ETUQ/CEPU ELECTRICAL DIVISION PRIVACY STATEMENT
Purpose
The CEPU Electrical Division, Queensland Divisional Branch (the "CEPU") is bound by the National Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). The ETUQ, whilst not bound by the National Privacy Principles, applies as a matter of non-binding principle the matters set out in this Statement.
The National Privacy Principles are a set of rules with which organisations must comply in managing personal information about individuals.
This Statement outlines the CEPU/ETUQ approach to the management of personal information about members. A copy of this Statement and the CEPU/ETUQ Privacy Policy is available to any person who requests it.
What personal information does the union hold and why?
The information kept by the CEPU/ETUQ about members is their name, contact details, gender, date of birth, employment classification, present employer, previous employment in the industry, dates of apprenticeship and to whom apprenticed (if applicable), and electrical license number (if applicable).
This information is collected to process applications for membership, maintain records of fees paid and owing, and generate statistics regarding membership demographics, distribution, growth areas etc, for internal use.
The Workplace Relations Act 1996 and the Industrial Relations Act 1999 requires unions to maintain a record of home addresses of members.
The CEPU/ETUQ also retains information relating to members' financial status, and if a member elects to pay their union fees by direct debit or credit card, the CEPU/ETUQ may hold relevant bank account details.
In addition the CEPU/ETUQ may collect personal information in response to a member's need for assistance at a particular time. Examples of this would include:
- Where a member requires assistance with a Workcover problem, the CEPU/ETUQ may hold sensitive information such as health records etc;
- Where a member has been dismissed and wishes to pursue a claim against their employer, the CEPU/ETUQ may hold information relating to the member's dismissal and disciplinary history with the company;
- Where a member complains of/is accused of sexual, racial or other harassment, the CEPU/ETUQ may hold information relating to the harassment, and, if applicable, health records of the member.
Does the CEPU/ETUQ provide information about members to any other person or entity?
Information about members may be provided to a third party in the following circumstances:
- To the CEPU/ETUQ's solicitors, for the purpose of representing members and advising the CEPU/ETUQ in relation to members' claims;
- To employers of members, the Australian or Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, or other relevant statutory authority, for the purpose of representing members' interests;
- To union officials or delegates acting on behalf of the CEPU/ETUQ on union matters;
- To the Australian Electoral Commission/Electoral Commission of Queensland as required by law for the conduct of elections;
- To Union Shopper or other organisations that provide benefits or services for which union membership is required (for verification of membership only);
- To the CEPU/ETUQ's mailing house for distribution of union publications only;
- To the CEPU/ETUQ's debt recovery agency for the purpose of recovering outstanding union fees.
- The CEPU/ETUQ does not disclose information about members to other organisations for marketing purposes.
Member access to information
Members are entitled to access information held by the CEPU/ETUQ about them. If a member wants to check that their personal details are correct they can do so by contacting the CEPU/ETUQ office by telephone or in writing.
Requests for information may be able to be answered over the telephone, or information may be sent by post. If member details are incorrect, they may be corrected by telephone or in writing.
To protect security of personal information, such information will be provided over the phone only if the caller provides their union number or is able to answer questions to confirm their identity (eg. Date of birth, name of employer to whom apprenticed etc)
Written requests for information must be signed by the member concerned.
Members cannot access information about any other member.
Keeping information up to date
The CEPU/ETUQ depends to a large extent on members to ensure that their details are kept up to date. At the time of joining, members are sent a membership card and have an opportunity to contact the CEPU/ETUQ to correct their details if necessary. Members are sent an annual statement during the last quarter of each year, and are encouraged to update any incorrect information.
Complaints
If a member has a complaint about a possible breach of their privacy, the member should first contact the Queensland Divisional Branch Secretary/Branch Secretary. If the complaint is not resolved, members can complain to the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner, telephone 1300 363 992.