The Finance Sector Union exists to promote, improve and protect the working conditions and entitlements of its members. This page is designed to debunk some of the myths about your Union and explain the processes to make your workplace a better place to work.

The principal activities of the union are: 

• Representing members in workplace and industry wide negotiations with employers and employer organisation. 
   
• Representing members before the Australian industrial relations commission, state industrial tribunals and other court and tribunals on matters relevant to workplace issues. 
• Providing information to members about their employment and related rights and obligations. 
   
• Lobbying state and federal government and other relevant bodies about matters of concern to members and their families in relation to employment. 
   
• Publicising to members and to the community issues of concern to members and proposals to address their concerns. 
   
• Conducting research and other activities in order to enable the union to effectively carry out these functions.
   
• Providing members and their families with access to a range of services on favourable terms. 

Who funds the FSU?

Member contributions are the only source of outside revenue that the FSU receives. There are no government grants and there are no contributions from employers. This means that the only stakeholders your Union answers to are its members. It's your organisation and it works solely for you. Corporations answer to their shareholders, but your Union is accountable to you.

How did we get the conditions and entitlements that we now have?

FSU members in the past have had to fight hard for what you've got. Every single condition that you have at work has had to be won from your employer. Industrial relations is not a charity, and members before you have had to organise, campaign and fight for every entitlement that we now sometimes take for granted. Maternity leave didn't exist until the mid-1970's and it was only when Union members worked together to bring change that this became a legal entitlement.

What can history tell us about our current situation?

FSU receives hundreds of calls each week regarding issues in your workplace, and offers high quality service to members on a individual matters. But how do we get the finance sector employers to move on issues that affect large numbers of people? If we look at how the FSU has won conditions in the past, it's not hard to see that we all need to work together if it is going to work. If one person stands up, then you might hear their voice but you won't overcome fear. If 100 people stand up, you can't ignore it. If we all stand up, then you will win, that is what history can tell us. You're never on your own with the Union and the boss can't 'get you' if we're all working together.

So what can we do now to make it better?

Your Union is only as strong as its members, It's an old cliche, but it's true. The FSU is building a strong network of Reps to make sure you're in the picture. If you're not a member, then you need to join. If you want to make it better, it's your only choice. If you are a member, then get involved with the FSU Reps Committee. The FSU will provide you with training and resources to be effective in your role. Your Union history is full of ordinary people achieving extraordinary outcomes.

It's up to you, but remember this:

If we organise and work together, it will be your achievements that workers in 20 years time will be applauding.