International Women’s Day this year saw Trades Hall championing the theme of Safe, Respected and Equal. I was very proud to be a part of the RTBU contingent at the rally.
International Women’s Day Rally has a long history of celebrating women’s achievements and highlighting the current campaigns of the movement in the fight for equality for all.
This year, Trades Hall kicked off their campaign to end sexual harassment at work and ban non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). In most cases of workplace sexual harassment, NDAs are commonly used to settle the case.
NDA’s can compound the trauma for survivors of sexual assaults as they are stripped of the ability to speak openly and plainly about what they have experienced.
Trades Hall are calling on the State Government to legislate to restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements by employers to ensure survivors are empowered to speak out.
We need to ensure that the voices of survivors are heard, and that perpetrators are held to account. We must ensure that victims have the confidence to speak out without fear of retribution or reprisal. It is our responsibility to ensure that survivors are supported and given the justice they deserve.
The RTBU has a long and proud history of achieving wins for women and setting the industry standard, from domestic violence leave to the gendered violence clause in all major enterprise agreements.
As a male dominated union, the RTBU has respected its place in fighting to ensure all workers are treated with the respect they deserve, and treated equally.
It is crucial to recognise that the fight for women’s rights is not solely a women’s issue, but a universal one.
Pay equality, the superannuation gap, parental rights, flexible work arrangements and better work life balance will benefit not just women, but all workers as a whole. Men are important allies in the fight for gender equality.
By lifting up women, everyone stands to benefit.
For women working in a male dominated industry, many feel as though they must work twice as hard to have their voices heard.
The RTBU Women’s committee was set up 13 years ago to encourage women to become more active in their union, and to discuss women’s issues openly and frankly.
To help inspire women to be more involved, RTBU Women holds our annual Women’s Conference each year to celebrate the amazing things women have achieved in our industry and to further work on what we can improve on.
We invite women of the RTBU to join the annual RTBU Women’s Conference, to be held on the 13 April 2023.
This conference will be an opportunity to network with other Members, share experiences, and develop activists’ skills.
RSVP is essential to secure your spot. If you are interested in attending, please speak to your supervisor to organise your release. Should you encounter any issues, please contact us at women@rtbuvic.com.au.
