The Industrial Staff Union (ISU) is recognized as one of Australia’s smallest registered trade unions. The ISU was established in 1972.

Despite its size, the ISU has played a vital role in advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring fair employment practices for all workers.

Over the years, the ISU has focused on providing a voice for the PSA’s industrial staff. The ISU has been involved in key negotiations related to workplace safety, wages, and employee benefits.

The ISU’s commitment to its members is evident through its participation in various industrial campaigns.

The ISU persistently lobbies for better working conditions through its long established trade union, political and other worker orientated networks.

impact

ISU members, although small in number, have consistently emphasized the importance of solidarity and collective bargaining for PSA members.

The ISU aims to improve the working life of the PSA industrial staff it represents.

As trade unions around the world adapt to changing labor markets and evolving employment landscapes, the ISU remains an integral part of Australia’s commitment to supporting an equitable and just work environment.

The ISU proudly covers the industrial staff employed by the NSW Public Service Association.

ISU members proudly look after the industrial rights of PSA and CPSU NSW members.

Despite the challenges that come with being a smaller union, the ISU has managed to maintain its presence and influence beyond Clarence Street, exemplifying that even the smallest of unions can make a significant impact in the fight for workers’ rights.

union affiliations

actu

The Industrial Staff Union (ISU) is not merely a standalone entity in the labor movement but holds crucial affiliations with larger organizations such as the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and UnionsNSW.

These strategic alignments empower the ISU to be a more formidable force in advocating for workers’ rights and influencing policy changes with State and Federal Governments.

Our affiliation with the ACTU, the national trade union body in Australia representing the majority of organized workers, ensures that the concerns and demands of ISU members are echoed on a national stage.

The affiliation with the ACTU grants ISU members a louder voice in national discourses about workers’ welfare, economic reforms, and industrial relations policies.

unionsnsw

In a similar vein, the affiliation with UnionsNSW, NSW’s trade union council, helps the ISU to focus on state specific issues.

By making regular submissions to both the ACTU and UnionsNSW, the ISU demonstrates its proactive stance in addressing the evolving challenges that workers face every day.

Encompassed within the scope of these submissions are the insights and first hand experiences from the ISU’s membership. These can range from safety and health standards in the workplace to fair wages and benefits, job security, and work-life balance.

ISU submissions aim not just to highlight problems but often come with recommendations, backed by the ISU’s research and dialogue with its members, on how to resolve these issues effectively.

Through this multi-layered approach to union activism and advocacy, the ISU continues to play a crucial role in the collective effort to uplift the standards of living for Australian workers, especially within New South Wales.

The ISU’s union values are to defend the immediate interests of its members and also to foster long-term improvements in Australian and New South Wales workplaces.

Charitable organisations

APheda

Support for APHEDA, known formally as Union Aid Abroad, is a cornerstone of the International Solidarity movement within the ISU membership.

APHEDA’s global campaigns are the embodiment of international solidarity and cooperation, which aim to enhance the quality of life for workers and their families around the world. These campaigns are multifaceted and work towards social and economic justice, advocating for workers’ rights, and providing support in the face of injustice and hardship.

Through APHEDA, ISU members contribute to a variety of activities including educational programs, health and safety projects, and development initiatives that foster the creation of sustainable communities. The empowering of workers underpins all of APHEDA‘s efforts. Whether it is through advocating for fair working conditions, supporting communities in their fight against poverty, or providing resources for disaster relief, APHEDA and its supporters in the ISU strive to make a difference in the global labor movement.

Beyond financial support, ISU members are often involved in raising awareness about APHEDA‘s initiatives, participating in events, and volunteering their time and expertise. By doing so, they help to build strong networks of solidarity across borders, supporting the belief that all workers, irrespective of their nationality, deserve to have their rights recognized and their labor valued. Through these collective efforts, ISU and APHEDA pave the way for a more just and egalitarian international community.

worker Health and well-being

To enhance our commitment to corporate social responsibility and employee wellness, our organization extends its support beyond our immediate workplace.

We actively support and contribute to the Workers Health Centre, a pivotal institution dedicated to improving the health and safety conditions of workers across various industries. This partnership underscores our belief that a robust workforce is the backbone of a thriving economy and society.

Our contribution includes financial backing, volunteer initiatives, and collaborative efforts to raise awareness about the importance of occupational health. These efforts not only aid in immediate medical assistance but also empower workers with knowledge about preventive care and self-advocacy in their working environments.

By our affiliation with the Workers Health Centre, we aim to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees, which in turn, fuels productivity and morale.

Our partnership with the Workers Health Centre is a testament to ISU members dedication to social responsibility and the heartfelt belief that the welfare of workers transcends the walls of Clarence Street.

Political affiliations

The Industrial Staff Union (ISU) holds a significant relationship with one of Australia’s major political entities—the Australian Labor Party (ALP).

This affiliation is not merely ceremonial but rather manifests in an active engagement with the party’s key democratic processes, including a presence at annual conference. Annual conference is the cornerstone of the ALP‘s policy development and decision-making cycle.

The ISU’s involvement is further underscored through its commitment to advocating for legislative reforms aimed at advancing the interests of workers both within New South Wales (NSW) and across the broader Australian community.

Through carefully crafted submissions, the ISU makes its voice heard within the ALP, contributing to the discourse on workers’ rights and industrial laws with the goal of fostering an environment where the welfare and empowerment of Australian and NSW workers are at the forefront of the ALP‘s legislative initiatives.

By participating in the ALP‘s political processes, the ISU effectively acts as a conduit between the members it represents and the policymakers shaping the community’s legislative framework.

This alignment with the ALP underscores the union’s dedication to not only represent its members but also to propel their concerns into actionable political agendas that resonate with the core values of the Labor Party—equity, fairness, and the collective good.