Joining made easy with Australian Unions
Any job. Any industry. No matter what you do or who you work for, if you’re looking for your union, Australian Unions can help.
The quickest and easiest way to join your union is to fill out our online join form – it will guide you through a few steps to help determine which union is for you.
Alternatively, you can give us a call on 1300 486 466, Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm AEDT.
Pre-existing workplace issues
Most unions have a policy that covers the situation of new members who join with an existing workplace issue.
When you join your union, you understand that your selected union may not assist with workplaces issues that arose before you joined the union. Union resources are funded by membership dues, and so it is often not reasonable for union resources to be spent on non-members.
However, union members stand together and act to help wherever possible. So we encourage you to check with your selected union after you join – they may be able to assist you with a pre-existing issue if it meets specific conditions set out by that union.
Fees to fit your circumstances.
No matter your type of employment, there are membership fees to fit your circumstances.
Best of all, 100% of union membership fees are tax deductible!
Why every apprentice and trainee should join their union
Part-time or low-wage worker: $28 for the first month, then you will move to your union’s specific membership rates.
Full-time worker: $56 for the first month, then you will move to your union’s specific membership rates.
Full-time workers can expect ongoing fees of around $10 per week, but this can differ depending on your industry and wages.
For more info on union fees for your industry, contact us on 1300 486 466.
Take control of your working life.
Union support
If your boss calls you in for a meeting you are entitled to union representation – so your delegate, HSR, or a union organiser can come to the meeting with you to take notes and provide advice. That can be invaluable when a boss tries to discipline you for any mistakes, real or imagined. Your employer should not unreasonably refuse a request to delay the meeting until your representative is available.
In addition to your workplace delegate and Health and Safety Rep (HSR), you’ll have access to the resources of your union office – the combined wisdom and experience of generations of workers in your industry, be it manufacturing workers, labourers, hairdressers or florists. There’s rarely a workplace problem your union hasn’t seen before.
Union bargaining
When it comes to bargaining, it pays to be union… literally. Union members have median weekly earnings from their main job that are 32% more than for non-members.
But your Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) – that’s a workplace negotiated contract governing conditions at your work – is about more than just pay. Union members can negotiate on a whole range of issues from parental leave to anti-discrimination polices to English language lessons at work.
Even if you’re in a workplace without an EBA, you’ll be benefiting from union negotiations on the “Award” (minimum industry conditions).