The Australian Unions Support Centre provides free and confidential assistance and information for all workplace issues. We’re here to provide support, regardless of your job or industry. All Support Centre enquiries are 100% confidential.
Phone: 1300 486 466
Email: [email protected]
We’re working hard to build a fairer Australia for everyone. Find out how you can support our campaigns.
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We’re working hard to build a fairer Australia for everyone. Find out how you can support our campaigns.
It was hot. It was dangerous. And it was entirely unpaid.
Regardless of whether you’re selling gifts, packaging products, or serving Christmas lunches, we’re here to make sure you are paid and protected these holidays.
You are likely already familiar with annual leave, but have you heard of annual leave loading? Many workers are entitled to this extra pay on top of their annual leave.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/12/17/leave-loading-is-your-new-friend-these-holidays/
Your first job can be daunting, maybe a little unnerving. But hey, we’ve all been there. Follow this short guide to start out strong from day one.
If there is no significant pay increased for all aged care workers in the next six months, we could see three in four workers leave the sector.
Nurses and midwives had one goal as they went on a 24 hour strike across NSW: to save lives.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/24/nurses-on-strike-for-life-saving-staffing-ratios/
With some workers on leave for 12 months or longer, it can be tricky to figure out the best way to keep in the loop with what’s happening at work. Fortunately, what are known as ‘keeping in touch’ days are a great way to help.
A zombie agreement is a collective agreement made under old legislation but continues to operate as they have not been terminated or replaced by another Agreement.
Are you a casual or a contractor? Do you work in the gig economy? Has your boss told you to get an ABN but you’re not sure why? While of course there are bosses that play within the rules, there are some dodgy employers out there who may have you on a sham contract.
The workers that bring you the ‘Genius bar’ at Apple have made a clever move: they’ve joined their union.
At first glance, it looks like there is a secret behind the extraordinary figures of CEO pay packets. After all, how is it even possible that anyone person can ‘earn’ hundreds of millions of dollars?
The next time you read an article from The Age or the Sydney Morning Herald, have a look at the name attached to the piece. They may well be one of the freelancers who haven’t had an increase to their pay rates in 20 years.
You would think that with childcare prices the way they are that early childhood educators would be paid well. But the thousands of childcare workers who took to the streets today have shown us otherwise.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/07/early-childhood-educators-put-children-before-profit/
Some workers were offered free soft drinks instead of a paid break while others were told that the couple of minutes it would take to take a drink water or got to the toilet would accumulate to a 10-minute break.
Perhaps the only thing slower than watching grass grow is watching the rate of wage increases in Australia.
On the latest episode of Have you been Joyced? we join the cast members on the tarmac as they load bags into the airplane hold. In response to a desperate callout for volunteers, Qantas senior executives have put aside their suits in favour of hi-vis vests.
Huge corporations have chosen to pass on costs to customers rather than absorb them. In a similar fashion, the big oil and gas companies booked super windfall profits while Australian taxpayers have subsidised the bowser price of petrol. The vast majority of these profits head off-shore to overseas billionaires and hedge-funds.
“I want to be a leader for my community as well as people who are around my age group. I want to let them know, ‘You know what? Joining the union is really good. We need people like you’.”
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/03/union-members-speak-up-at-parliament/
u know how giant tech companies love championing the innovation and productivity of their workers? It was only a few years ago the billionaire tech company CEOs and executives were caught cheating their own employees.
Union members have stood together at Carpet Court locations around the country, calling on the retailer to stand up for workers who are facing deep wage cuts and potential redundancies from major supplier Tuftmaster Carpets.
Going on strike in any industry is a last resort. But NSW nurses and midwives have had to do it not once, not twice, but now three times this year.
Thankfully, there are ways to explain the benefits of union membership for yourself and your employer without confronting your boss with a folder of evidence documenting a few hundred years of systemic worker exploitation.
We know that if we want to see real wage increases, we need more than talk. We need to take action.
If you haven’t had the conversation already, it could be coming soon. Whether you welcome the request or not, your employer may ask for you to return to the physical workplace. But what if you don’t want to go back?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/11/can-your-boss-force-you-back-into-the-workplace/
Qantas refused to listen the first time when the Federal Court ruled that it sacked 2,000 workers illegally. Qantas workers have welcomed the news of the airline’s second defeat after it tried to overturn the initial ruling.
What better way to kick off May the 4th – commonly known as Star Wars Day – with workers striking back against malignant forces.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/04/youre-not-a-clone-on-star-wars-day/
If a teacher has to use their ‘teacher’s voice’ in public, you know there’s something very wrong.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it’s not his job to take action on wages, but he has the power to act and ensure workers can get wage rises and enjoy a decent standard of living.
the recent public holidays, there’s no better time to brush up on your rights as a casual worker in Australia.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/03/do-you-know-your-rights-as-a-casual/
For the first time this century, you will likely be heading to the polling booths with a real income lower than the last time you voted.
Collective action is at the core of what Australian Unions are built on. It’s both a principle we believe in and a strategy we employ. So to counteract the bad news stories and give you a break from the doomscrolling, here are some of the recent wins we’ve achieved through collective change.
Tom McDonald was a building union leader and industry reformer, superannuation pioneer, and union legend.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/04/29/tribute-to-union-legend-tom-mcdonald/
Australian Unions are stepping up its workplace campaign and launching TV ads in key marginal seats to warn voters that Scott Morrison has not come clean on plans to re-introduce legislation that will remove rights from workers, and put further downward pressure on wages. The ads will run on live and catch-up TV around the…
It’s been less than a fortnight since the federal election was called and already the Morrison Government has provided some helpful reminders of how they’ve let down workers.
With just over a month until the federal election, it can be difficult to cut through the political noise. But each of us can make a difference before May 21.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/04/16/4-ways-to-get-involved-this-election/
If you’re a casual worker putting in hours this public holiday, you should make sure you’re being paid your weekend and public holiday penalty rates.
If you and your colleagues are looking to unionise your workplace or join a union, keep an eye out for these 4 red flags from your employer.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/04/06/is-your-boss-anti-union-how-to-spot-the-signs/
It’s just what union members do – we show up for workers and ensure no one is left behind.
You already know the advantages to being a union member. Now we want the rest of working Australia to know too.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/03/31/youre-never-alone-when-youre-a-union-member/
Impacted by the Queensland and NSW floods? These are the plans to put in place, your leave entitlements, how stand downs work and the Government payments you may be eligible to access.
If your boss calls or emails you outside work hours, do you reply? Too many of us do.
Australian Unions have recognised how the working from home requirement during the pandemic has exacerbated a problem across the workforce: the struggle to disconnect.
ACTU secretary Sally McManus has sounded the alarm bells on anti-union disinformation as the government swings into full campaign mode.
Age discrimination in the workplace is more common than you might think. But what is it and what you can do if you experience it?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/01/age-discrimination-in-the-workplace/
To help protect yourself from bullying in the workplace, we explain what bullying is and isn’t, and what to do if it’s happening to you.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/15/are-you-being-bullied-at-work/
Today is Equal Pay Day – a day to raise awareness of the gender pay gap in Australia.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/31/equal-pay-day/
Australians have never been more dependent on the hard work and diligence of transport workers, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/30/vital-transport-workers-take-a-stand-for-secure-work/
Fight zoom fatigue, entertain your colleagues and show your union pride with these free Zoom backgrounds from Australian Unions
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/20/10-free-zoom-backgrounds/
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate May the Fourth than joining the next best thing to the Rebel Alliance – your union.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/04/4-reasons-to-join-your-union-today/
The ACTU is celebrating 94 years as the peak body representing Australian unions, their members and families.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/03/happy-birthday-actu-94-years-strong/
Australian Unions has joined together with a diverse group of organisations representing women’s rights to demand the Morrison Government deliver real safety at work for women.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/14/safe-work-4-women/
This time last year, Australian Unions fought for, and won, JobKeeper. This week, the Morrison Government has taken it away, with no plans for a replacement, writes Chloe Ward.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/02/the-end-of-jobkeeper-and-those-left-behind/
This week’s floods in New South Wales are a warning of things to come—and of what we must do to support workers through the challenges of climate change, writes Chloe Ward.
The Morrison Government’s IR Bill passed the Senate yesterday, stripped of all but one of its major provisions. This was a win for unions, workers, and the community who campaigned against the changes, writes Chloe Ward.
Working people in unions have successfully stopped many of the worst aspects of the Morrison Government’s anti-worker “Omnibus Bill” from becoming law.
You’ve heard a lot from me about the dangers of the Morrison Government’s IR Omnibus Bill. That’s because it’s important. It will entrench casualisation, undermine wages and conditions, and stall Australia’s recovery from the Covid-19 recession.
One shift can make all the difference for aged care worker Sherree Clarke. But in the midst of a pandemic, she actually saw fewer of them.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/10/meet-sherree-one-cut-from-poverty/
To mark International Women’s Day 2021, Australian Unions have released a report into women’s progress and gender equality in Australia and wow, do we need to do better.
As a registered nurse for the past 10 years, Gaby Norman is used to taking care of others. And that’s why, with the Morrison Government proposing dangerous industrial relations legislation, she fears for what’s ahead.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/03/meet-gaby-a-nurses-concern/
Llwyd is an electrician based in Brisbane, with nearly three decades’ worth of experience. But he’s trapped on what he calls “the labour hire roundabout”.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/02/meet-llwyd-the-labour-hire-roundabout/
Job security. That’s all Rylee Miller is asking for. She just wants to know her job is safe and permanent.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/01/meet-rylee-the-need-for-job-security/
When former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins shared her account of sexual assault in the workplace, it sent shockwaves through Parliament and the wider community.
But for many women, what emerged from the headlines was a distressingly familiar story of toxic workplace cultures, unacceptable tolerance of sexual harassment, and a complete failure of those in charge to protect victims.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/22/what-to-do-if-you-are-sexually-harassed-at-work/
Part-time workers stand to lose thousands in personal income, while others may be denied secure work altogether under proposed industrial relations changes, warns independent think tank, Per Capita.
With Federal Parliament back in session, the fight over the Morrison Government’s Industrial Relations Bill is heating up.
Australian Unions oppose the Coalition’s dangerous plans—because they’re bad for wages, bad for workers’ conditions, and bad for the economy.
The Morrison Government wants to rush through laws to cut your rights at work. These laws will hurt all workers.
It’s the Xmas edition of On the Job, so Francis and Sally meet the one person who is definitely happy to be working Xmas Day – Santa.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/12/20/meet-the-hardest-working-man-in-snow-business/
Chief economist for the independent think tank The Australia Institute, Dr Richard Denniss, has labelled cuts to the JobSeeker payment “absolutely crazy”, warning it will see an extra 190,000 people living in poverty. Speaking with On the Job with Francis Leach & Sally Rugg, the prominent economist and author explained, “From an economic point of view, putting…
A new Industrial Relations (IR) law that will allow employers to cut the wages and conditions of workers has just been introduced.
Shadow Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP says Australians deserve a “better normal” for the sacrifices made during the pandemic including jobs “that are secure with decent pay and conditions”.
Australia’s most capped netball coach, Lisa Alexander, says it’s time the “weight of numbers” shifted. The highly experienced former Australian Diamonds boss recently applied for the now-filled senior coaching position at AFL club North Melbourne and was told she wouldn’t be receiving an interview.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/11/25/gender-bias-still-a-big-player-in-sport/
Here is the September instalment of your Member Benefits Update.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/09/02/member-benefits-update-september-2020/
In what’s been an already devasting year, it’s fair to say Victorians have had an especially rough week.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/10/paid-pandemic-leave-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/
We can celebrate a victory this week, with the Fair Work Commission finally listening to Australian unions’ calls for paid pandemic leave for aged care workers.
Every Australian can win, if discussions between the government, business, and the union movement address weaknesses in workplace law that started long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
R asks:
There was a thing on the noticeboard at work from the owner saying that those of us who worked last Saturday night would have our pay docked as a tray of glasses was dropped when someone slipped loading the glass washer and everything got broken.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/09/10/can-our-boss-charge-us-for-breakages/
About Decades of neo-conservative policies and the failed theory of trickle-down economics has led to the highest levels of income inequality on record. Corporations have become too powerful, and working people are missing out. While profit growth is the strongest it has been in 15 years, wage growth is the lowest on record. Inequality: the…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/08/08/for-the-99-per-cent-inequality-in-australia/
Australia’s a great place to live with a high standard of living, and we want to keep it that way. A cornerstone of our way of life is a decent wage – not just a minimum wage but a living wage. A decent wage that includes penalty rates, overtime allowances and paid leave. A national…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/07/11/the-minimum-wage-should-be-a-living-wage/
Francesca asks:
One of my finds sliced open his hand at work over the weekend.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/05/22/how-do-i-make-my-workplace-safe/
Daniel asks:
What’s the go with work functions? There were drinks last week for one of the people who were retiring.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/11/29/do-work-rules-apply-at-work-parties/
In November’s installment we look at the findings of a recent survey by ME about requesting a pay rise, there’s a new general insurance deal for union members, we urge you to sign the petition in support of workers at Streets, there’s info on Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA’s upcoming Melbourne dinner plus there’s a $100 WISH gift card to win!
Requesting a pay rise actually works but few ask
In a period of record low wage growth, one of the most successful strategies among workers to increase their incomes − asking for a pay rise – is also one of the least used, according to a new survey by industry super fund-owned bank, ME.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/11/01/member-benefits-update-november-2017/
The problem Hospitality, pharmacy, retail and fast food workers will have their weekend and public holiday pay cut again from 1 July and will face more cuts next year and the year after depending on the industry. This is a pay cut that these workers don’t deserve and cannot afford. From July 1, these workers…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/09/20/restore-penalty-rates/
Jordan asks: I am currently working for a company that is not paying our tax or super and doesn’t give us pay slips.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/08/07/underpaid-wages/
Leonie asks: I work for the local council and I’ve just now changed jobs within the council.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/04/24/should-i-be-paid-for-any-overtime-i-work/
Erin asks: If I normally work on a day when a public holiday falls but I’m sick on that day and so don’t go in, would I get penalty rates?Penalty rates are payable if people work on a public holiday, but aren’t paid if the day is taken off.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/04/17/do-i-still-get-penalty-rates-if-im-sick-that-day/
Liam asks: I’ve been doing the same work for about 10 years.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/02/13/how-can-i-recognise-sham-contracting/
Eva asks: I am a cleaner and we clean toilets and showers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/02/03/how-do-i-complain-about-unpleasant-odours/
Leon asks: My employer says she doesn’t have to pay me the amount set down in the Award as when I started working for her the Award said I was paid at a lower rate.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/12/01/am-i-being-paid-correctly-under-my-award/
Laurel asks: I’m pregnant but I haven’t told my boss yet.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/10/27/light-duties-when-pregnant/
Casey asks: I’m working at a kitchen that is non-ventilated and is already reaching 33 degrees.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/10/20/what-are-my-rights-when-working-in-heat/
James asks: My boss has asked me to obtain an ABN.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/10/03/my-boss-wants-me-to-have-an-abn/
Gavin asks: I didn’t get my annual leave pay and when I left the job.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/08/06/i-didnt-get-my-annual-leave-pay-when-i-quit/
Weekends still mean something in Australia – a night out with friends, catching a match or playing with your kids. But for people who serve us in restaurants, fill our prescriptions, care for our elderly and keep us safe, weekends are just another work day. Australians have always been about the fair go, that’s why…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/07/11/protect-weekend-rates/
Sandra asks: I have been given a written warning at work for talking behind people’s backs; they said I am the worst one at this in our store.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/10/25/how-to-deal-with-a-written-warning/
Have you ever been bullied in your workplace? Any form of bullying — from being deliberately left out all the way through to extreme acts of violence — can really hurt. That’s why a recent parliamentary inquiry found that bullying was a form of psychological violence. And thankfully, our government is doing something about this,…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/07/19/its-time-to-end-workplace-bullying/
Question posted by Michael: Hi, I am wondering if anyone can point me in the correct direction regarding what union to join etc, I work in the security industry and to be honest I am sick of the BS, the company I currently works for has basically lied time and time again about rosters, fly in and fly out dates and the change of roster regarding pay.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/03/help-for-the-security-industry/
Question posted by John: I injured the tendons in my hand at work and I had to work the next day and my hand swelled up.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/02/injury-at-work/
Question posted by Glenn: I am currently a third year apprentice chef for a pub/ hotel, with no accommodation I am 25 years old and I receive $13 an hour, no extra money for the weekend and I am full time.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/02/apprentice-pay/
Question posted by Sonia: My husband is a disability support worker who attended a compulsory training course in work hours and was told he was not going to be paid for that time.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/02/no-pay-for-compulsory-training/
