Protected by Law: Your Right to Join a Union

Many employees think joining a union could put their job at risk. The reality is very different. Under the general protections of the Fair Work Act, it’s unlawful for your employer to take action against you because of your choice to be in a union or not to be in one.

This means your boss cannot:

• Sack you for being a union member

• Treat you unfairly for attending union meetings

• Threaten you for talking to a union representative

• Pressure you not to join

Adverse action includes dismissal, cutting hours, demotion, or any form of negative treatment because of your union involvement.

General protections apply from the very first day of your job, and they cover all workers regardless of income or hours. If you believe you’ve been targeted because of union membership or activity, you can lodge a general protections application with the Fair Work Commission.