From The Point: Growth at the grassroots in Geelong

A couple of committed members on the shop floor can ignite the latent union power in any workplace.

Christian College Geelong (CCG) doesn’t have a history of a strong union presence. However, this winter, members reached out to the IEU for support and began meeting to discuss shared concerns and workshop strategies to build the union.

At the end of Term 3, members Heidi Hearps and Craig White stepped up to the roles of workplace Rep at their respective campuses. As the year comes to an end, the members at CCG are busy building their power and presence in the workplace. At the first on-site IEU visit to the junior campus this term, union staff were inspired to see that membership had more than doubled after just one meeting. Meanwhile, the senior campus has put up an IEU notice board in the staffroom and are organising their first local sub-branch meeting.

Christian College Geelong

Our Organiser says, “These may seem like small steps, but the actions of these active members starting to build a union presence cannot be understated. The members know the value of union membership and the value of building strength and solidarity. Onwards and upwards for our fantastic new Rep and our new members!”

Rep Craig White had taught in the public system for 30 years and been an active member of the VSTA/AEU. He was used to working in “structured workplace environments” and as a member of numerous consultative committees “that had a voice”.

The situation was different when he first arrived at CCG two years ago – he didn’t know who the members were as there was no formalised sub-branch. Policies that affect working conditions varied across the multiple campuses of CCG and it was a challenge to get staff up to speed on their rights and how they could have a say in decision-making.

Craig White

But Craig was undaunted.

“We are starting from a low level but we will become stronger!” he says.

Heidi had been an IEU member for over ten years but had been unaware of any other members at the college. 

“I was excited when our Organiser made contact and met with me and a few other like-minded colleagues from other campuses. I stepped up as Rep because I am passionate about doing what I can to make a healthy and happy workplace environment for my colleagues and I now feel supported to do so.”

Heidi says CCG’s low current membership is “the obvious challenge”. 

“I hope to make more colleagues aware of the Union and the role it plays in the workplace. We are at the very beginning of this journey and my hope for now is simply for union memberships to grow and to be able to have a space where we can share openly with one another.”

Craig has a clear vision for the unionism at CCG.

“In the medium term I want to build up membership and have an active sub-branch at the senior campus. In the long term, I would like to have an elected Health and Safety Representative (preferably an IEU member).”

Currently, Craig is filling in as the HSR, but he’s keen to get a dedicated Rep who can have more input on vital decisions which affect staff wellbeing. 

What advice do these enterprising Reps have for new Reps in low membership schools?

“Know that you will have great support from your Organisers, who are only phone call/email away,” says Craig.

“Take the step, you don’t have to know everything now, there is support out there from your Organiser and others at the Union,” says Heidi.

In 2024, it’s the mission of the IEU to get elected, trained and active Reps in more schools. We will help find enthusiastic members who want to build collective power and solidarity in their workplaces. Many hands make light work!