A union is an organised group of workers who collectively use their strength to raise issues and have a voice in the workplace. The most important strength of a union is its members, and members participate in building that strength by supporting each other.
Using the collective strength and influence of each other, union members have helped improve working conditions and won important changes for people in the workforce including annual leave, workers compensation, parental leave, superannuation, and sick pay.
Being part of a union helps to protect your rights at work and to access advice and support from experts and workplace delegates. As a union member, you gain strength and bargaining power from the collective influence of the union. Instead of an individual representing yourself, the union acts as a collective body of workers representing your best interests and the interests of other workers.