What Unions Do

What unions do

Organiser Sharon Sanchez

Trade unions are collective organisations made up of working people who join together to advance their common interests. And the ASU is no different. We rely on the active participation and energy of our members in defending and improving working conditions.

People join the ASU to have a voice in their workplace or industry and to use this voice to protect and improve their wages, working conditions and rights. Without a union working people have little bargaining power, making it difficult to negotiate an improved deal — because the boss calls the shots.

Government figures confirm that employees covered by union-negotiated workplace agreements earn, on average, 15% more than other Australian workers. The gap is even greater for women and casual workers.

By joining the ASU you are strengthening the union’s bargaining power and reaping the rewards through improved wages and working conditions.

As well as supporting workplace agreement negotiations, your membership of the ASU entitles you to advice and support on a range of work related matters.

Areas of advice and support

Advice and support on matters including:

  • receiving correct wages entitlements,

  • grievances and disputes,

  • negotiating workplace change,

  • unfair dismissals,

  • disciplinary action,

  • restructuring,

  • redundancy,

  • Workcover,

  • occupational health and safety,

  • discrimination,

  • harassment


Membership overview

Only ASU members are entitled to representation, expert legal advice, advocacy and assistance from a workplace delegate or union organiser in resolving workplace issues.

The Union office coordinates the activities of our workplace representatives across workplaces and industries, providing training, support and specialist advice.

ASU membership also provides members with access to legal services; discount purchasing, financial, medical and dental programs; computer packages travel and holiday services and more. Find out more about our non-industrial member services.