The FSU Human Rights Network was launched in 2021 to empower union members in the finance industry to improve human rights, starting in our workplaces.
The Human Rights Network is how those of us working in the finance sector can express our values in a way that makes a tangible difference. Our workplaces are rich both financially and in the diversity of our people.
Our lived experience brings genuine value to our work, and we will extend this value to things that matter to us at work, in our communities and our world.
If you'd like to know more or have any questions, email fsuinfo@fsunion.org.au.
Join the network
A union community that holds the finance sector to account for their human rights obligations and stands with all people to protect their human rights. A finance sector that respects and promotes human rights in every interaction, at every opportunity.
Educate
Educate our colleagues about the impact we can have on human rights matters – and empower each other to participate in positive change.
Change
Make a meaningful difference to human rights compliance in the finance sector.
Empower
Identify opportunities for people working in the finance sector to influence human rights outcomes in our industry.
In recent years, FSU members have worked with a coalition of organisation to put pressure on the banks to adhere to their human rights obligations.
This is work that has positively impacted so many people around the world. From Cambodian sugar farmers, people suffering under military rule in Myanmar as well as progressive social campaigns closer to home, securing paid pandemic domestic violence leave, gender transition leave and superannuation paid on parental leave, our union community has been at the forefront of positive change.
Finance and Human Rights often intersect and as union members we can make it clear to our employers that we expect more from them, and that upholding human rights both locally and internationally is something we will fight for.
On Thursday 28 July 2022 we had a fantastic presentation from Sandy, Kate Lee and Tasneem Roc on the current situation in Myanmar – we heard about the violence against workers and unionists and the incredible resistance of Myanmar people.
Shortly after we wrote to Foreign Minister Penny Wong calling for Australia to join the UK, US and Canada and implement immediate sanctions against the Myanmar Junta and their businesses.
The FSU Human Rights Network stands with the Myanmar Campaign Network who are calling for the Australia Government to issue targeted sanctions within 100 days of the election – by 28th August.
To show your support for this important campaign, click here: Myanmar Campaign Network Social Media Pledge
On Friday 12 August we heard from Pablo Brait from Market Forces about ANZ, NAB, Westpac and CBA on their progress towards ending fossil fuel financing and Kelly Albion who shared the exciting work of 350.org and how we as workers can support the move away from fossil fuels.
We also heard from Nicole McPherson from Finance Sector Union of Australia about the union movement’s role in tackling climate change as a human rights issue.
On Wednesday 22 September, we were joined by General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Sharan Burrow and Sydney University Human Rights Academics Dr Kym Sheehan (Corporate Law) and Prof. David Kinley (Human Rights Law).
