United Workers Union (UWU) welcomes the Public Sector Commission’s decision that from 1 July visa holders in the WA public sector will be able to hold permanent employment.
More than a thousand staff members can now live with job certainty because of this change.
The decision aligns the WA Public Sector rules with private sector standards which cover most WA workers. It comes after sustained advocacy from members, who met with Industrial Relations Minister, Simone McGurk, to call for reform in public sector employment practices.
Members shared their stories and spoke up for colleagues on temporary visas who had been locked out of secure jobs.
UWU Public Sector Coordinator Lisa Judge said the change recognised work that visa holders have been doing for years.
“This is a huge win for the visa holders who keep our hospitals running and our communities strong, many of whom have been working for years on temporary and casual contracts without consistent hours or financial security.
“Previously in WA, visa holders weren’t allowed to hold permanent jobs in the public sector, even if they’d worked there for years doing the same work as their permanent colleagues.
“Permanency means access to the entitlements their colleagues already have, like paid leave and guaranteed hours, and protection from having a contract simply not renewed.”
UWU delegate Satish has been advocating on behalf of his colleagues throughout the campaign.
“This honestly feels like a dream come true. As a delegate, it’s moments like these that have made me realise how powerful it can be when the union stands up for its members.
“For many visa holders, their job is their only income. Without this reform people struggle to set up a life here. The union kept the pressure on and the right decision was made at the right time, so people were not left to face it alone. It showed the strength of members standing together.”
ENDS
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