New union-won rights at work: what you need to know
Thanks for entering your email, you can read your factsheet here.
Across all industries and workplaces, over two-million workers in unions across Australia continue to negotiate higher pay to ensure all members get a fair wage for a fair day’s work. Join your union today and make it happen.
In the last three years, union members have won the biggest improvements to workers’ rights in Australia in generations. These rights make it easier to get pay rises, they’ve increased job security and they’re keeping us safer at work.
Union members are already using these new laws to win fairer and safer workplaces. Now is the time to learn what they are, why they are so important and how to make the most of them.
What were the changes to the law?
In the past three years, there have been five major changes to Australia’s main work law – the Fair Work Act 2009:
- Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022
- Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022
- Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Act 2023
- Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023
- Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024
There has also been a change to the law on paid parental leave – the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010:
- Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Act 2024
What did these changes do?
Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave
This change introduced 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave for all workers.
Secure Jobs, Better Pay
This change focused on improving job security, gender equality and workers’ right to request to work flexibly. It also simplified and strengthened how union members can use their collective voice to bargain for and win better pay and conditions.
Protecting Worker Entitlements
This change brought in greater flexibility for workers taking unpaid parental leave and the entitlement to superannuation in the National Employment Standards. It also strengthened protections for migrant workers.
Closing Loopholes (No.1)
This change delivered better protections for workplace delegates, labour hire workers and independent contractors. It also strengthened rules to stop wage theft and industrial manslaughter, and improved work health and safety for certain workers.
Closing Loopholes (No.2)
This change saw improved rights and more choices for gig workers and those in casual employment. It also set out to improve workers’ work-life balance with the introduction of the right to disconnect.
Paid Parental Leave
This change broadens the availability and eligibility of the government’s paid parental leave scheme.
How can workers make the most of these changes?
Already a union member?
Reach out to your union for more specific information about how you and your workmates can use these rights in your workplace.
Not yet a member of your union?
Joining your union will ensure you’re getting the new pay and conditions that you’re entitled to.