Union Solidarity is having a stall on every Saturday at Victoria Market from 10.30am onwards. Come and join us opposite McDonalds to get more information or help out.

About: Union Solidarity
Union Solidarity aims to build a mass based united front campaign on the ground to defeat the repressive IR laws. Union Solidarity is a wide network of affiliated community and welfare organisations and unions with the single aim of building a broad people’s movement to beat back attacks on workers, unions and communities.

We Stand Together!
Union Solidarity has only one reasong to exist: to show no strings attached solidarity to unions and communities taking action in opposition to the Howard Government attacks on our rights.

Helping unions and communities.
Each local is free to organise the appropriate response in their own area including.

• Public Meetings to facilitate community concerns
• Building new local branches across Melbourne suburbs and Victorian regions
• Support unions taking action against wrongful dismissal in our neighbourhoods
• Fundraising to keep the information flowing
• Letterboxing in local areas
• Building union and community local media profile
• Providing resources such as food and shelter for picket lines
• Acting as one link between communities, unions, Vic Trades Hall and the ACTU
  

Contact Us.
We now have an online form where you can register as a contact with Union Solidarity. The purpose of the list is to generate a pool of people that are able to provide assistance to community assemblies and disputes.

How do I join?

(there are more than 10 - just ask a union member)

1. People who belong to unions have better wages and conditions than non-union members: - Did you know that union members on average earn 15% more than non-union members!

2. Unionised workplaces have better health and safety conditions and are more likely to elect representatives who are then legally entitled to monitor health and safety at work.

3. Unions have a long and proud history of defending the rights of working women, part timers and casuals. It is much more difficult for employers to discriminate against women union members who are aware of their rights. Anti-discrimination laws, paid maternity leave and family leave was won by unions who continue to fight for improved conditions for part time and casual workers.

4. Overtime rates, annual leave, rostered days off, redundancy agreements, long service leave payments - these are all conditions fought for by unions. Employers do not just hand out entitlements.

5. Unions collectively and individually support education and training for employees and lobby for on-the-job training for members. The benefits flow onto everyone.

6. The Union movement has successfully lobbied state and federal governments for better laws to protect low paid workers such as outworkers.

7. People who are active in their unions learn heaps about their working environment and how it can be improved - they can help fellow workers and have fun at the same time.

8. In tough economic times, employers will try to cut jobs and increase productivity - it is unions who make sure that big companies don't put profit before people.

9. Unions help to break down barriers in workplaces - they unite workers and create a community so workers don't feel isolated and fearful of employers.

10. Unions are involved in important social and community issues. The environment, women's movement, Aboriginal reconciliation, rebuilding East Timor and other overseas aid and rights for refugees are just some of the social justice issues unions become involved with.