Statement on ALIA's industrial role and services

Industrial relations and employment program
ALIA objects addressed

To promote and improve the services provided by all kinds of library and information agencies.

To ensure the high standard of personnel engaged in information provision and foster their professional interests and aspirations.

To represent the interests of members to governments, other organisations and the community.

Principle

ALIA is not a registered industrial organisation under state or federal labour laws; accordingly, it does not directly represent its members in the industrial tribunals. However, personal and institutional members require legal and practical advice and guidance on a wide range of workplace and labour market issues. The program exists to meet that demand.

Statement

ALIA provides industrial relations information, advice and support to its members. The nature of these services varies with the circumstances of particular types of membership.

1. ALIA recognises that many of its individual members may be members of trade unions. While it offers information and advice to these people as required, ALIA believes unions represent for them the most effective and appropriate vehicle both for negotiation of terms and conditions of employment and resolution of disputes about them. Where necessary, ALIA will liaise with relevant trade unions at the request of members to ensure effective representation of the interest of library and information workers.
   
   
2. ALIA also notes, however, that a significant proportion of its members have no trade union membership and are precluded from seeking it because their employment is not subject to union coverage. These people seek more significant industrial support. ALIA provides direct services for this category of member, including assistance with development of proposals for appropriate terms and conditions of employment. Where it is requested, ALIA will assist employees and their employers to establish formal contracts of employment which reflect current library and information sector standards.
   
   
3. ALIA also provides industrial relations advisory services to employers. Industrial advice has traditionally been provided to institutional members. It is recognised, however, that many such members will primarily utilise their own corporate industrial and employment services.