What is a union?

Unions are for workers

Yeap, it is as simple as that. Unions are organisations run by workers to help employees get a fair go at work.

Unions are based on the simple idea that much more can be achieved by working together. Unions give employees a stronger voice at work and in the community. Over the years, unions have helped get better pay, shorter working hours and safer work.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that union members earn on average 15% more than non-members.

Today about 1.7 million Australians are union members. They belong to 46 major unions in Australia representing every industry.

Unions @ work

Unions provide their members with information, advice and support to get organised in the workplace. People who are not union members may need to pay thousands of dollars to lawyers to get similar advice or support.

But the best thing about unions is that your actions can help improve the situation of other workers. For example, if you ask the union to help you to make the workplace safer for you – it becomes safer for everyone.

Improvements won by unions, like shorter hours and superannuation, are now enjoyed by all employees.

Benefit from industry experience

Originally unions were called ‘trade unions’, with dozens of different unions each representing a trade. But now the biggest unions represent people from a industry or part of the workforce.

For example the Finance Sector Union represents people who work in banks and insurance companies. Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association represents people in shops and warehouses.

That means the union understands the industry and has lots of experience in dealing with employers. If you have a problem at work, it is probably a problem that a union has dealt with before.

How much does union membership cost?

Membership fees or ‘dues’ are usually worked out on how many hours you work in a week or how much you earn. Most union dues are between $2 per week and $6 per week - depending on the hours you work and how much you get paid. Union fees are fully tax deductible – which helps you get a refund at tax time!

A union for everyone

Whether you hammer in nails, put through sales or dance the ballet, there is a union for everyone (except the military). Australian workers generally belong to one of 20 industry unions. However, there are also about another 20 smaller unions who represent workers from a specialised area of work. Unions are not just for people who work full-time. Casuals, part-timers, apprentices and trainees can all join their industry union.

Can I join a union?

Every worker - part-time, full-time, casual, temporary, apprentice, trainee or contract - can join a union. The easiest way to join a union is to call Unions Australia on 1300 486 466 and they can help you join any union. (You can join on line by clicking here)

It’s illegal for your employer discriminate against you because you are a union member.