Industry association opens up to everyone

In order to recognise the full dimension of the industry and, as the peak body, to effectively represent all industry interests to governments and other key stakeholders, Printing Industries has embarked on an ambitious program of reform.

Long recognised as the peak body for the industry, the association had an outdated charter, which only allowed full membership to companies that employed people under the graphic arts award. With the dramatic changes to the structure of the industry and to composition of the industry’s workforce, the number of people employed under this award has been steadily dwindling.

Many new graphic arts companies no longer even think of employing people under the award, preferring more responsive enterprise agreements that are likely to be more suitable to the new ‘information worker’ status of employees. Under the old rules these companies could only achieve Associate Member status of Printing Industries
At its recent national council meeting members approved a constitutional change removing this impediment to membership.

Printing Industries) National President, Chris Segaert, said the Association was often seen as a club for small printers to defend themselves against unions, government, big printers and suppliers. “The industry has changed enormously. We too must change to reflect this and ensure we are able to effectively speak for the whole industry and protect its interests”, he said.

At the same meeting the national council also endorsed a restructure of the Association’s operations as presented by CEO, Gary Donnison.

“The organization has been restricted by its outdated structure. The new structure will empower staff and provide greater efficiencies. It will ensure that members get the services they need to grow and be profitable,” said Donnison.

The restructure and constitutional changes should be in place early in 2005.