“I’m waiting to see the outcome of the EA before I join the union.”

Many people have heard this when trying to recruit or re-join members – an important lesson to learn from the HIS dispute is that individuals in workplaces have the power to change the course of bargaining and their participation and action are key to achieving positive outcomes in the workplace. This article covers some reasons why those people need to get on board and input into the process.

Are they part of the solution?

Good results come from a strong union and a strong union is built by strong membership. So you want better pay? Better conditions? Good density and a strong union can achieve great things. Waiting for outcomes without some kind of contribution isn’t going to. Membership is the first step in achieving better pay and conditions in your EA.

Are they happy with other people controlling the outcome of the EA?

Sitting on the fence means that the power to influence bargaining is removed from you and handed over to someone else- more often than not, the boss. So what can you do to take back that power?

Members are represented in bargaining by the union. Only members get input into the union log of claims and the Industrial Relations expertise that the union wield, non-members don’t. So without participating, you won’t get a say. Even if the union wins great pay and conditions for members, they may not be the kinds of pay and condition YOU want if you’re not part of the process.

Unions = better pay and conditions

Union membership is directly related to better pay and conditions for workers. So if you want a greater share of the wealth created by your own work, then join your union.