Trade Unions

Unions are organisations set up by workers to maintain and improve wages and working conditions, promote safe working environments and defend employment security.

At work, unions give working people a voice. Approximately 2 million Australians are union members and there are more than 50 unions in Australian that cover many different occupations and industries.

Unions are important because in many workplaces, it may be hard for workers to improve wages and working conditions on their own. However when workers come together as part of their union, they have the strength and voice to make a difference.

What Do Unions Do?

The main role of the union is to maintain and improve the wage rates and working conditions of union members. Other benefits of being a union member include:

•  Unions ensure your rights at work are protected in relation to health and
safety, discrimination and harassment

•  Proper pay and entitlements: unions assist in making sure you get paid the correct salary as well as any entitlements you may have eg paid leave,
overtime pay, penalty rates and loadings.

•  Unions ensure workplaces have proper occupational health and safety
procedures in place and support union Health and Safety Representatives.

•  Access to industrial advice and representation - sometimes problems arise in
the workplace between employers and employees.  Unions can
represent workers in these situations by assisting workers to negotiate
with the employer.

•  Unions are a great resource for information on a whole range of workplace
related matters.

•  Collective bargaining – unions assist their members to negotiate enterprise
agreements with employers. Unions also provide advice on contracts of
employment.

•  Link to ACTU's IR Policy - Collective Bargaining : click here

Click here to read more about what unions do in relation to workers rights and social justice issues: www.actu.asn.au

Why Join a Union ?

Young workers are the most exploited group in the workforce. There are a number of reasons why:

•  Often young people don't know what their rights are as workers and some
employers take advantage of this

•  Young people generally don't know where to go or who to ask to find out
more about their rights.

•  Many young people are employed as casuals and casual workers have fewer
rights than permanent workers. For more info about casual work click here

•  Often young people are too afraid to speak out about the way they are
treated at work for fear of losing their job

•  Many young people aren't members of unions because they don't know
what they are or work for employers who discourage union membership.

“Are you getting a fair deal at work?"

It is illegal for your employer to discriminate against you or sack you for being a member of a trade union.

By joining your union or unionising your workplace, you and your co-workers are able to access information, advice, support and representation from your union when problems arise or you feel like you aren't receiving a fair deal from your employer.

How do I Join a Union ?

Whether you are full time, part time, casual, temporary or a contract worker, you can join a union. It's so easy! Call (1300 486 466) or log onto the Unions Australia link on the following website www.actu.asn.au