Union Dues
Dignity
First and foremost in my mind when I think of union membership is the dignity that comes with not being at the mercy of the boss. Members know that the union and their fellow workers will back them up. Not all bosses are bad but if you are not in the union and you are treated unfairly what do you do?
Conditions and wages
Almost all union members work under an Enterprise Agreement that has been negotiated by the union. If you compare the wages and conditions of your EA you will find that you are substantially better off. The union is working on trying to negotiate Agreements for those of our members that do not have them yet. But even those members have the benefit of having the award maintained and not being forced to sign individual contracts.
Services
Having taken on the role of Secretary of the NUW since September last year I have introduced a number of new services to supplement those that were already in place.
The first of these was the introduction of the discount book. I have also put in place a system that will see new members receive their membership card and discount book within approximately two weeks of joining. This supplements the discounts that are already in place for things like dental and optical services.
I have also made the decision to continue to provide “journey cover” for members travelling to and from work.
“Union Shopper” provides a telephone service to members that will find you the cheapest price on many major outlays for the home and family.
Union members have as part of their membership one free consultation with our legal firm.
Information and assistance is also available to members for workers compensation, superannuation, Occ Health & Safety as well as industrial.
A voice
Your union provides you with a voice on issues that affect your everyday lives.
It may be through the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) when they argue for a national wage rise. Remember that raising the wage in the award helps our members who are still on award rates. It also raises the bar and allows us to ask for more for those of our members on Enterprise Agreements.
It may be through UnionsWA when they argue for such things as an increase in location allowance.
It may be at the Executive of the Labor Party where we argue for better medical services or tax cuts.
It is in forums like these that the union movement achieved the 38-hour week and employer funded superannuation.
No wonder union members get angry when a few workers do not contribute a fair share to achieve equity in the work place by paying their union dues.
Last modified 2004-10-12 07:23 PM
