Member Foundations (Two-day course)

October 22, 2025 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) - October 23, 2025 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
October 22, 2025 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) - October 23, 2025 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
Location: NSWNMA, 50 O'Dea Avenue Waterloo 2017
CPD Hours: N/A
Cost: FREE

This face-to-face two-day training is designed to empower NSWNMA members with the essential skills and knowledge to win change.

Participants will explore the concept of power and how it operates with the workplace and society, learn about the rich history of the union movement, and develop strategies for identifying and managing workplace issues. This course focuses on achieving change through growing member engagement.

By the end of this course, members will leave with the confidence to grow our union’s influence and impact.

Course Dates: Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 October 2025

PROGRAM:

Welcome

  • History of the NSWNMA and Unions in Australia
  • Why unions matter

Structure and purpose of the NSWNMA

  • How does the NSWNMA function?
  • NSWNMA’s goals and vision

The union in the workplace

  • Purpose of branch
  • Branch structure
  • The branch meeting
  • When and where
  • Agenda
  • Resolutions
  • Minutes
  • Communication
  • Taking Action

Understanding Your Rights at Work

  • Where do our rights come from?
  • How do Unions win workers’ rights?
  • How to read a Workplace Agreement

What issues should a branch pursue and how do we achieve change?

  • Collective agreements and Award matters
  • An overview of Work Health and Safety and your rights at work

We know the problem, we’ve got a solution; what next?

  • Deeply, widely felt issues and mapping your workplace
  • Grievance processes within an agreement
  • Meeting with management; the basics of negotiation skills

How do we encourage people to join and become active in the NSWNMA?

  • By exploring why people join unions, why people become active, and identifying leaders, we can increase the effectiveness of the NSWNMA in your workplace.

If you live more than 50kms from Waterloo you may be eligible for travel and accommodation costs to be covered by the Association. The Association will book and pay for travel and accommodation where required.

Accessing leave to attend: Under the Public Health System (Cl. 54c(ii)) and Crown Employees Award (Cl. 55.1.2) access to trade union leave is available. Some Private Sector Agreements may contain similar entitlement. Private Sector and Aged Care Sector members who cannot access either trade union training leave, or other paid leave, and have to take unpaid leave may be financially reimbursed by the Association on application and completion of this workshop.

Join over 80,000 nurses, midwives and carers in NSW by becoming a valued member today.

You’ll automatically become a member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation