What is the purpose of unions and why should I join a union?
Without the influence of unions, workers may not have any voice or power. The primary purpose of a union is to maintain and advance the wage rates and working conditions of members, and to defend and promote a fair and safe working environment.
The main role of the NUW is to represent and provide services for workers and their families. The NUW assists its members in many ways. We assist members when they are having trouble at work, we negotiate with the employers for better pay and conditions, and we offer insurance, loan advice and many other services.
Workplace studies over many years have consistently found that the wages and conditions of Australian workers at a workplace that is organised and collectively represented by a trade union are better off than those working in unorganised worksites.
You should join the NUW to help protect and improve your working conditions. Most conditions that workers in Australia currently have, like paid sick and annual leave, were won by trade unions representing members as a collective and negotiating with employers to improve working conditions and win wage rises on behalf of members.
To find out more about the benefits of joining the NUW contact your local state branch. Contact details for all NUW state branches can be found on the “Contacts” page of this website.
Last modified 2005-06-02 01:27 PM
