au/campaigns/youth.html

Please contact Jodie Miles for more information: jmiles@asu.asn.au

Three young leaders/youth activists of our network shared their experiences as best practice on how their unions attract young workers. Organising, organising, organising is keys role of union activities. Young workers are the target of union on organising but not easy since them reluctant to join the union. Provide and organise youth activities is one strategic to attract them. Check out their experiences: organising young workers