As a democratic organisation, there are a number of checks and balances that exist within the SSTUWA to ensure members’ voices are at the heart of every decision.

Every year, you are entitled to vote for the union member colleagues you want to represent you as your branch representative, deputy representative, women’s contact officer, treasurer, secretary and District Council delegate.

Any member can also nominate to attend State Council Conference, held twice a year. State Council delegates are elected every two years at a district level. If there are more nominations than positions in a particular district, all SSTUWA members in that district are eligible to vote in the resulting election.

Individual branches have the opportunity to submit motions for discussion at District Council meetings and State Council Conference. Here, other democratically elected delegates can speak for, or against, the motion before it is put to a vote. If passed, these motions guide the SSTUWA’s future direction. Important information about collective bargaining is also discussed at District Council meetings and State Council Conference, such as the union’s next Log of Claims.

This month, the second State Council Conference for 2025 will be held. Reports relating to every aspect of our union’s operation are discussed and can be debated by elected delegates. All portfolios are headed by a senior officer, each of whom is democratically elected every three years by financial members of the SSTUWA.

Through a collaborative effort involving members, elected delegates and the elected Executive team, we ensure that the decisions made at the SSTUWA represent each and every member.

By electing your representatives, you are having a say in the direction of
your union.