Business
6 Top Reasons Why Every Australian Employee Should Consider Joining a Union
If you’re getting ready to take up your first job, or you’re planning a transfer between positions or companies, you undoubtedly have a lot to think about. Some of these factors include potential salary, benefits, and whether or not you’ll be joining the union associated with your new company.
While joining a union isn’t compulsory in Australia, labour experts taking the time to consider the benefits associated with local unions. For instance, the Queensland police union offers a wide range of benefits for all police members and their families, making it well worth some serious consideration.
It’s All About the Benefits
One of the top reasons you may choose one company over another is the list of benefits on offer. In many instances, this isn’t always only about salary or potential growth opportunities. Our experts have compiled a few of the most crucial benefits that joining an Australian union can offer you.
- Helps to Enforce a Safe Working Environment
The safety of your working environment may be something that you easily take for granted. This is especially the case if you’re working in an office environment where you may not be as exposed to the risk of injury as you would be if you’re going to be working on a homeowner’s roof or in an industrial factory.
It also needs to be stressed that not all companies are as conscious of adhering to Australian regulations as they should be. Joining a union means that you will be protected in this regard as safety regulations are closely monitored. You will also have an avenue available to you should you need to report any unsafe working conditions.
- Gives Employees Access to Bargaining Power
Many years ago unions were primarily established to give employees access to their collective bargaining power. While you may not have any say as an individual, belonging to a union gives you insight into why certain decisions are made.
It’s essential to point out that you won’t always get the annual increase you hope for. However, a union will make sure that the proposed salary amendments are in line with average industry standards. They will always strive to keep employees aligned with the cost of living increases.
- Provide you With Access to Expert Advice
Another significant benefit worth considering is the expert advice you’ll have access to. Union representatives strive to assist members with advice regarding workplace issues such as the following:
- Refusal of benefits owed to you such as days off and sick leave.
- Unfair overtime opportunities in the workplace.
- Breach of your employee rights.
- Advice on how to deal with workplace bullying and harassment.
- Provide you with information about union benefits.
- Share information about the current wage bargaining.
- Render Assistance for Issues Regarding Industrial Action
Issues relating to various aspects of industrial action aren’t something you may ever have given any consideration to. This is especially true if you’re a model employee who has never experienced a workplace issue.
However, you may inadvertently become involved in an industrial action issue and may need advice and even representation on how to effectively deal with the problem. Part of your union representative’s duties involves ensuring that your employee rights are met and that you are treated fairly. They will advise you of the steps in the process and also assist you with any appeal options.
- Give You Access to Different Family Benefits
Many workplace unions offer employees a lot more than access to assistance with workplace issues. Family benefits and funeral plans are among the top additional benefits that employees find appealing.
It’s essential to check with your union what individual and family benefits they have on offer and how these stack up with what your company is already offering you. Additional benefits may be the deciding factor about whether or not you decide to join a union.
- Upfront Information About Potential Industry Changes
Many companies aren’t upfront about industry and business changes and how they will affect employees. In most cases, employees are only made aware of issues such as downsizing and restructuring when these plans directly affect their current positions. This can leave an employee stressed about job security, affected rates, and even whether or not they will still qualify for existing benefits.
Trade and company unions can’t do anything to deter or stop negative industry changes. They can, however, share upcoming changes and how these might affect you. This lets you know about potential job cuts, allowing you adequate time to update and circulate your CV. Unions will also ensure that employees are treated as fairly as possible throughout the whole process.
Final Thoughts
It’s always recommended that you review all the benefits and costs associated with joining the union affiliated with your new workplace. You should also consider what the costs would be if you had to pay for these benefits out of pocket. Doing this will ensure that you know what’s on offer and it will allow you to experience all the benefits of your new job!