1
Better pay and conditions than non-union members
Did you know that union members earn 26% more than non-union workers? They have more secure jobs and better entitlements like paid leave. Union members work together to improve their pay and conditions through collective bargaining.
2
Your workplace is safer
You’re less likely to suffer injury or illness working in a union workplace, but we can also help you access support if you are injured. Safety is union business.
3
You know your rights
Union members are educated on their rights. It’s easier to get what you’re entitled to when you know what your rights are.
4
You’ll never stand alone
AMWU members work in a range of industries, in cities and towns across the country – from Darwin to Hobart, the Pilbara to Geelong. We work in factories, in the offshore, in food processing, and in printing and graphic design. We’re mechanics and boilermakers, supervisors and technicians. Together, we stand up for a fair go at work and in our community, so you’re never alone at work.
5
Access to free, confidential advice and legal help
Trained industrial and legal professionals are there to support you when you need it.
6
Training and Recognition of Your Skills
Underpayment of workers through misclassification is one of the most under-recognised forms of wage theft in Australia. We’ve always fought to upskill workers and ensure their skills are recognised and rewarded. And we’ll help you get access to the training you need to progress your career.
7
Support for you and your family
The union provides a confidential counselling and support line for members and their families, because we know that sometimes you need a little help with what’s going on at home or at work.
8
Journey Accident Insurance – Free with membership
Your union membership gives you free coverage in case you’re hurt or injured whilst travelling to and from work.
9
Emergency Transport and Funeral Benefits – Free with membership
Your union membership gives you Emergency Transport Benefits and Funeral Benefits, just in case the worst happens.
10
It’s great value
Your union dues are fully tax deductible.
Part of the collective
Welcome to your union
As an AMWU member, you’re backed by workplace support, strengthened by solidarity, and covered by great benefits.
Want to make a real difference at work? Becoming a delegate or health and safety representative is one of the most powerful ways to stand up for your workmates and improve your workplace.
Learn more
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AMWU history
Organising workers since 1852
The AMWU can trace its origins to the earliest years of Australian trade unionism and the first meeting of Sydney’s Amalgamated Society of Engineers.
This history reflects the achievements of the union since the 1850s
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, or AMWU, can trace its origins back to the earliest years of Australian trade unionism. Many date its establishment to the first meeting of the Sydney branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, held on the immigrant vessel Frances Walker in Sydney Harbour in October 1852. This is the year from which we date an uninterrupted presence of AMWU unions in Australia.
1852–1891
The union provided significant benefits for illness, unemployment, retirement and funerals. These benefits were attractive in a society where there was no welfare state.
1891–1973
The wartime dilution agreements between unions and the federal governments reduced the traditional barriers to women employed on tasks controlled by male craftsmen.
1973–2012
Following the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975, the newly elected Liberal-Country Party coalition Fraser government adopted a ‘fight-inflation-first’ policy to deal with the economic problems gripping Australia.
The AMWU was at the forefront in lobbying the Senate to reject the anti–industry level bargaining legislation of the Howard government.
The union in October 2012 conducted a campaign across Australia to urge industry and government to buy Australian.
Our Impact
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Why you should join
1
Better pay and conditions than non-union members
Did you know that union members earn 26% more than non-union workers? They have more secure jobs and better entitlements like paid leave. Union members work together to improve their pay and conditions through collective bargaining.
2
Your workplace is safer
You’re less likely to suffer injury or illness working in a union workplace, but we can also help you access support if you are injured. Safety is union business.
3
You know your rights
Union members are educated on their rights. It’s easier to get what you’re entitled to when you know what your rights are.
4
You’ll never stand alone
AMWU members work in a range of industries, in cities and towns across the country – from Darwin to Hobart, the Pilbara to Geelong. We work in factories, in the offshore, in food processing, and in printing and graphic design. We’re mechanics and boilermakers, supervisors and technicians. Together, we stand up for a fair go at work and in our community, so you’re never alone at work.
5
Access to free, confidential advice and legal help
Trained industrial and legal professionals are there to support you when you need it.
6
Training and Recognition of Your Skills
Underpayment of workers through misclassification is one of the most under-recognised forms of wage theft in Australia. We’ve always fought to upskill workers and ensure their skills are recognised and rewarded. And we’ll help you get access to the training you need to progress your career.
7
Support for you and your family
The union provides a confidential counselling and support line for members and their families, because we know that sometimes you need a little help with what’s going on at home or at work.
8
Journey Accident Insurance – Free with membership
Your union membership gives you free coverage in case you’re hurt or injured whilst travelling to and from work.
9
Emergency Transport and Funeral Benefits – Free with membership
Your union membership gives you Emergency Transport Benefits and Funeral Benefits, just in case the worst happens.
10
It’s great value
Your union dues are fully tax deductible.
Branches
Our state branches
The AMWU is located in branches across every state and regional Australia. Get advice and representation from local people who understand your industry and community.
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Manufacturing Jobs For Australia
Our branches across Australia connect you with people who know your industry, your workplace, and your region. Wherever you are, you can get direct support, advice, and representation from people who’ve worked the same jobs and know what it’s like.













Latest news and media
AMWU submission to Senate Reference Committee on Rail Industry 2017 AMWU submission to the Australian Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Reference Committee Inquiry into the Rail Industry 2017 ‘A major opportunity for jobs and economic growth: national microeconomic reform of the Australian public transport rail manufacturing sector’ February 2017 1 AMWU submission to Senate […]
Dear Dr Finkel, Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission to the Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market (the Review).The AMWU represents workers in the energy sector, as well as manufacturing workers whose jobs rely on the […]
Inquiry into the Retirement of coal fired power stations The need for a just transition The AMWU has a proud history of advocating for a just transition for workers affected by structural adjustments in our economy. Our 2008 Just Transition policy paper (Attachment A) contains many prescriptions which are still relevant today. We also recently […]
Get the full backing of your union today
Join 60,000 workers in manufacturing across Australia building generational workers’ power
Union support goes beyond the workplace.
Your union membership pays for itself by giving you access to a range of direct benefits and services.
Branches
Our state branches
The AMWU is located in branches across every state and regional Australia. Get advice and representation from local people who understand your industry and community.
