<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_extra">I respect and understand the perspective of those who say that we "do not need" a Union for IT workers in Australia, but the experience of many workers speaks otherwise.</div>
<div class="gmail_extra"><br></div><div class="gmail_extra">I don't know much about pay across the industry, but I have a hunch that the situation is not too bad. Conditions are a different matter; they vary significantly across the industry.</div>
<div class="gmail_extra"><br></div><div class="gmail_extra">The challenges and demands of high-pressure IT environments can pose significant problems for people with existing mental health issues or substantial commitments outside of their work. While many of us enjoy an intense environment, I've seen people weather it without really having a choice. Some people will simply say that these workers should find a better job, but it's not always so simple as that.</div>
<div class="gmail_extra"><br></div><div class="gmail_extra">Unions don't just form in times of outrageous exploitation: a situation where the workforce is in a strong position (skills shortage, job growth) is a great opportunity for Unions to ensure that the benefits enjoyed by the people in the better workplaces extend to a wider part of the industry.</div>
<div class="gmail_extra"><br></div><div class="gmail_extra">Anyway - LCA is hardly the forum for a debate about the role and relevance of unionism, and this community being what it is there will obviously be many people who a) have an objective interest opposed to the union movement, and b) who disagree with unionism on an intellectual / ideological level. And that's fine, but I think it must be said that organisations like the ACS simply cannot fulfil that role. Realistic or not, there is a subset of the workforce whose position could be improved by real collective struggle and bargaining.</div>
<div class="gmail_extra"><br></div><div class="gmail_extra">Consensus seems to be that "Professionals Australia" is not currently this organisation either. It's a pity.</div><div class="gmail_extra"><br></div>
<div class="gmail_extra">Thanks,</div></div>