Freedom of association
Employees have a legal right to choose whether or not to be a union member.
The freedom of association provisions contained in the Industrial Relations Act 1979 protect employees from discrimination due to membership or non-membership of a union.
Employers must not expect or request employees to:
- leave their union;
- join or not join a union; nor
- treat employees less favourably or more favourably according to whether or not they are, or will become or cease to be a union member.
Employers must also not refuse to employ persons based on their union membership or non-union membership.
The Workplace Relations Act 1996 also prohibits an employer from terminating an employee on the basis of membership or non-membership of a union, or on the basis of participation in union activities outside working hours, or with the employer's consent, during working hours.
For further information contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.