What is a union?
Unions are organisations set up by employees to help them at work. Much more can be achieved by working together. At work, unions give working people a voice. They do this by assisting them to gain better pay, improved living standards, safe working environments and employment security.
Unions are an important ingredient in maintaining a fair and balanced workplace. Unions did not come about by accident. They were formed by concerned workers who wanted to defend themselves from exploitation and improve their lifestyle.
Approximately 2 million Australians are union members; that’s about 25 per cent of the full-time workforce.
There are more than 50 unions in Australia representing all different industries.
Last modified 2005-05-31 04:23 PM
