IEU members boost bargaining campaign via Anna Stewart Memorial Project

In August, IEU members Sophie Bird and Marla Leitch not only participated in the Unions Tasmania Women’s Conference and the Anna Stewart Memorial Project (ASMP), they also boosted the campaign for a deal in Tasmanian Catholic schools.

At the ASMP, Marla says participants ‘gained an understanding of the impact of Stewart’s work, prepared and presented speeches and introduced a case before the industrial commission’.

But they also got their hands dirty in a real industrial campaign. Marla says one of her favourite ASMP activities was the event promoting the IEU’s Two Years Too Long campaign, which put into practice some of the activist lessons imparted by Project training.

‘IEU women, in conjunction with strong, capable women from other unions, created campaign material aimed at addressing delays in critical education worker negotiations,’ Marla says.

She says the ASMP had a big impact because Anna Stewart was a trailblazer in unionism and women’s rights.

‘She effectively communicated the struggles of workers, inspiring many to join the labour movement. Stewart’s impact on unionism was profound; she advocated for better working conditions, pay, and rights, leaving a legacy that continues to influence labour activism today.’

Marla found the ASMP a ‘fun yet challenging experience’, which blended creativity with the serious business of advocating for workers’ rights.

‘I hope that we harnessed Stewart’s spirit, ensuring her vision for fair labour practices continues to thrive today.’

Sophie said the Unions Tasmania Conference at the culmination of the ASMP week was one of her ‘favourite workdays ever’.

‘Being in a room of strong and determined women, hearing their stories, hearing their successes against oppression in the workplace was truly inspiring. Hearing women being vocal about the things I’ve always believed in not only motivated me but validated my own experience as a full-time working mamma and my understanding and passion for women’s rights.

‘Women face so many disadvantages when it comes to entitlements and conditions in the workplace, and we desperately need momentum for change. This day involved discussions (chaired by strong union women I’d like to be when I grow up!) on women’s superannuation, inequality and the non-existence of any sort of reproductive health leave entitlement in any industry in Tasmania.

‘Imagine reaching retirement age and having the same amount of superannuation as the bloke you’ve worked with for the last 10 years!

‘Imagine cramping so bad that you can hardly walk, and your boss says, ‘Yes, you may absolutely use your reproductive leave entitlements that don’t eat into your personal leave and that you are so very deserving of!’’

‘Imagine planning to have children without that tumultuous internal struggle and guilt that festers from one question: motherhood or work?’

Sophie says the hard work and determination of Tasmanian union women like Jessica Munday and Meg Webb will move her state ‘towards the equality us ladies all deserve’.

Her message to Tasmanian colleagues considering attending the ASMP or the Conference next year?

‘When was the last time you sang I am Woman with a crowd of passionate women?

‘When was the last time you walked the streets with megaphones and signs reminding the public that we don’t have pay parity?

‘Oh, never? Then get yourself along to the next Unions Tasmania Women’s Conference and be a part of something powerful!’