Australian Trade Union Institute

About this course:

Unions play a distinct role advocating for workers’ interests. Everything a union does is for the benefit of its members and working people, anchored in union values of fairness and solidarity.

This course will help you build a foundational understanding of what unions are, who they represent, and why they are essential to society and the economy.

You will also learn about the history of union achievements in Australia and abroad, from the eight-hour workday and penalty rates, to more recent achievements such as the introduction of paid Family and Domestic Violence leave following a decade-long campaign.

This course is offered in two-day training via online (zoom).

Course Audience:

Administrators & New Union Staff

Course Delivery:

2 days via zoom

Course Cost:

$240.00 (GST inclusive)

Digital Badge:

Yes - Digital badge awarded upon completion

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Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the history of the union movement In Australia;
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the role and structure of Australian unions;
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the industrial implements that regulate the conditions of employment in Australian workplaces;
Demonstrate an understanding of how pay and conditions are determined in Australia;
Identify the shared and conflicting interests in the employee – employer relationship;
Identify the source of employers and worker’s power;
Identify the purpose of unions;
Define what we mean by values;
Discuss union values;
Describe the key sources of workers’ rights;
Discuss what types of rights generally apply;
Brainstorm industry specific issues facing workers;
List how workers use the Fair Work Act 2009 in order to achieve outcomes;
Articulate current priorities for unions;
Demonstrate an understanding of collective action in the context of improving workers lives; and
Describe how unions have campaigned together for improvements to working and post-work lives of Australians.

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