2nd Joint statement by the Australian Services Union &
the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland

Campaign for a Youth Services
Multi Employer Agreement

Quality Youth Services for Young People

Download this Statement as a PDF to print out and pin on your Staff Noticeboard(111.05 Kb)

Support and momentum for the Youth Services Multi-Employer Agreement (MEA) continues to grow as the ASU and YANQ present and discuss the aims of the agreement at Youth Services Interagency and staff meetings around Southeast Queensland.  Feedback from these meetings has been very positive. Many attendees have acknowledged their first hand experience of the issues facing the sector that this Multi Employer Agreement addresses. This includes poor pay and conditions which adversely effects attraction and retention of staff and the impact this has on the continuity and quality of client service delivery.

YANQ and the ASU are now asking for Youth Service Managers/Coordinators and Staff Members to take the next step towards lifting the working conditions of youth workers in Queensland.

1. Invite an ASU representative to visit your workplace to explain the principles of the Multi-Employer Agreement and discuss the process to develop the Agreement at your next staff meeting. You can do this by phoning ASU Organiser Stuart Maggs on 3844 5300 or via email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
2. Join the Union. Lifting the pay and conditions of youth workers is going to take time and effort. By joining the Union you are helping to build the resources we need to campaign for you and your colleagues. Details available at http://www.asuqld.asn.au. All youth workers that join the Union as part of this campaign will also be offered a free or discounted subscription to YANQ – details at http://www.yanq.org.au/content/view/482/56/

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions and answers that are being raised at youth sector meetings as the campaign progresses.

Q. What is the consequence of my Organisation not being a part of this Multi- Employer Agreement?

A. Organisations that are Non-Constitutional (most non-government youth services) and choose not to be a part of the Multi- Employer Agreement will still have to develop an agreement that dictates the pay and conditions for staff. The SACS Award will no longer be effective as of March 2011 for non-constitutional corporations. By choosing not to become a party to the Multi-Employer Agreement the Organisation will miss out on the benefits of utilising experienced industrial staff from the Union in developing an industry specific agreement and will have to seek costly advice elsewhere.

The important issue that holds all Organisations back from addressing the issue of improving pay and conditions is funding. Individual Organisations do not have the time or resources to embark upon or sustain a lobbying campaign to gain additional funding. By working collectively Youth Services, YANQ and the ASU have the ability to professionally lobby funding bodies and State Government to address the issues of the Youth Services sector.

Q. What effect does the Federal Election result have on this Agreement?

A. None – Whatever the outcome of the Federal election Organisations will still have to select an appropriate industrial instrument that prescribes pay and conditions for their workers. Why not utilise the combined expertise of the ASU and YANQ in campaigning for a stronger Youth Services Sector.

The next step of the campaign is for ASU representatives to meet with staff, coordinators and managers in the workplace to discuss the agreement and the process. Anyone involved in the Youth Services sector can contact the ASU or YANQ to arrange a workplace visit. It’s the opportunity to ask questions and find out how this agreement will benefit staff, organisations and clients.

Take the Next Step in this Campaign - Invite the Union to Your Workplace Now to Discuss the Youth Services Multi-employer Agreement 

For further information contact:

Authorised and printed by David Smith, Branch Secretary, Australian Services Union
Ground Floor, 32 Peel Street, South Brisbane 4101
Phone: 3844 5300 / Fax: 3846 5046 / W: www.asuqld.asn.auwww.asuqld.asn.au.

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