What my union does for me
Being in a union can mean more than just protecting your rights to decent working conditions. Your union is like your family — there for you through good times and bad. In the first of our series “What my union does for me”, we highlight an important program offering hope to those fighting drug and alcohol addiction.
FOR Denis McNamara, being a member of a union isn’t just about work.
“It’s been a life-saver for me and my family — literally,” says Denis, a father of two who has battled drugs and alcohol for more than three decades.
Now he has turned his life around with the help of a unique drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, run with support from CFMEU in Sydney’s inner west.
Denis, who works in the building industry and has been a member of his union since he was 14, says he — like many — saw having a few beers or a few tokes of a joint as almost part of the job.
“It used to be you weren’t accepted unless you drank, and if you didn’t you weren’t trusted,” says Denis, a longtime union delegate and activist.
“When I was 17, working as a scaffolder you went to lunch and drank three schooners — if you didn’t you were told not to come back.”
But as the dangers of drinking on the job become better-known, and drugs like Ice take hold, the building industry is gearing up for change.
“We’re seeing more and more workplace interventions,” says Foundation House clinical manager David Atkins, who believes demand for the rehabilitation services are likely to increase as union insiders predict blanket worksite testing for drugs and alcohol will soon be the norm.
Foundation House will be there to offer help to union members such as Denis, who says his drinking story is fairly typical.
He started out young, around the age of 10, and by 15 he was a daily drinker until he pulled up in his 30s.
As his alcohol use and drug taking spiralled out of control, taking a huge personal toll on him and his loved ones, Denis finally sought help.
That surrender was a tough admission for a building worker who grew up in the close-knit housing commission community in Green Valley.
But finally, as he hit rock bottom, he turned to his union and was admitted to Foundation House.
Costing more than $1 million a year to run, this non profit residential centre helps people triumph over alcoholism and drug and gambling addictions.
Denis completed the 28-day program, and is now a responsible productive member of society — with “205 days sober”, grins the proud dad and union member.
Denis, whose father was an alcoholic, now hopes to buck the trend of his family history by living past 65, and enjoying his CBUS superannuation.
Beating addiction
The formula at Foundation House is based on the 12-step programs of Alcoholics and Narcotics anonymous.
It’s a simple set of guidelines, but hard to put into practice.
The number one rule is total abstinence — no drugs, alcohol or gambling, taking one day at time.
In a way, not struggling to try to control his urge for a drink is a relief — but vigilance is vital, says Denis.
“I get weekly follow-up counselling from the Foundo and it’s a huge support,” he says.
“The love and care that was given to me by the staff and councillors, and the program they run have enabled me to turn my life around. It saved my life — they loved me back to health.”
The program can take up to 12 residents at a time and is based in a peaceful set of buildings tucked into a former hospital block in a leafy green corner of Callan Park at Rozelle.
The bright pictures on the walls, and the laughter you hear from a group of the male and female residents on the course is a stark contrast to the life-and-death battles that are being fought — and won — inside the centre.
Foundation House is run mainly for union members, but the huge demand means some other residents are now accepted for a nominal weekly fee.
How it works
The industry supported 13-bed residential program was set up in the 1990s to cope with the growing number of building workers struggling with alcohol and drug problems.
Often, and dangerously, this was taking place on the job.
“Everyone knew it was a problem. Bosses were ringing us. Workers were in trouble. But nobody wanted to do anything about it — and having a beer after work on a site is more than accepted, it was nearly expected,” says former union organiser and present Foundation House Executive Officer Tony Papa.
“We understand as a union that a lot of our members need help, but some are ashamed ask for it publicly. We urge them to contact us through their delegate or our website. A union must care for its members.”
Despite the Coalition Government imposing brutal financial cuts to the Health Sector, Foundation House is full to capacity, with an ever growing waiting list of people seeking assistance. Union members pay a nominal fee however, where a union member’s company supports the foundation by way of funding through their EBA, treatment is free. And rates charged by the foundation are kept low for members of the broader community who are also seeking help.
There’s back-up, ongoing counselling, graduation support and help to connect
“We believe in a holistic approach and we help not just the alcoholics and addicts but their families,” says clinical manager David Atkins.
He admits his job comes with a fair bit of humour. But more often it’s heartbreak — “Too many deaths, late-night phone calls, deadly car crashes, suicides.”
But there’s always hope.
“There’s no bullshit here and we don’t sugar-coat things. We treat people like human beings, and help our clients learn that addiction isn’t a moral failing — it’s an illness. And while there’s no cure, recovery a day at a time is possible and we have many success stories.”
So what about the hopeless cases?
“We never give up,” he says. “There are no lost causes.”
If you or a family member has a problem with drink, drugs or gambling, contact Foundation House www.foundationhouse.net.au
Phone: (02) 9810 3117
info@foundationhouse.net.au
- If you have a good story about how your union helps make a difference in your life contact Amanda Phelan (amanda.phelan@gmail.com) Working Life
