Greg talks to ASU People about community activism, the need for change and the prospects for trade unions. I joined the Social Welfare Union when I was a community activist in housing, Occupational Health and Safety and working with the long term unemployed. I still have friends in that sector. It was a very important and formative time for me before I worked for a union. I love community-based action and activism.
Community activism is very important.
It's important for unions to be involved in it. I'm proud of the projects I worked on for the long-term unemployed in Western Sydney and working with community organisations and ethnic groups on OHS projects. Competitive tendering is driving the dynamics of the sector. It has brought many problems. Employees are greatly affected by it - ASU members know that better than anybody.