September 25,2008

All working Australians stand to benefit from the new online Membership and Advice Service launched by Unions Australia today.

Our new website makes joining a union easy and provides a gateway for workers to ask our Helpline if they have a problem at work said Australian Council of Trade Unions Secretary Jeff Lawrence.

"The Unions Australia website is much more than a joining facility, it also provides an expert employment advice service through our national Helpline.

"The Helpline gives Australian workers the opportunity to ask experienced advisors for information and pathways to solutions for any issue they may encounter in their workplace.

"Employees may be concerned about their wages, entitlements and rights or worried about harassment and unfair treatment.

"All Australian workers are eligible for advice and support from the Helpline which will put them in touch with their relevant union," said Mr Lawrence.

As a national membership service, what makes Unions Australia unique is that it does the legwork for the prospective member.

It provides a one stop shop for all Australian workers to sign up and become a union member. Unions Australia makes joining a union easy, fast and ensures the member is connected with the right union.

Prospective members can join online using our online wizard, which asks a short series of questions that takes about three to four minutes. The prospective member's answers then determine the flat union fee he or she pays for the first six months of membership.

Applicants via the Unions Australia website or Helpline are immediately joined to the relevant union for their occupation and workplace.

Unions affiliated to the Australian Council of Trade Unions participate in the membership facility.

"There is a union for every working person in Australia and this new website makes it easier than ever for workers to get the protection and security of union membership," said Mr Lawrence.