About Hunter Workers
Hunter Workers is an organisation committed to ‘strength in unity.’ We successfully unite 64,000+ workers across 24 Unions to foster communication and solidarity within the Union Community.
Hunter Workers (formerly known as “Newcastle Trades Hall Council”) is the overall representative body that acts on behalf of all affiliated Unions in the Hunter Region. Established in 1869, it is one of the region’s largest community organisations.
The Hunter Region has an impressive history of Union participation and activism. Many of Australia’s most valued workplace conditions are sustained by the efforts of our hardworking workers. Throughout Australia’s history, we have fought for the right of Australians to receive decent wages, fairer working hours, and a safe and secure work environment.
This website is designed to help workers keep in touch with campaigns and events that impact the Hunter community. If you have never been asked to join a union, then this website can help you find the union that best represents you. There is a union for each and every Hunter Worker.
Hunter Workers encourages our community to join Hunter Workers and become involved with our campaigns and events. The staff at Hunter Workers can also help to resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise in your workplace.
Hunter Workers value our members. By supporting our members, we make a positive contribution to the wider community by ensuing their rights at work are protected and strengthened. With increased levels of communication, workers can unite and campaign to improve their rights.
The first Newcastle Trades Hall in 1895
FAQ
Is joining a Union worth it?
Many people have this concern. Whilst it may seem like an unnecessary expense to pay to become a Union member, nothing could be further from the truth. According to Safe At Work, Unionised workforces are 70 per cent more likely to obey health and safety standards. Workforces with higher numbers of Union members are also paid significantly higher wages than in industries where Union membership is poor.
But, what if I am the only person in my workforce to belong to a Union?
Even if few people in your workforce are Union members, you will still be advantaged by belonging to your Union. Unions provide special services such as free or discounted legal advice. They will also ensure that you are compensated if you are ever made redundant at work. It is also comforting to be able to check that workplace health and safety standards are being met. Unions also provide free advice regarding your wage entitlements and other benefits available to you.
So in the long run, it pays to join a Union.
Represented by more than one Union?
Some professions are covered by more than one Union. If this is the case, the best thing to do is to call one of the Unions.
The Union will advise you as to whether they are the right fit for your occupation and your issues at work.
What is a Union Delegate?
Delegates are workers who are in regular contact with their industry’s Union and act as the Union’s representative in the workplace. It is an unpaid role that acts as an intermediary between workers and Unions. Our delegates are vital in ensuring that workers are treated fairly in the workplace. In fact, Union delegates are so important that most Senior Union Officials actually began their career as unpaid delegates in the industries that they now represent.
Your Rights Factsheets
Fair Work Ombudsmen: Rights and Obligations Factsheets
Factsheets covering a range of workplace rights and obligations.
Australian Unions: Your Rights Factsheets
Australian Unions (or Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)) is Australia’s national trade union centre. The above link provides an Australian Unions factsheet on workers’ rights, entitlements and conditions.
Australian Human Rights Commission: Work Out Your Rights – Information for Employees
The Australian Human Rights Commission is an agency specialising in investigating and resolving workplace discrimination issues. For an overview of the coverage provided by The Human Rights Commission to employees, click the link above.