About Unions

Factsheets / About Unions

Unions fight to protect jobs, workers’ incomes and safety. Unions are all about joining and acting together to win a better deal for workers. Throughout Australia’s history, union members have fought hard to improve working conditions and safety for all workers. Members have won important rights – like sick pay, annual leave, penalty rates and reasonable work hours. But the fight is far from over. So long as workers’ rights are being challenged, Australian unions will stand up for what’s fair. Unions continue to fight for all workers’ rights while delivering on the changing needs of members. In this section you will find information on what being a union member will mean for you:

Why join your union?

There are so many reasons why joining your union is the best decision of your working life.

Union members earn more. Here’s why.

The median weekly earnings for workers who are union members is $251 higher than for workers who are not union members, according to the ABS.

How to make change in your workplace

It happens to everyone: you’re bound to face problems at work at one point or another. This guide is here to help you figure out how to deal with it.

Delegates

Union delegates can be found in a whole variety of workplaces across the country. Delegates (also known as ‘shop stewards’ or ‘union reps’) are there so you and your workmates are treated fairly and with respect at work.

Safe and Inclusive Workplaces

Union workplaces are safer workplaces. Many of the rights we take for granted were fought for and won by union members, such as workers’ compensation and bans on asbestos.

About the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)

The ACTU is the peak national body for over 30 affiliated unions and almost two million workers.

Industrial Action

Industrial action is action taken by workers to try and improve their wages and conditions. Some examples include strike and work-stoppages, go-slows or protests. Industrial action has been an important tool for workers throughout history, but today in Australia, there are strict rules around the types of industrial action available to workers and when it can be taken legally. The best way to improve your wages and conditions and make sure you’re protected is to join your union. The right to strike The right to strike or withdraw your labour is an internationally recognised human right. However, under...

Union Achievements

Just about everything good about our working lives is because of unions. That is a huge boast, but we can back it in. Take a look at this impressive list of union achievements. Annual Leave Paid Annual Leave was first won after a campaign by printing workers in 1936. The Arbitration Commission granted the workers paid leave, which was then gained by other workers through their unions in different industries. Annual leave loading of 17.5 per cent was first won by workers in the Metal Industry in 1973. Awards Awards are legally binding documents that set out the...

Which is the union for you?

Any job. Any industry. No matter what you do or who you work for, you belong in a union.

About unions

union members stand together for better workplace conditions and protected workers' rights.