When we bargain collectively everyone has a say in identifying the issues and the solution. Those on individual agreements rarely get a chance to bargain and so have little or no influence over their terms and conditions of employment.

The more people in your bargaining collective the greater our bargaining power. This is why employers watch keenly whether the Union membership is growing or shrinking.

Working collectively creates one voice that is stronger than a larger number of lone voices. That is why employers also form unions such as the Employers Federation and the business roundtable.

Unions work for change with other unions, the community and the government. That is how our members can influence health and safety policies and laws that help workers to tackle the causes of stress and address work / life balance.

There are always other members, delegates, elected officials and paid officials who can help if you have problems with your employer or with bargaining or if you just need information.

Even the World Bank acknowledges that on average workers in unions achieve better terms and conditions than obtained by workers without unions.