Aug 2006

The Uniting Church has taken steps to ensure is it living out its commitment to justice in its own employment practices through the establishment of a national consultation that will investigate practical ways the Church can ensure it is a fair and just employer.

The August meeting of the Assembly Standing Committee appointed a task group which will be responsible for organising the consultation. The task group will be convened by the Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev. Glenda Blakefield and will also draw on expertise from both the church and the Uniting Care network.

This consultation was requested by UnitingJustice Australia to the 11th Assembly so the church can develop a national approach in the area of just and ethical employment, given its long history of advocacy in this area and the fact is it one of the largest employers in the country. It will involve representatives from Synods and the Assembly.

It is hoped that through the consultation that the church can move toward establishing minimum expectations of its employing bodies and ways of measuring the employment practices of the church against its commitment to social justice.

More information about the consultation will be available later in the year as the task group commences its planning work.