Employees of companies with 100 or more employees are currently protected from being unfairly dismissed.
Employees at companies with less than 100 workers are not protected from unfair dismissal, but are still ptrotected from being unlawfully dismissed.
The new Rudd Labor Government has promised to re-instate protections for workers, but these changes are yet to pass the Senate, which is still in the hands of the Liberal and National parites - who removed these protections under WorkChoices.
Regardless, the AMWU is able to help you determine your rights, and give you expert advice on the best way to proceed, including prosecuting a case for unlawful dismissal or discrimination - depending on the manner in which you were dismissed.
If you need advice, contact the AMWU HelpDesk, who will assist you directly over the phone, or get an organiser to speak with you.
Yes!
And what's more, it's free for first and second year apprentices and thereafter as little as $3.50 per week.
The AMWU has a range of special benefits for apprentices, and has won many new rights, recently including pay increases for apprentices.
You can learn more at the 'Skilled Trades' section of this website.
No-one can force you to sign an AWA, but under WorkChoices, an employer can make it a condition of employment if you are starting a new job.
If you are worried about what certain clauses in your AWA will mean, you should call the AWMU Helpdesk or speak to your organiser for advice.
The new Rudd Labor Government currently has legislation before parliament which, if passed, will mean that no new AWAs can be made, and all existing AWAs will expire by December 2010 if they don't expire earlier.
Under the new Rudd Labor Government, workers will be given the right to negotiate a collective agreement through their union in good faith with their employer.
Union-negotiated collective agreements provide higher wages and better conditions than non-union agreements and individual contracts, but it still takes a lot of work to get your workplace organised.
Call the AMWU HelpDesk on 1300 732 698 and we'll arrange for one of our professional organisers to talk to you about how we can help you to sign up your workmates and begin the bargaining process.
Under the Superannuation Guarantee Act, all employers are obliged to pay their employees superannuation of no less than 9% of their wages, though there are some exemptions for employees who are under 18 or over 70 or who are paid less than paid $450 (before tax) in a calendar month.
An AWA cannot take away your right to super, but it could be worded to include superannuation in the amount an individual contract states as your pay. If you are offered an individual contract call the AMWU Helpdesk for advice straight away.
If you have been injured at work, you have the right to choose your own doctor. A doctor provided by an employer may have the interests of the company in mind over employees best interests, and may be able to give evidence about an injury if you have to lodge a workers� compensation claim. If an employee is injured at work, you should call the AMWU and ask to speak to an OH&S Officer. They will ensure that your best interests are taken care of, and that you receive all the care that you are entitled to.