Everyone knows where the union is if they need help…

It seems that not a week goes by at IEU that we don’t have a plea for help from someone wanting to join our union because of serious issues at their school that either threaten their employment or have manifested as personal or mental health issues.

Alarmingly, these pleas are from teachers or support staff who, by their own admission, have known about the IEU for years but have never joined because they haven’t needed help before. Suddenly, they know where the union is when they desperately need help.

Why wouldn’t someone join their Union?

It pays to be covered for any career emergency ahead of time. So often we hear “I never expected that it could happen to me!” No-one is immune to disaster.

If your employer is anxious about union membership on site that is a very good reason to join.  You are not likely to get a good hearing on any contentious issue without some collective backing.

Membership fees ARE affordable. Union fees are less than 1% of your gross annual salary and are generally tax deductible. In addition, IEU members have access to FREE professional learning sessions (online and at the IEU) and they receive member-only shopping discounts from Union Shopper – all these (and many more) benefits offset the actual cost of membership.

What happens if a non-member needs help in a workplace issue?

When a non-member contacts our office pleading for help — even offering to pay back-fees— we cannot assist, we can only assist members.

We are talking about people who may potentially lose their jobs and income, which in turn may have far-reaching, long-term implications for their lives. Had they joined the IEU at least 3-months prior to having an issue, they would receive industrial, legal and workplace advice as part of their membership fee.

Can a non-member just engage legal assistance and not join the IEU?

Of course!

Bear in mind that legal advice and advocacy is not cheap. Chances are, that if the employment matter is taken to court, an experienced barrister will charge up to $11,000 per day in a courtroom.[1]

Membership of the IEU includes workplace advocacy and support to protect your salary, your career, and most importantly, your mental and physical health. What price do you put on that?

[1] https://lawpath.com.au/blog/how-much-should-i-pay-for-a-lawyer