{"id":2306,"date":"2025-05-19T12:36:31","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T02:36:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nsw.nteu.au\/council\/?page_id=2306"},"modified":"2026-04-29T16:00:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T06:00:24","slug":"help","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nsw.nteu.au\/council\/help\/","title":{"rendered":"Help at work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>STRONGER TOGETHER<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module preset--module--divi-text--6166d1a6-dfde-4203-92ad-21bf9687c60f\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>Getting help at work<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module preset--module--divi-text--6166d1a6-dfde-4203-92ad-21bf9687c60f\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p class=\"p1\">Everyone deserves fair treatment and safe conditions at work. This page offers basic information about your workplace rights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">For tailored advice, support with workplace issues, or representation, you\u2019ll need to be a union member.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Join us today or get in touch to find out how we can help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_cta_0 et_pb_promo et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module inverse-button help-at-work-popup\"><div class=\"et_pb_promo_description\"><h2 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Already a member?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_button_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button\" href=\"#\">Get Help@Work<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section help-questions\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_block_row toggle-faq\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>Getting help and advice<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_0 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What kind of help can the union provide with workplace issues?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p>The union provides industrial advice and support to members on a wide range of workplace issues. This includes help with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pay and conditions under your enterprise agreement or award<\/li>\n<li>Disciplinary processes and investigations<\/li>\n<li>Performance management and workload concerns<\/li>\n<li>Bullying, harassment or discrimination<\/li>\n<li>Redundancy and termination of employment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the issue relates to your job, pay, or rights at work, we can likely assist. Our staff include experienced industrial officers and organisers who work with members to resolve issues both informally and formally.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> We provide <em>industrial<\/em> advice, not legal advice. This means we can assist with your rights under workplace laws and agreements, but we do not act as lawyers or provide advice on broader legal matters.<\/p>\n<p>To get help, you need to be a current financial member of the union. If you\u2019re not yet a member, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/nteu.au\/join\">join here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_1 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What\u2019s the difference between industrial and legal advice?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\"><em><span class=\"s1\">Industrial advice<\/span><\/em> is advice about your rights and obligations at work under enterprise agreements, awards, and workplace laws. This includes:<span class=\"s2\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Pay and conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Disputes with your employer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Processes like investigations or performance management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><span class=\"s1\">Legal advice<\/span><\/em> goes beyond that \u2014 for example, matters before a court, defamation, personal injury, or discrimination outside of work.<\/p>\n<p>The union provides <span class=\"s1\"><b>industrial advice only<\/b><\/span>. If you need legal advice, we can sometimes refer you to a specialist.<\/p>\n<blockquote><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_2 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Can I get help if I join the union after a problem has started?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">If you join the union after a workplace issue has already begun, we\u2019ll assess what support may be possible \u2014 but <span class=\"s1\">we\u2019re not obliged to provide full representation<\/span> for pre-existing matters.<\/p>\n<p>Joining before a problem starts ensures you get the full protection of union support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">You\u2019re still encouraged to <\/span><a href=\"#\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\">join now<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">, and then contact us. In some cases, we may be able to give general guidance or refer you elsewhere, but formal representation is typically reserved for <\/span><span class=\"s1\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\">existing members<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_3 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">I\u2019m not a member yet, can I still talk to someone for advice?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">Yes \u2014 you can get general information about membership, workplace rights, or how the union works. But we <span class=\"s1\"><b>can\u2019t give specific advice or representation unless you\u2019re a member<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re happy to explain how the union can support you \u2014 then it\u2019s your choice to join.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">To speak to someone, <a href=\"#\">get in touch here<\/a>, or <a href=\"#\">join online<\/a> to access full support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_4 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Who will handle my issue \u2014 a union rep, organiser or industrial officer?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Your enquiry will be handled by a union organiser or industrial officer, depending on the nature of your issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span><em>Organisers<\/em> support member organising, campaigns and basic advice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span><em>Industrial Officers<\/em> handle complex or formal matters, like disputes or representation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>We may also link you with your local workplace delegate if appropriate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_5 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">How long will it take to get support?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>We prioritise urgent workplace issues and aim to respond as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Urgent matters (disciplinary meetings, investigations) are triaged within 1\u20132 working days<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Non-urgent enquiries are usually answered within a week<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Response times may vary depending on demand, so please include all relevant details when contacting us.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_6 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Can I choose to remain anonymous when I raise an issue with the union?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>You can speak to us confidentially and get advice without your employer being notified.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>However, if you want the union to act on your behalf, we\u2019ll usually need:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Your written consent<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Your name to be disclosed to the employer (depending on the situation)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>We\u2019ll never take any action without your permission.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>Workplace Rights and Disputes<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_7 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What are my rights under my enterprise agreement?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Your enterprise agreement sets out your specific pay, conditions, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution rights.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Every university or workplace has its own agreement. The union can help you:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Understand what applies to your role<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Check if your employer is complying<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Use the dispute process if needed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>You can usually find your agreement on your university\u2019s HR site or Fair Work\u2019s website.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_8 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Can I ask a union rep to attend a meeting with me?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Yes \u2014 if you\u2019re a financial member, we can attend meetings such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Disciplinary or performance reviews<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Return-to-work meetings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Redundancy consultations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Pay or workload disputes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>You\u2019ll need to give us as much notice as possible so we can prepare and ensure someone is available.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_9 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What should I do if I\u2019m being bullied or harassed at work?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">Bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour that causes a risk to health and safety. Harassment includes behaviour based on a protected attribute (e.g. race, gender, sexuality).<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">You should:<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Keep written records of incidents<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Avoid confronting the person alone<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Contact the union to get advice on your options<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">We can help you understand policies, raise a grievance, or take it further if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>All reports are treated confidentially. You are not alone.<\/p>\n<blockquote><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_10 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What should I do if I\u2019ve received a 'show cause' letter?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>A show cause letter is a formal step before possible disciplinary action or termination. It asks you to explain why action shouldn\u2019t be taken.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>You should:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Contact the union immediately<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Avoid replying until you\u2019ve received advice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Request a support person for any related meetings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>We\u2019ll help you prepare a response and make sure the process is fair.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_11 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What should I do if I\u2019m being investigated at work?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>If you're notified of a workplace investigation, contact the union immediately \u2014 especially before responding in writing or attending a meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>You have the right to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Be told what the allegations are<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Have a support person with you<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Respond in a fair and reasonable timeframe<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>The union can help you understand the process, respond appropriately, and ensure your rights are respected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>All discussions with the union are confidential.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_12 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What should I do if I\u2019m being made redundant?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">Redundancy must be <span class=\"s1\"><b>genuine<\/b><\/span> and follow consultation processes set out in your enterprise agreement or award.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">You have a right to:<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s2\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Be consulted before any final decision is made<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Know the selection process<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Receive redundancy pay (if eligible)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">The union can check whether the redundancy process is lawful and help you respond if something\u2019s not right.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\n<p>Contact the union early \u2014 before signing anything.<\/p>\n<blockquote><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_13 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">I think I\u2019m being underpaid, what can I do?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Start by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Checking your payslip against your enterprise agreement or award<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Gathering any documentation (rosters, contracts, emails)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Contacting the union for advice<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>We can help determine if you\u2019ve been underpaid and take it up with your employer \u2014 either informally or through a dispute.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Many staff are unaware they\u2019re missing entitlements \u2014 if in doubt, ask.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_14 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">I\u2019m a casual staff member \u2014 do I have any entitlements?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">Casual employees still have rights, including:<span class=\"s1\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Minimum rates of pay<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Superannuation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">A safe workplace<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Certain leave entitlements (e.g. unpaid carer\u2019s leave)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Potential to convert to permanent after regular service<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">The union has a strong track record supporting casuals with <\/span><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\"><b>wage theft<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">, misclassification, and unfair treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_block_row toggle-faq\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_5 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>Union processes and limits<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_15 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What happens after I contact the union for help?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Once you contact us, the process usually follows these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span> Triage \u2013 Your issue is assessed and referred to the appropriate organiser or industrial officer.<br \/>2. Initial advice \u2013 You\u2019ll be contacted to discuss your issue and what support we can offer.<br \/>3. Action \u2013 If appropriate, we may help you prepare correspondence, attend meetings, or formally represent you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Response times depend on urgency and workload, but we aim to acknowledge urgent issues within 1\u20132 working days.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_16 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What information do I need to provide when I contact the union?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p>Some text etc.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_17 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Can the union help if I\u2019ve already hired a lawyer or gone to Fair Work?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019ve already taken action \u2014 such as hiring a lawyer, submitting a complaint to Fair Work, or lodging a grievance \u2014 the union may still be able to help, but:<span class=\"s1\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>We can\u2019t duplicate legal advice<\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>We can\u2019t always take over an active case<\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s best to contact us as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">We\u2019ll talk through what\u2019s already happened and advise you on next steps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_18 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Why won\u2019t the union help with issues that happened years ago?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>The union\u2019s support is focused on current workplace issues. If a matter happened a long time ago, it\u2019s often:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Harder to investigate or prove<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Outside the time limits for formal complaints<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Not possible to resolve effectively<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>We usually can't assist with historic issues unless you're already a member and there's an ongoing impact (e.g. unpaid wages).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Joining now ensures you\u2019re protected before things escalate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_column_6 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>About union membership<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_19 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Why do I need to be a member to get support?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">The union is a <span class=\"s1\">member-based organisation<\/span>, and support with workplace issues is available <span class=\"s1\">only to members<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">If you are currently a member, you can contact us for advice and support. If you\u2019re not yet a member, you\u2019re welcome to <a href=\"#\">join now, <\/a>but please note that <span class=\"s1\"><b>we don\u2019t usually provide support for issues that arose before you joined<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">The strength of our work comes from collective membership. It\u2019s not fair to existing members \u2014 who contribute fees to support our work \u2014 to offer the same support to people who haven\u2019t joined. Like any form of insurance or advocacy, it only works when people join before there\u2019s a problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Once you join, we can discuss your situation and determine what assistance may be possible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_20 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">What does union membership cover?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">Union membership means standing together to improve and defend rights at work \u2014 not just for yourself, but for your colleagues too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">As a member, you\u2019re part of a collective that:<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Campaigns for better pay, conditions and job security<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Supports each other through disputes and organising<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Provides advice and representation on workplace issues<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\">\n<p class=\"p1\">You also gain access to:<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Journey to Work insurance (in some states)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Union Shopper discounts and member benefits<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p1\">Training, events, and opportunities to get active<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Being in the union isn\u2019t about individual service \u2014 it\u2019s about <\/span><span class=\"s2\" style=\"font-size: 18px;\"><b>solidarity<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\"> and showing up for one another.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_21 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Can I talk to someone before joining the union?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p class=\"p1\">Yes \u2014 you can get general information about membership, workplace rights, or how the union works. But we <span class=\"s1\"><b>can\u2019t give specific advice or representation unless you\u2019re a member<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re happy to explain how the union can support you \u2014 then it\u2019s your choice to join.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\n<p class=\"p1\">To speak to someone, <a href=\"#\">get in touch here<\/a>, or <a href=\"#\">join online<\/a> to access full support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_22 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_block_module\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Can I claim a tax deduction for union fees?<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>Yes. Union membership fees are 100% tax-deductible in Australia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span>You\u2019ll receive a summary of your payments in July each year, which you can include in your tax return.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_2 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_7 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module preset--module--divi-text--6166d1a6-dfde-4203-92ad-21bf9687c60f\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2><strong>If you're not a member...<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module preset--module--divi-text--6166d1a6-dfde-4203-92ad-21bf9687c60f\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>The strength of our work comes from collective membership. Like any form of insurance or advocacy, it only works when people join <em>before<\/em> there\u2019s a problem.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper\"><a class=\"et_pb_button_0 et_pb_button et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module join-popup\" href=\"https:\/\/nteu.au\/join\">Join online now<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"tags":[],"dipi_cpt_category":[],"work_area":[],"class_list":["post-2306","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"dsm_author":{"name":"Vince Caughley","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8e9b3f2e373c10af80857d35c4fab45d728442851e6424df1e0c64a028a6a89e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","archive_link":"https:\/\/nsw.nteu.au\/council\/news\/author\/vcaughley\/","biodata":""},"dsm_categories":[],"dsm_attachment_categories":[],"dsm_featured_image":null,"dsm_comment_count":0,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - 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