Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has confirmed the number of Australian union members is rising as workers experience higher wages and a five-year high in collective agreements.
Union membership has surged by an impressive 12.3% over the past two years, marking the first increase in union density since 2011.
This translates to 175,800 new members, boosting total union membership to 1.6 million.
Union density has risen from 12.5% in August 2022 to 13.1% in August 2024.
Education and training have the highest levels of union at 27%, and union membership continues to be predominantly female, with 14.1% of women being members compared to 12% of men.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the growth in union membership reinforces the difference unions make in securing wages and stronger work conditions.
“These increases show that we are indeed stronger together,” Mr Burke said.
Higher wages
The ABS data clearly shows the wage disparity between union members and non-members.
Union members now earn a median weekly wage of $1,600, significantly higher than the $1,349 earned by non-members.
“This $251 difference underscores the tangible financial benefits of union membership,” Mr Burke said.
“Higher wages for union members translate into better living standards and financial security for thousands of Australian families.
“This wage differential is one of the clearest examples of the difference union makes,” Mr Burke said.
Collective agreements at a five-year high
The coverage of Australian workers by collective agreements has also reached a five-year high.
“More workers being covered by a collective agreement means higher wages and better working conditions,” Mr Burke said.
“More people are joining their union because they understand the value membership provides for their professional and personal lives.
“Unions are the only way workers can have a say about their rights at work and ensuring that everyone has a fair go.
“The message is clear: union makes a difference, and we are stronger together,” Mr Burke said.
