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]
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If superannuation was paid on pay day, it would be a lot easier for you to spot missing super.
And before you ask – no, we do not know the identity of the one person who has more than $540 million in super.
In most circumstances, superannuation is paid on your annual leave, sick leave and long service leave. But did you know that when you take paid parental leave, you don’t get any super?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/03/07/the-march-forward-to-super-on-paid-parental-leave/
Retirement may seem a long way down the track but the money you need to have for a decent retirement cannot be accumulated overnight. It pays – literally – to get on top of your super sooner rather than later.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/12/16/why-2023-is-the-year-to-sort-out-your-superannuation/
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.
For those whose superannuation has been in the hands of for-profit funds throughout their working lives, a stable and sustainable retirement is an unlikely reality. Instead, Australians are finding that the fund they’ve entrusted with their hard-earned retirement savings has far from their best interests at heart.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/16/the-continuing-legacy-of-industry-super-funds/
“So if you’re living in pain, then you’ve got to make a decision about, ‘Well, I don’t have the savings. Where can I get the money from?’ Do you draw down on your mortgage? Or do you take money out of your superannuation? That’s really the only option that’s available to you.”
There are hundreds of thousands of stories that show the cruel consequences of the gender and Indigenous superannuation gaps. But there is no reason why we can’t change these entrenched inequalities in our retirement system.
While we’re certainly celebrating the increase to wages and super, we know that bosses don’t always do the right thing and your union is always here to hold them to account.
While we’re certainly celebrating the increase to wages and super, we know that bosses don’t always do the right thing and your union is always here to hold them to account.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/12/a-friendly-reminder-to-check-your-payslips/
Though we may be used to superannuation now, only 29% of workers received super prior to this campaign win in 1992. This was by no means an easy win, but a decades-long, uphill battle met with fierce opposition from businesses and the Liberal Party.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/01/the-long-fight-for-superannuation/
Employers didn’t offer up super contributions with unprompted goodwill – the right to superannuation was entirely union member driven and won. Today the whole nation benefits. That is the power of collective action.
It’ll soon be time to check those pay slips because you may be one of the workers soon to have a permanent boost to your superannuation.
Most Australians think slavery has been consigned to the scrapheap of history. They’d be shocked to know that it is very much alive in this country.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/06/02/how-your-super-is-fighting-modern-slavery/
Scott Morrison’s plan for working Australians has been made clear. You will save for a house or you will save for your retirement – but not both.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/16/morrisons-housing-plan-a-super-failure/
The Auditor General recently released a report slamming the Australian Tax Office for only being “partly effective” at recovering stolen super. In Auditor General speak, that is a huge criticism.
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/
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/
Women are much more likely to take career breaks to care for children, which is why Australian Unions call for super to be paid on all parental leave – paid and unpaid.
In nearly every case of superannuation and wage theft discovery and recovery, unions are behind it.
The best way to avoid having your wages stolen in the first place is to be a union member.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/02/28/the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-paid-what-youre-owed/
“The removal of the threshold is a critical step in closing the gender gap in superannuation, and one which has been promised and re-promised by this government for almost 12 months,” Michele O’Neil said.
“The time for action is well overdue.”
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/02/10/nows-the-time-for-the-super-threshold-to-go/
A new JobKeeper is urgently needed for all workers and should not be open to corporate profiteering. Add your support today.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/25/australian-workers-urgently-need-jobkeeper-2-0/
ACTU President Michele O’Neil spoke with On the Job about why resisting the Government’s plans to dismantle superannuation is so important.
With new super laws threatening retirement savings, staying on top of your super fund has never been more important, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/22/do-you-know-your-super-balance-heres-why-you-need-to/
Banks are set to profit as workers stand to lose thousands in retirement funds from Government changes to superannuation.
Superannuation is under attack again as the ‘Your Future, Your Super’ legislation reaches the Senate, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/15/war-on-super-hinges-on-senate-vote/
The campaign to undermine Australia’s world class retirement savings program that most of us call “Super” is continuing in Parliament, writes Francis Leach.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/03/the-liberals-great-super-con-goes-on/
Superannuation can be hard to get your head around. We get it. That’s why we’re breaking it down, with everything you need to know in one handy guide.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/30/break-it-down-for-me-superannuation/
What is it about the Morrison Government and its continued attempts to sabotage Australia’s superannuation system?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/22/whats-with-the-liberals-obsession-with-your-super/
Australia’s industry superannuation system is a national treasure that has delivered generations of workers a decent and secure retirement.
Liberals like MP Tim Wilson and his gang of like-minded, free market zealots remain fixated on destroying it.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/09/opinion-the-truth-behind-the-liberals-war-on-super/
Here we are, dear readers, our last instalment for the year that was 2020! In December’s edition we highlight how to show some sparkle at Christmas time on a scaled down budget and there’s an excellent deal for union members from our friends at Union Health.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/12/08/member-benefits-update-december-2020/
Superannuation can be hard to get your head around. We get it. It’s not exactly a topic of choice over dinner with friends and it’s often hard to understand. It can even be political, and for many, it’s something ‘Future You’ can worry about later.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/12/03/super-what-you-need-to-know/
Over recent years, there has been a growing trend to emphasise the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects of shares held in investment portfolios.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/11/10/the-evolution-of-esg-implementation-for-unions/
First State Super has changed its name to Aware Super.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/10/05/first-state-super-has-a-new-name/
Here is the September instalment of your Member Benefits Update.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/09/02/member-benefits-update-september-2020/
Welcome to the August edition of your Member Benefits Update.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/05/member-benefits-update-august-2020/
Happy July, dear readers, and welcome to this month’s edition of your Member Benefits Update.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/01/member-benefits-update-july-2020/
At times like these it’s only natural that many of us are thinking about our future.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/05/13/were-all-in-this-together/
In the April edition of your Member Benefits Update we bring you advice on the COVID-19 pandemic, we look at online shopping and how to stay safe and there’s some good news on our latest win with the new wage subsidy program.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/04/02/member-benefits-update-april-2020/
In the March edition of your Member Benefits Update find out about what’s happening in your state for International Women’s Day, learn what drives women’s financial decisions, there’s a great deal for union members on health insurance.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/03/04/member-benefits-update-march-2020/
Greetings and welcome to the first Australian Unions Member Benefits update for 2020.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/02/05/member-benefits-update-january-february-2020/
From Australian Unions Member Benefits we would like to wish all our readers a very happy and safe holiday season.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/12/05/member-benefits-update-december-2019/
Wage theft has dominated the news cycle in recent months – but that’s not the only scandal taking place in dodgy workplaces across Australia.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/09/30/unpaid-super-the-silent-wage-theft/
Each year in Australia, employers are failing to pay billions of dollars in superannuation to their workers yet we don’t hear much about this.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/08/06/unpaid-super-the-hidden-wage-theft/
Thanks to a ginger group of backbenchers, the super guarantee is back in the spotlight and the promised increase to 12 per cent is once again under threat.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/08/02/hands-off-our-super/
In the July edition of your member benefits update we delve into the issue of record low rates and what that really means for you, we look at managing investment risk, there is a proposed ‘overhaul’ of the super system that the new Morrison government is considering, APHEDA-Union Aid Abroad announce their raffle winners, we have some great deals on movie tickets and you could win a $100 WISH gift card in our monthly competition!Member Benefits Update July 2019
Photo: Raphael, a USU member from NSW, is proud to be union.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/07/04/member-benefits-update-july-2019/
In the June edition of your member benefits update we pay tribute to former Prime Minister and former ACTU President, Bob Hawke, we highlight five traps to avoid as a first home buyer, there’s a handy guide on superannuation terminology, plus you can win one of six DVDs in our competition!
Photo: Annie, a HACSU member from Victoria, is proud to be union – read her story here and other union members’ stories on our Facebook page
Vale Bob Hawke
It is with immense sorrow and gratitude that the Australian union movement acknowledges the passing of Bob Hawke on 16 May 2019.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/06/05/member-benefits-update-june-2019/
This election saw everyday Australians trying to unravel the puzzle that is superannuation.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/05/31/find-super-confusing-check-this-guy-out/
One of the Government’s best kept secrets is their continual denial of increasing the Super Guarantee (SG).
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/05/02/the-great-super-freeze/
In the wake of the Financial Services Royal Commission, there’s been wide focus on the professional conduct and standards of financial planners and the organisations they represent.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/04/03/ifs-royal-commission-update/
Greetings, dear readers and welcome to the first Australian Unions Member Benefits update for 2019! In our first edition for the year we have a special union member deal on health insurance from HCF, we highlight the new Sally McManus’ book ‘On Fairness’, info about union T Shirt Saturdays and there are three double passes to the movies to win!
Member Benefits Update January/February 2019
Sally McManus book ‘On Fairness’
Most of us believe in fairness.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/02/08/member-benefits-update-jan-february-2019/
Industry leaders say it’s time the superannuation system was overhauled in order to create a more even playing field for women and low-income earners.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/02/01/closing-the-super-gap/
In the November Member Benefits Update we pose the question ‘are you missing out on some super?’ We bring you some terrific union member discounts on accommodation, tips on how to be a better saver, there’s an update on our Change the Rules rallies across the country, we highlight some exciting job vacancies here at the ACTU, plus you could win a $100 WISH gift card (which you can spend at Woolies, Big W or Dan Murphy’s).
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/11/08/member-benefits-update-november-2018/
Each year in Australia, employers are failing to pay billions of dollars in superannuation to their workers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/10/31/are-you-missing-out-on-some-super/
The October Member Benefits Update looks at ways to consolidate your super, there are tips on how to get financially fit and we tell you how to get 5% discount on groceries and fuel by using our Member Benefits program.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/10/05/member-benefits-update-october-2018/
According to the Australian Tax Office, four in ten Australians have more than one superannuation account.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1 in 6 men and 1 in 4 women suffer from a disability during their working life that results in them taking more than six months off work.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/08/27/protecting-a-members-most-valuable-asset/
In the August edition of your Member Benefits Update we welcome the new ACTU President, Michele O’Neil, we help you make the most of tax time, there’s info on the government’s proposal to find your lost super, we’re calling on you to help Australia get the pay rise it deserves, we have some terrific Father’s Day gift ideas you can access through your Member Benefits program, plus you can go in the draw to win one of four double passes to see ‘Madiba the Musical’!
Make the most of tax time
With a juicy refund up for grabs, bank statements can hold the key to tax savings.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/08/08/member-benefits-update-august-2018/
The Productivity Commission recently released a report highlighting the problem of Australian workers having multiple super accounts.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/07/26/why-wait-find-your-lost-super-now/
In the July edition of your Member Benefits Update we look at simple ways to put this year’s tax refund to good use, there’s info on ways to complement your super, we have a great winter holiday offering, plus you can go in the draw to win a $100 WISH gift card!
Member Benefits Update July 2018
Save or splurge? Put your tax refund to good use
How good is tax time? In exchange for a few hours filling out your tax return, you could receive a handy refund cheque.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/07/04/member-benefits-update-july-2018/
This month we look at simple ways to put this year’s tax refund to good use, brought to you by your industry super fund owned-bank, ME.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/06/28/save-or-splurge-how-to-use-your-tax-refund/
The tax benefits associated with superannuation make it a clear winner when it comes to building wealth over the long term.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/06/27/when-theres-room-for-other-investments/
In the bumper April edition of your Member Benefits Update you can read about the ACTU’s upcoming “12 days of action to Change the Rules”, find out about United Voice’s Big Steps campaign, learn how our brains are hardwired financially, get a fantastic deal on hire cars, join our FREE footy tipping competitions plus there is a $100 WISH gift card to be won!
Photo: Big Steps campaigners at the Melbourne rally on Tuesday 27 March 2018
Money brain barriers
You know the right steps to take with your money; you’re just not taking them.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/04/05/member-benefits-update-april-2018/
In the March edition of your Member Benefits Update find out about what’s happening in your state for International Women’s Day, learn about the gender gap in Superannuation, there are our FREE footy tipping competitions for union members to join, you can register for the 2018 Mother’s Day Classic and save a tonne with great ‘union member only’ deals on home insurance and new cars.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/03/09/member-benefits-update-march-2018/
How will the gender pay gap affect me in retirement?
You’ve probably heard of the gender pay gap.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/03/05/the-gender-superannuation-gap/
What’s the single smartest investment for the New Year? That’s easy.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/01/12/your-best-investment-for-2018/
In December’s edition we bring you our Festive Pack competition with some great prizes on offer, there’s some timely advice from ME on the dangers of ‘buy now, pay later’ and there’s news on how to save money with our Member Benefits program.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/12/08/member-benefits-update-december-2017/
In the June edition of your Member Benefits Update there’s a great cashback offer from our friends at Tyresales.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/06/07/member-benefits-update-june-2017/
In the May edition of your Member Benefits Update we look at the issue of big banks wanting to get their hands on your Super, there’s great savings to be had with ME, terrific deals from The Motor Report, info on how you can join the 2017 Mother’s Day Classic plus there’s a $100 WISH gift card to win!
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SaveMember Benefits Update May 2017
Super size your savings with a home-loan offset account from ME
A mortgage offset account can offer the ideal combination of easy access to cash savings while helping you pay off your home loan sooner.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/05/04/member-benefits-update-may-2017/
For more than 20 years, industry super funds have been helping Australians to save for a better retirement.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/05/02/have-you-considered-investing-outside-of-super/
In the April edition of your Member Benefits Update read about the victory of workers at Parmalat in Echuca, learn how to save money using a range of different financial apps (as recommended by ME), join our FREE footy tipping competitions plus there are two great Super books to win.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/04/07/member-benefits-update-april-2017/
In the March edition of your Member Benefits Update find out about what’s happening in your state for International Women’s Day, you can join our FREE footy tipping competitions for union members, join the fight to keep penalty rates, register for the 2017 Mother’s Day Classic and grab some bargains with your special union member discount on a range of different products and services! Plus there’s another couple of fantastic DVDs to win.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/03/02/member-benefits-update-march-2017/
From all of us here at Australian Unions Member Benefits we’d like to wish our readers a very happy 2017 as we welcome you to the first edition of your Member Benefits Update for the year.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/02/02/member-benefits-update-jan-feb-2017/
This month we bring you a timely update on our Member Benefits smartphone app, info on proposed changes to Super and how it might affect your retirement plans, there’s a great offer on new tyres from Tyresales.
4 things you need to know…
With the election over, some of the proposed changes to super are now being debated in parliament.
Happy September, dear readers! This month we bring you the announcement of the ACTU / ME 2016 Footy Tipping competitions, we urge you to hold a CUB free BBQ this Grand Final Day, there’s important info on checking your Super statement, a great offer from The Motor Report plus there’s two terrific DVDs to win!
Member Benefits Update September 2016
Photo: Unionists at the CUB rally in Melbourne last month
New Member Benefits Facebook page ‘Like’ competition
Last month, Australian Unions Member Benefits launched a brand new Facebook page and we held a ‘Like’ competition.
Are you one of the 690,000 working Australians who are not currently receiving their full super payment? The best way to find out is to check your Super statement.
The August edition of your Member Benefits Update delivers the latest Household Financial Comfort Report from ME, news of our brand new Facebook page, with a competition attached if you hit the ‘Like’ button, there’s a great offer for union members on some fabulous discounted wine, we have the low-down on how to find your lost super and, of course, there’s two great DVDs to win!
Member Benefits Update August 2016
New Member Benefits Facebook page ‘Like’ competition
Australian Unions Member Benefits (previously known as ACTU Member Connect) have a brand new Facebook page for you to head to and ‘Like’ right now! And the best bit is if you hit the ‘Like’ button before 31st August 2016 you will automatically go in the draw to win a $100 WISH Gift Card! If you’re already a ‘Liker’ of our old page, you will still need to head across to the new page and hit ‘Like’ to enter the competition.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/08/03/member-benefits-update-august-2016/
It has been said that there is ‘nothing certain in the world except for death and taxes’ and it is that time of year when many of us are completing our annual tax return.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/08/02/did-you-know-that-tax-time-is-also-super-time/
In this month’s edition of your Member Benefits Update we teach you how to speak ‘Super’, there’s some great ideas on how to wisely invest your tax refund, we have a special $50 Visa Card offer from ISinsured, an update on the recent Productivity Commission Report plus there’s some sweet, sweet DVDs from Madman to win!
Read on
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/08/07/update-august-2015/
We look at simple ways to put this year’s tax cheque to good use.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/07/22/turn-your-tax-refund-into-smart-money/
Superannuation, retirement and eligibility to the pension are regularly in the news headlines at the moment, yet studies have shown that much of the ‘jargon’ used when talking about these topics confuses most of us.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/07/08/can-you-speak-superannuation/
Vale Mavis June Robertson 1930 – 2015Australian Unions have paid tribute to one the leading pioneers of Australia’s compulsory super system, Mavis Robertson AM, who died on 17 February at Epworth Hospital, Richmond at the age of 84.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/02/25/tribute-to-pioneer-of-superannuation-in-australia/
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/
On this day in 1856, Melbourne's Stonemasons fought for – and won – the 8-hour workday as a nationwide industry standard.
Unfair rostering disadvantages workers in insecure work: unions are calling for for roster justice.
