About United Workers Union
United Workers Union (UWU) members never stand alone. As one of Australia’s biggest unions with a 100-year history and 150,000 members across more than 45 industries, we use our member power to win higher wages and justice for workers through collective action. Our members get expert help at work, monitor and maintain safety and health of coworkers and fight for the issues that matter in our workplaces.
Learn more about the benefits of joining the United Workers Union here
UWU also makes submissions to government and Fair Work that elevate our members’ voices and experiences in workplaces across our industries. We use research, member surveys and policy analysis to make recommendations for wage increases and workplace reform in the National Employment Standards.
Our Values
UWU puts members at the centre of everything we do. Our values underpin the work we do. Our commitment to a fair and just society that puts workers before profit is guided by solidarity, integrity, diversity and empowerment.
Solidarity
As a union that covers a wide range of industries, we stand with each other as one. Our common goals of justice and fairness for all workers come together to support individuals and groups in hundreds of workplaces across Australia.
Integrity
Diversity
Empowerment
People power is at the centre of all we do as a union. There is power in numbers and every one of us matters. Our members are encouraged to become leaders and build confidence in others to tackle social, industrial and safety issues. We don’t sit on the fence. We call members to the front and act.
Leadership
We are a member-run union. Our leadership consists of a Member Council of up to 500 elected UWU members from a range of industries and a National Executive of 12-24 members who have expertise in industrial relations and manage governance over member funds, workplace organising, industrial action, legal expertise, staffing, IT, auditing and policy direction.
Elections
Elections are held every 4 years. In 2026, the Member Council elections will begin in May, with a result announced in July.
Affiliations
UWU also looks beyond the industries we cover and national borders through affiliations with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), The Australia Labor Party (ALP), Union Aid Abroad APHEDA and the IUF.
Our History
Over 100 Years of Collective Power
Australia’s union movement has a long history. Over decades, as the economy changes, the nature of work evolves and new industries emerge, the union movement has adapted and risen to the challenges of keeping workers safe, advocating for a living wage and secure work.
The United Workers Union has a long history of organising workers across casualised and isolated industries. From the outset, we have fought for higher wages, better conditions, safety and respect for workers in industries that have been undervalued. In our 100-year history we fought for entitlements like paid sick leave, holidays and a 40-hour work week that are now taken for granted. Find out more.
Liquor Trade, Hospitality & Miscellaneous Workers Union amalgamate after transport industry workers exit and form own union.
‘Missos’ become the United Voice in 1992
United Voice joins with National Union of Workers to become United Workers Union – one of Australia’s largest unions, with more than 150,000 members across 45+ industries.
Today, our diversity of membership and coverage is our collective strength – allowing us to take on the major challenges our members face and win big, long-term outcomes.