Union

(unionism, unions)

In Australian political discussion, union is usually shorthand for trade union, an organisation formed to represent workers. Individual unions, such as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, represent workers doing different jobs in the same type of industry. Others, such as the Teachers' Federation, cover people engaged in the same type of employment, in this case teaching. In Australia, the peak union body is the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

In many countries, unions have the status of a legal entity and can negotiate with employers to improve wages and working conditions for the workers they represent. This process is known as collective bargaining over facets of working life that need to be agreed upon by both employers and workers, such as wages, working hours and other terms and conditions of employment. In many situations, unions do not have legal rights to collective bargaining and workers may threaten strikes or other collective action to pressure employers to negotiate.

Unions may also engage with other broader political or social movements in campaigns over common interests. In some countries, including Australia, unions are closely aligned with social democratic political parties, like the Australian Labor Party. Unions often use their organisational strength to advocate for social policies and legislation, such as minimum wage policies, that will be positive for their members or for workers in general.

Unions have had a long history of collective action and political involvement.