JOIN THE UNION ... FEEL THE STRENGTH
 Then you must be a worker!
Just think about it. Who decides if you get a job, what pay you get, if you have any vacation, if you get fired.
It's simple: the employer ... your boss.
This is nothing new. Workers and employers have never been equal. That's why workers have always formed and joined trade unions.
It's the only way we can get a voice ... get some power with which to fightback and look after OUR interests.
So what are the benefits of joining a Union?
Higher Pay
There's no doubt about it. Wherever workers are organised, pay is higher. This is one of the main reasons why workers join trade unions - and why employers resist!
Better Vacation
Far too many workers get as little as ten days vacation a year - and some get nothing at all. Vacation is a right we say. And we look for a minimum of 15 days a year.
Equal Pay
It is well known that women workers get paid less than men. The reason is that traditional "women's work" is valued less and paid less. We believe in equal pay for work of equal value. Don't ask your employer about this. They are happy with low pay for all workers and even lower pay for women workers.
Pension Rights
Far too few workers have Pensions. This is not a 'perk' but a right! Pensions are deferred wages that workers have to live on when they retire. Fighting for Pensions is an important struggle for workers and their trade unions.
Workplace Safety
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlights the depressing fact that worldwide, over 6000 workers are killed at work every day. Workplace safety is essential for all workers. But given a choice between profits and safety what will employers do? It takes a Union to fight for safety at work. And all the evidence is that union organised workplaces are safer.
Job Security
No job, no money. How to buy food, pay the rent, feed the family? Job security is vital for all workers. Far too many employers think that by sending a worker home for a few days every few months stops them getting continuity of employment. Not so! But real job security and can only be won by getting union recognition.
Discrimination and Harassment
Being bullied at work? Being harassed because you're a woman? You have the right to a safe and comfortable working environment. Being harassed is not part of the job. It's not easy, but you can do something about it through your Union. |
[*] The Industrial Relations Act sets out what Rights and Interests issue are and also limits what matters Unions can take up.
A Rights issue is one affecting the rights that a worker already has. These rights would be in either the Contract of Employment or the law, such as minimum wages, maternity rights, and the right not to be unfairly dismissed.
An Interest matter is one which would involve negotiating improvements in pay and conditions of employment. The legal position is that only where a union is recognised can this be enforced by law. |