Our Story
Who we are
Faith Workers Alliance supports, represents and empowers faith-based workers.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work. We acknowledge their rich spirituality and connection to the land since time immemorial, and the ongoing effects of colonisation and dispossession. We support the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
We are inspired by the long history of workers who have formed unions for mutual support, advocacy and protection. Australia has never had a 'union' for faith workers before. However, in the United Kingdom, Faith Workers are represented by Unite the Union, and in Canada by UniFaith. Some faith workers in Australia, such as those who work in health, education, defence and social services, have been eligible for membership of existing unions, and we encourage them to seek membership of those unions where appropriate.
Faith Workers Alliance is a voice for Australian people who work in and for faith organisations, such as churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. We also welcome faith workers who work in other organisations but don't have an existing union membership opportunity. We warmly welcome students who are training to become faith workers, and those who are retired, or who work part-time or in voluntary roles.
The Alliance is in its early days. We can't offer a 24 hour call centre or a team of lawyers. But we do offer the opportunity to join in solidarity with faith workers around Australia, to offer mutual support, and to build a union which can advocate for safety, justice and respect.
We don't just want to advocate for our own needs. We also dream of uniting faith workers in action for the common good. We believe that faith workers who are appropriately trained, well supported and properly paid are best placed to advocate for the needs of others in their communities and beyond. We hope to build on existing ecumenical and interfaith relationships to advocate for justice and peace.
Faith Workers Alliance has received some 'in kind' support from people in the union movement, as well as those who work in faith organisations. However, Faith Workers Alliance is independent. Our only source of income is membership fees. We are not aligned with any political party.
Constitution
Faith Workers Alliance is an association incorporated in Western Australia under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015. You can view our Certificate of Incorporation here.
Our Constitution is based on the model rules under the act, plus the following information:
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the name of the association is Faith Workers Alliance
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the object of the organisation is to be a coalition of people engaged in faith-based work
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the quorum for a general meeting is five members of the association;
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the quorum for a meeting of the management committee is three members of the committee
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the financial year of the organisation commences on 1 July
The Association has passed the following by-laws:
1. Membership
To qualify for membership of the association a person must be engaged in faith work and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct
2. Code of Conduct
Members must abide by the following code of conduct:
a) Solidarity
Members will offer support and assistance to other members to the greatest extent possible.
b) Confidentiality
Members will not disclose information obtained by virtue of their membership to any person without prior permission.
c) Respect
Members will show respect to other members and to faith workers generally, recognising and valuing the diversity of beliefs, values, morals and practices.
d) Integrity
Members will be honest and fair in their dealings, will not engage in violent or abusive behaviour and will act in the best interests of the Alliance, its members and faith workers generally.
3. Dues
a) Membership subscriptions (to be referred to as dues) shall be set by the Management Committee
b) The Management Committee may create classes of membership