Victorian women in manufacturing are getting ready for the second annual AMWU women’s conference, on Thursday October the 13th.

Conference organiser, Colleen Gibbs, said the day would attract AMWU women from a range of industries across Victoria – with a special invite extended to rank and file members.

“It’s really important that we get more women to become active in our union. We’re hoping the conference will encourage some of our members who haven’t had the chance to take on training or other roles to consider becoming a delegate or an OHS rep.”

The conference, to be opened by Victorian Secretary, Steve Dargavel, and National Print Secretary, Lorraine Cassin, will focus specifically on the issue of bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.

“It’s really about empowering yourself, knowing how to ask someone to stop can often be difficult,” said Ms Gibbs.

“We want to discuss some strategies for confronting bullying and harassment. We’re also going to workshop ideas for an anti-bullying poster campaign which we’ll then send out into the workplaces after the conference.” 

Ms Gibbs said the conference would also feature two guest speakers from New Zealand manufacturing union, the EPMU, who will talk about their experiences of fighting bullying and harassment in the workplace.

All attendees will receive a specially designed AMWU Victoria women’s t-shirt.

If you’d like to attend the conference or if you know of AMWU women in your workplace who might, please contact Colleen Gibbs on 0425 762 493 or email colleen.gibbs@amwu.asn.au

Delegation from work and accommodation for regional members can be arranged.