Do I have to tell my boss that I'm a union member?

No, your boss never needs to know, unless you have trouble at work and need the union to come and help you. Being harassed at work because of your union membership is against the law. The union can defend you from this and leave you free to get on with the job. Union membership is your right � your boss cannot tell you that you cannot join. For more information about union membership, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

Who can join the union?

The AMWU covers a range of industries, including manufacturing, metal work, food and confectionary, the vehicle industry, printing trades, laboratories, the defence industry and some public sector workers. Workers in these industries are eligible to join, including workers who are apprentices, trainees and casuals. The union also has a Technical, Supervisory and Administrative division that covers technical workers, white-collar workers and staff positions, including supervisors, project managers and administrative roles. Joining is easy and affordable � you can pay in small instalments by direct debit, and the fees are adjusted according to your rate of pay. For more information about joining the AMWU, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

What happens if I'm injured at work?

If you�re injured at work, you may be eligible to receive compensation through the Workers Compensation scheme. Payments are connected to your ordinary rate of pay and usually continue until you�ve recovered. Your employer is also required to provide you with a return-to-work program and light duties if necessary. The AMWU has a dedicated OHS unit that can help members through the process of lodging a Workers Compensation claim, or with any disputes between members and their employer. Entitlements differ from State to State. For help with a workplace injury claim, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

There's a safety risk at my workplace, what can I do?

You have the right to a safe workplace. If the risk is serious, immediate and you are in danger, stop work and notify your employer of the risk. Your boss is required to provide you with a safe place of work, and to consult with you about safety issues. Did you know that if you�re an AMWU member, you can get a union representative to come to your worksite to inspect safety risks, and negotiate on your behalf with your boss? Occupational health and safety requirements differ from State to State. For information and advice about your specific issue, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

I'm being bullied at work- what can I do?

Workplace bullying is against the law and your employer has an obligation to protect you from it. Bullying can come in many forms � including physical abuse, verbal abuse, psychological harassment and exclusion � and you can get help. It�s important to keep a record of any incidents of bullying that occur. A written diary is more reliable than memory. The Union has a model bullying and harassment prevention policy and, if you�re a member, we can work to have it implemented at your workplace. If you�re being bullied and you need help, call the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

I think I've been unfairly dismissed, what can I do?

Whether a dismissal is unfair or not will depend on a lot of different things � what kind of employee you are, the reason given by your boss, what amount of notice you were given, your length of service and even the number of people employed at your workplace. If you�re an AMWU member and get unfairly dismissed, the union can fight for you to get your job back or get you compensated. We can also help to protect your entitlements. For more specific advice or help contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

I'm an apprentice- what are my rights? Can I join the union?

As an apprentice, you have the same rights as any other employee � to a safe workplace, to protection from bullying and harassment, and to being paid correctly, among others. You are also entitled to proper training and paid time off to attend your VET courses, not to just be used as cheap labour. You can join the union � and it�s only 55c a week for first year apprentices! In 2009, the union helped AMWU apprentices at AGC win a 43% pay increase. This could only be achieved by union members working together. For more information about your rights or entitlements, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698. We can also assist you in getting your government allowances and grants.

How much should I be getting paid?

Your rate of pay depends on the job you�re doing and what is set out in your award or agreement. You have the right to know what you�re meant to be getting paid, and there are minimum levels set in place by law. You may also be entitled to extra allowances for shiftwork, travel or particular types of work. Did you know that union members make on average 15-25% more than non-members? For exact information on your rights, or if you think you�re not being paid enough, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

How much leave am I entitled to each year?

There are many different kinds of leave that you�re entitled to � these include annual leave, carer�s leave, compassionate leave, community service leave, long service leave and personal leave. Your employer can�t force you to cash out your holiday leave, and you have the right to take it with reasonable notice. Did you know that the unions are responsible for workers having guaranteed leave, as well as holiday pay? For exact information on your leave entitlements, or help with any problems, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

I've just had a baby, how much time can I or my partner take off work?

From January 2010, the National Employment Standards guarantee 52 weeks unpaid leave to be split between the two parents, either as maternity or paternity leave. For mothers, a minimum of 6 weeks must be taken after the birth if they choose to take maternity leave. Male partners who are not the primary caregiver can access 1 week starting from when the partner gives birth, In the interim, the Australian Fair Pay Conditions Standard provide for one week's unpaid simultaneous leave at the time of the birth. Many awards, such as the Metal, Engineering & Associated Industries Award, provide for the right to request up to 8 weeks unpaid leave at the time of the birth. This doesn't mean the entitlement is guaranteed, but the employer would need to take due consideration of this request. Did you know that the unions won 18 weeks paid parental leave for the primary caregiver, starting in 2011? For more information about your specific entitlements, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.

How do I get a better deal at work?

It�s a fact that union members get a better deal overall than non-members � higher rates of pay, safer workplaces and better conditions all round. This is particularly the case when the majority of the workplace is unionised and organised. The union helps members negotiate collective agreements at their workplace, which have better conditions and higher wages than non-union agreements. The first step is becoming a member. Talk to your workmates about the union, and about how you�ll all be better off by negotiating together with the union�s strength behind you. For information on joining or on negotiating a collective agreement, contact the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698.