If you were to ask what a union member looks like, the average person would likely describe a man in a high vis vest working in a trade.
However, the average union member in 2025 is a woman in her 50s working in healthcare.
Australia has a long and proud union history, dating back to the 1850s. Since winning the 8-hour day in 1856, workers have been organising in union and fighting to improve wages, working conditions, and build stronger communities for all workers.
Being in a union does not look like one thing. The union movement in Australia is diverse and constantly adapting as our work and the needs of working people change.
Women now make up the majority of union members in Australia.
Female-dominated industries like healthcare, education, and professions are among the most unionised workforces – and we’re winning big! Union women have won more paid parental leave, superannuation on paid parental leave, family and domestic violence leave, protections against harassment and gendered violence and significant wage increases in aged care, health and early childhood education- industries historically undervalued because they’re done by women.
Young workers are also joining unions in record numbers. In insecure industries, they’re refusing to accept the status quo and they’re winning improved rights at work. Young union members have helped criminalise wage theft nationally and won rights to convert to secure employment. In 2024, union membership among workers aged 15-24 increased by 53%, making them the fastest-growing group of workers joining our movement.
Migrant workers, including those on temporary visas, and international students are also organising in union to fight exploitation and to learn their rights at work. In 2023, new rights were won to protect migrant workers against exploitation and to create minimum rights for gig and on demand workers; work often done by migrant workers. Workers are organising in migrant communities, providing training in different languages to make sure no worker is left behind.
The message is clear, no matter your industry, your job, where you were born; union is on your side, and the union is for you.
So what does a union member look like?
A union member is someone who stands in solidarity with their comrades and workmates. Someone who fights together for better wages and conditions. Someone who says no to hatred and division, and yes to a fairer, better life for all working people.