Congress endorses New Union Values

1. Unions believe in a democratic Australia, which values all citizens and their aspirations.

2. Unions believe in the right of all citizens to employment and a decent standard of living - to a fair share of the nation's wealth.

3. Unions believe that every Australian must have access to free, quality public health care and education, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.

4. Unions believe that families and individuals must be guaranteed decent minimum living standards through the social security and taxation systems.

5. Unions believe that all Australians must have access to decent and affordable housing.

6. Unions believe in the right of all Australians to a secure and dignified retirement.

7. Unions respect the fact that indigenous Australians are the original owners of our land, and that reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians is a vital goal.

8. Unions believe in a multi-cultural Australia.

9. Unions believe in a sustainable environment.

10. Unions are opposed to discrimination in all forms including that based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual preference and political beliefs.

11. Unions believe that all Australians must be treated equally by the law and have access to legal representation as a right.

12. Unions believe that governments have a central role in ensuring fairness, equality and opportunity throughout the community.

13. Unions are committed to Australia's participation in international cooperation to promote peace, security, human rights, labour standards and prosperity through fair trading arrangements.

Security & Fairness In The Workplace

14. Unions believe that workplaces should be safe, secure, healthy and free of harassment, intimidation, violence and discrimination.

15. Unions believe that workers should have a right to a decent wage and fair working conditions.

16. Unions believe that all workers have a right to secure employment and protection against unfair dismissal or unfair treatment by the employer.

17. Unions believe that workers should have the right to join and be represented by a union.

18. Unions believe that all employees should have the right to collectively bargain.

19. Unions believe that workplace union representatives should have rights enabling them to carry out their role.

20. Unions believe that unions should have the right to recruit, organise and represent workers.

21. Unions believe that workers should be consulted and informed about issues affecting their employment.

22. Unions believe that Australian businesses and their executives have a responsibility to engage in legal and ethical conduct and environmentally sustainable practices at all times with employees, stakeholders and the community.

23. Unions believe that working parents must have access to good quality, affordable child care.

24. Unions believe that working parents have a right to employment standards that enable them to manage work and family.

25. Unions believe that working parents must have the time and opportunity to form and maintain relationships with their children which foster the child's development.

26. Unions believe that officers and representatives of unions should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this Statement of Australian Union Values.

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