By Natalie Blewitt
Growth Team coordinator
 

You are never on your own when you are a member of a union. Many of our members have joined and remain with us to be part of the collective. Working in solidarity for the benefit of all members, we know we are stronger together.

This collective voice changes and shapes our profession. We improve and uphold working conditions, rights and entitlements and have influence in the public education space.

Only members have the right to vote on Agreements in Principle, contribute ideas to the development of future Logs of Claims and have a say on what matters to all who are covered in our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

Members work together as a branch to shape, make changes to and have influence over issues that directly affect them at a worksite level.

Elected delegates – union rep, deputy rep, treasurer, secretary, District Council and State Council delegate – take on a leadership role within their worksites and liaise closely with school leaders to ensure their branches operate in the best interest of its members.

On an individual level, members can make the most of their membership by availing themselves of the numerous benefits that come with union membership.

One of the many benefits members have access to is legal services. Members can access a wide range of legal services for both work-related and personal matters including family law, will and estate planning, superannuation and disability claims and motor vehicle accident claims. To view the full range of legal services, visit sstuwa.org.au/legal

Access point of need training through the many courses, forums and conferences on offer from the Education and Training Centre.

Being a member gains you access to professional courses at a reduced rate. Wherever you are in your teaching career, there are courses on offer to suit your context. And remember, when attending industrial courses, all SSTUWA members are eligible for five days of paid leave per year to attend trade union training, also known as TUT.

Massive discounts on products and services are on offer to SSTUWA members. There are savings to be had across all areas, on educational resources, travel and accommodation, food and wine, cars and everyday shopping to name a few.

If you are looking to make the most of your membership this upcoming holiday period, have a look through the member benefits at sstuwa.org.au/benefits – you’ll be amazed at what you will find.

SSTUWA staff are available to provide advice, support and information. Whether you contact our Member Assist Team, Growth Team, district organisers, case managers, school leaders or Membership, we are here to support you when you need us.

Unlike other subscriptions you may have in your life, membership with the SSTUWA is tax deductible. Over the coming weeks, look out for information about where to find and download a copy of your contributions. Don’t forget to include this information when you submit your tax return this year.

If you are not a member with the SSTUWA yet, you are missing out. Head to our website to learn more about the work we do or to view the training on offer. You can also join via the SSTUWA website or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of this article.

The SSTUWA really does have our members covered. The question is, are you making the most of your membership?