Are you interested in getting involved in the business where you work, representing your colleagues' interests and helping to improve working conditions? By standing for election as a staff delegate, you can play a central role in social dialogue. You will be consulted on key decisions, and you will be able to take concrete action to make employees' voices heard.

This position offers you the opportunity to:

• represent your colleagues;
• have a say in important decisions; and
• contribute to a more equitable working environment.

As a staff delegate, you will:

• represent the employees' interests;
• communicate what employees want to your employer;
• ensure that labour law is enforced;
• recommend actions that can be taken to improve working conditions;
• participate in the mandatory consultations on certain corporate decisions.

You may also be appointed as a health and safety representative or an equal opportunities officer, with specific duties in these areas.

To be eligible to stand in the staff delegate elections, you must:

• be an employee of the company;
• be at least 18 years old on the day of the election;
• have been an employee of the company for at least one year on a continuous basis;
• have the right to vote in elections in the company;
• have never been stripped of union duties;
• not be related to your employer;
• not hold a management or executive position.

You are advised to contact the company's personnel department or electoral committee to find out about the exact criteria.

This procedure varies according to the size of the company and the type of delegation. To stand for election you must:

• meet the deadlines set by the electoral committee;
• use the form or written declaration provided for this purpose;
• review the electoral calendar and procedures in advance;
• contact the human resources department or electoral committee for further details.

If you are elected, you will receive:

• an allotment of hours to perform your duties;
• access to certain corporate information.

In return, you must:

• represent all employees equitably;
• keep all communication confidential;
• participate actively in meetings and consultations.

To effectively serve as a staff delegate, you can:

• undergo training on your duties, the legal framework and communication tools;
• receive training leave;
• talk to experienced delegates;
• review official resources to familiarise yourself with what the role entails.

As a staff delegate, you will:

• help to create a working environment that is more transparent, equitable and respectful of every individual's rights;
• participate actively in improving working conditions;
• defend employees' rights and interests;
• hone useful negotiation, communication and collective management skills; and
• enhance your career with a rewarding and stimulating experience.

Staff delegates are elected for a 5-year term. This term of office is renewable.