UNION MEMBERSHIP ON THE RISE IN SA

19 May 2010

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that union membership in South Australia is on the rise, in line with the trend nationally.

South Australia enjoyed the third largest percentage increase in union membership behind WA and Queensland.

Nationally membership rose from 18.9% in 2008 to 19.7% in 2009.  in SA, it jumped from 19.4% to 20.6%.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says it's a strong and heartening recovery after the dark days of WorkChoices.

"It was a real struggle for unions to do their job of representing workers when the federal Coalition's WorkChoices laws saw us barred from workplaces, and even threatened with fines or jail for standing up for workers' rights", Ms Giles says.

"But we took on that challenge and weathered the blow to our membership by being proactive and tackling John Howard and his IR Minister Tony Abbott head on."

"We set out to get rid of WorkChoices - and its architects - and deliver improvements for workers.  Getting rid of the Howard government was a significant victory for working Australians and their unions.  The more we grow, the stronger we become and the greater our capacity to protect workers and their families."

"But the fight isn't over yet.  Tony Abbott has made it clear he favours reintroducing the worst elements of WorkChoices under another name.  We say, whatever the name, never again.  We'll continue to fight for workers rights and urge people to join the strength and join a union."

"The benefits of union membership should not be understated.  Not only does unit help protect employment conditions and job security, but it also means better pay.  Union members on average receive $145 a week more than non members - clearly union membership is a good investment", Ms Giles says.