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, through collective bargaining and strength in the
workplace.
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of
Statistics show that union members earn on average 14.9% more than non-members
do.
Being in a union is even better for part-timers, women,
young people and casuals. On average: part-time workers are 42.9% better off;
women are 24% better off; 15-19 year-olds are 20.2% better off; and casuals are
16.2% better off.
At home, union members also benefit by accessing
everyday services at preferential rates.
ACTU Member Connect, the commercial arm of the ACTU, has
packaged together quality services at preferential prices for union members by
utilising the bargaining power of 1.9 million members. These services include
banking products, financial advice, computers, telephone shopping and discount
cinema tickets.