From 2021-2024, United Workers Union trained 900 members on extreme weather response, developed innovative HSR climate training, and won Disaster Emergency Services Leave in dozens of agreements, building towards national paid emergency leave standards.
Through sustained organising and education, United Workers Union has built significant worker power to address climate impacts in the workplace. The union trained over 900 members on extreme weather response between 2021-2023, while developing an innovative Climate Impacts Health and Safety Representative (HSR) module approved by the Victorian government. This groundbreaking training helps HSRs understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities regarding high heat and extreme weather impacts at work.
The union has also led the way in securing Disaster & Emergency Services Leave in enterprise agreements, with 48 agreements now containing these vital provisions. This organising laid the groundwork for the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ 2024 Congress adoption of Disaster & Emergency Services Leave as a proposed National Employment Standard – a reform that would guarantee paid leave for all workers during climate emergencies.