What is a Union?

Australia’s history can’t be written without reference to the trade union movement.  The eight hour day, equal pay for women, annual leave, maternity leave, sick leave, penalty rates and superannuation were all hard fought for and won by trade unionists.  While we take those things for granted today, at the time everyday working men and women had to fight for these rights.  They won them by joining their union and working collectively to get a better deal.  When you join your union you are securing a better life. Your union will always be in your corner, fighting for you. Unions are professional organisations which exist only to support their members. They can tell you what your wage and conditions should be, help negotiate better pay and entitlements, and represent you in a dispute with your employer.