Unions ACT is the peak body for trade unions in Canberra and the region. We represent 24 unions and 30,000 union members. We are an affiliate member of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

We aim to link workers with their appropriate trade union and we facilitate contact with and between different unions and other organisations such as government, lobby groups, political parties, community groups and others interested in protecting worker’s rights at work.

We can provide general advice about industrial issues but in the first instance we generally connect enquiries with a particular union.

So 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 1.8 million Australians are union members, that’s about 20% of the full time workforce. There are more than 50 unions in Australia representing all different industries.

The Purpose of unions
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 & working conditions of members, and to defend and promote a fair and safe working environment. Unions exist to assist workers with their rights in the workplace and improve working
conditions. Unions inform and educate members and the community about the issues workers confront.

Unions are important because it is unlikely workers would win these kind of battles alone. Individual employees may not be able to do much, but bound together in a union,
they have the strength of thousands to protect them. In many workplaces, it may be hard for an individual to make a difference on their own. Campaigning unions cannot be ignored whether the issue is job security, the protection of workers entitlements, occupational health and safety or wages.

Why Should I Join A Union?
Trade unions have a long and proud history in Australia. The earliest trade unions or guils were formed in the early colonies of Sydney & Victoria. Trade unions represent ordinary workers in all industries across Australia. No matter where you work, your age, gender, race or interests – there is a union that will protect your industrial rights at work.

We represent building and construction workers, health & community service workers, teachers, public servants, retail workers, firefighters, police, drivers, mechanics and many others.

The best reason to join a union is to benefit from accessible advice about industrial rights, pay & conditions, awards, collective agreements, superannuation entitlements, holiday leave and long service leave. Unions advocate for workers in their workplaces and help negotiate pay and working conditions with their employers. Most people find it hard to negotiate agreements individually and this is especially so for young people, women and migrant workers. Bargaining collectively as a group is a better way to achieve a fair outcome for all in the workplace.