The historical role of unions
Students may ask their teachers about the history of unions in the Australian workplace, how they work and how they can benefit from membership.
Unions have had a long history in Australia, working towards improving conditions in the workplace for all their members.
Every generation of workers has a right to enjoy the conditions and benefits that have been won by previous generations. It's sometimes easy to assume that things like equal pay for men and women, maternity leave, long service leave, sick leave, Occupational Health and Safety laws, anti-discrimination laws have always existed, or that they have been bestowed, unprompted by generous governments or employers.
However, in each case, and in other achievements, unions have played a leading role in campaigning and fighting for better conditions and entitlements.
ACTU Activity Sheets
The ACTU has developed some Activity Sheets for students which may be useful if you are looking for materials to adapt for teaching purposes. You will find them at
http://www.worksite.actu.asn.au/showall.php3?secid=6