NSWNA and UNISON Agree On Transfer Of Union Membership

Type: Union News Subject: Nursing Issues
25 September 2006

A landmark agreement between the NSW Nurses Association and UNISON - the largest trade union in Britain - will allow members to transfer between the respective unions if they take up employment in the other country.

This agreement will allow NSW Nurses' Association members to have continuity of union membership from UNISON when working in Britain. UNISON is the largest trade union in the National Health System.

NSWNA and UNISON share common goals in representing nurses within their respective health systems to ensure that nurses are properly recognised and rewarded for their contribution to the health and wellbeing of our respective communities.

This agreement ensures that nurses have the best possible situation of continuous industrial and professional protection and representation when undertaking work in the UK or in NSW.

If I get a job as a nurse in the UK what do I do?

If you are going to the UK to work as a nurse you need to be able to demonstrate that you have been a financial member of the NSWNA for 13 weeks or more - your membership card showing the date you joined will assist. UNISON UK will check your financial status with the NSWNA.

On joining UNISON you will have immediate coverage and access to a huge range of benefits, including:

Industrial representation and legal advice;
Online employment and workplace advice;
A special hotline, UNISONdirect, for help and advice on workplace issues;
Education and training advice and courses;
Special deals on everything from computers, tax returns, holidays, mortgages, car breakdown services, insurance and credit cards;
UNISON holiday centre for members and families at the Devon seaside;
Health and safety guidance and support.

If you are thinking of travelling to the UK transfer of membership should, wherever possible, be organised and facilitated prior to leaving Australia.

If I have arrived from the UK and are working as a nurse in NSW what do I do?

If you have arrived from the UK to work as a nurse in NSW you need join the NSWNA prior to commencing work or as soon as possible. You can join the NSW Nurses' Association online at www.nswnurses.asn.au/join. On joining the NSWNA, you will have immediate coverage and access to a huge range of benefits, including:

Industrial representation and legal advice;
Over-the-phone advice on employment and workplace issues;
Access to Union Shopper - a shopping service that provides members with discounts and savings on a wide range of products and services;
The Lamp - the official monthly publication of the NSWNA produced 11 times a year;
Information about scholarships;
Access to the latest NSWNA courses, seminars and conferences for members;
Up-to-date online information and access to the members-only section of the website.

UNISON recommends that you resign your membership and rejoin upon return to the UK.

Some overseas organisations advise nurses that they have professional indemnity insurance when working in Australia. However, this does not offer the legal and industrial representation you may require whilst working here - NSW Nurses' Association membership offers you the security of our representation and support services.

International Welcome Pack :

Nurses' and Midwives Board of NSW

www.nursesreg.nsw.gov.au

The Nurses and Midwives Board is the statutory authority responsible for the registration of nurses and midwives, the authorisation of nurses and midwives to practise as nurse practitioners and midwife practitioners respectively, and for the enrolment of nurses in the State of New South Wales.

NSW Department of Health - Nursing and Midwifery Office

www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), is the professional link between the NSW Minister for Health, the Director-General of Health and the public, private and education sectors of the nursing and midwifery professions in NSW. The CNO position is supported by a number of staff in the Nursing and Midwifery Office (NaMO), which includes nurses and midwives seconded from the health system. Together, the CNO and staff provide advice on professional nursing and midwifery issues and on policy issues, monitor policy implementation, manage State-wide nursing and midwifery initiatives, represent the NSW Department of Health on various committees and allocate funding for nursing and midwifery initiatives.

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

www.immi.gov.au

Seek

www.nswnurses.asn.au/seek

NSWNA has joined with SEEK, Australia's number one employment website, to provide members with a complete online recruitment solution. Search thousands of healthcare jobs with vacancies ranging from nurses and pharmacists through to radiographers, locums and doctors. Or place a job ad on SEEK and reach over one million candidates each month.

Members' Equity

www.membersequity.com.au

Members Equity Bank has been created specifically to provide everyday Australians with innovative low cost banking services. We are 100% owned by some of Australia's leading industry superannuation funds. Members Equity Bank is committed to keeping banking costs low whilst delivering a high level of service.

We believe in being up front in everything we do. We don't offer special interest rates for limited periods, try to hide fees and charges nor do we give high income customers preferential treatment.

We believe in honesty and integrity and we are committed to providing simple, no nonsense banking products and services that offer our customers real value for money.

UnionShopper

www.unionshopper.com.au

Union Shopper began operations more than 25 years ago when the concept of a discount purchasing and service organisation for members received instant and widespread support. The membership of affiliated union members has since expanded to produce greater benefits to members through increased bargaining power. The Union Shopper Inc. is a 100% union-owned organisation working exclusively for unions. In other words each union's membership (that's you) OWNS this great service.

Union Shopper aims to provide the best possible savings to our membership on a forever-growing variety of goods and services. Any profits made by Union Shopper in providing this service must be kept by the organisation to use for the greater benefit of all members, therefore producing new services and increased competitiveness

Australian Taxation Office

www.ato.gov.au

The Australian Taxation Office is the Government's principal revenue collection agency, and is part of the Treasurer's portfolio. The ATO's role is to manage and shape tax, excise and superannuation systems that fund services for Australians

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