Urgency & Opportunity: union membership trends and observations 2011 by Australian Unions

Urgency & Opportunity Union membership - trends and observations An analysis of ABS data 2011

australian council of trade unions

Foreword This is the second edition of Urgency & Opportunity. The preparation of this report (by James Bennett of the ACTU Strategic Research Team) is a reflection of the ACTU’s commitment to assist unions in their planning for the future. While last year’s report showed net membership growth and an economy wide increase in union density for the first time in 20 years, the picture painted in this edition is much more mixed. These figures (covering the year to August 2010) show a 7% growth in private sector membership (although density was static), offset by a drop in both membership and density in the public sector. In the Foreword to last year’s edition, I wrote that: “Australian unions, of course, do not operate in a benign environment. Australia has a largely de-regulated labour market, and a heavily trade-exposed economy. For reasons bearing no obvious connection to the nature of our key industries, we have one of the highest rates of insecure employment in the developed world. Over the last two decades, business has become more willing to aggressively oppose organising, and until late 2007 we faced a Federal Government dedicated to nothing less than our eradication.” These important matters of context remain relevant, and political change and economic issues have made the public sector more challenging. The title “Urgency and Opportunity” was selected in 2010, and has been retained this year, to emphasise the continuing challenge we face as a movement. The urgency to organise remains very real. Given employment growth, by 2015 our movement will need 197 000 more members just to maintain 2010 density. To return to 2005 density levels will require net growth of 642 000 over the same period. The data confirms that the opportunity exists for all Australian unions to grow. But we know that strong and growing unions are a product of systematically implementing carefully planned and well resourced organising campaigns. I hope that this report makes a contribution to the Australian unions seizing their opportunities. In unity,

Tim Lyons ACTU Assistant Secretary July 2011

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Table of contents Foreword ..................................................................................................... 1 Introduction................................................................................................. 4 Data sources and interpretation................................................................ 4 Past, present and future............................................................................. 6 All sectors ................................................................................................. 10 Private Sector........................................................................................ 12 Public Sector ......................................................................................... 14 States ......................................................................................................... 16 NSW & ACT .......................................................................................... 18 Victoria .................................................................................................. 20 Queensland ........................................................................................... 22 South Australia ...................................................................................... 24 Western Australia .................................................................................. 26 Industries................................................................................................... 28 Agriculture, forestry and fishing ............................................................. 30 Mining.................................................................................................... 32 Manufacturing........................................................................................ 34 Electricity, gas, water and waste services ............................................. 36 Construction .......................................................................................... 38 Wholesale trade .................................................................................... 40 Retail trade ............................................................................................ 42 Accommodation and food services........................................................ 44 Transport, postal and warehousing ....................................................... 46 Information media and telecommunications .......................................... 48 Financial and insurance services .......................................................... 50 Rental, hiring and real estate services................................................... 52 Professional, scientific and technical services....................................... 54 Administrative and support services ...................................................... 56 Public administration and safety ............................................................ 58 Education and training........................................................................... 60 Health care and social assistance ......................................................... 62 Arts and recreation services .................................................................. 64 Other services ....................................................................................... 66 Data sources and further information..................................................... 68

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Introduction This is the second edition of Urgency & Opportunity. The report primarily examines published and unpublished ABS data from the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership (EEBTUM) survey that was conducted throughout Australia in August 2010 with the main results being published on 6 May 2011.1 The report updates the figures and analysis from the previous edition and includes some additional data, namely; •

unemployment levels; and

•

proportion of employees with paid leave entitlements.

Selected comparisons are made between the 2009 data and the 2010 data presented in this edition. All data tables are available for download from the ACTU website – see Data sources at the end of this report for more information.

Data sources and interpretation This report is based on data contained in Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership Cat. No. 6310.0: Customised Report and Public Release, ABS, 2011; Industry Information from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR);2 and ACTU projections. Due to small sample sizes detailed length of membership data was only available for NSW & ACT, Victoria, SA, Queensland and WA,3 and industry data was only available at the Division level of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC),4 this equates to 19 categories. Detailed demographic data for each industry is only available when using generalized Member, ex-Member, and Never Member categories; conversely detailed 'Length of current trade union membership', and 'Duration since previously a trade union member' data is only available without demographic information. The following points should be taken into account when considering the data in this report. ‘Employees’ and ‘Employed persons’ The total workforce figures in the EEBTUM data relates to Employees. This figure is different to Employed persons used in the ABS publication Labour Force (6202.0). This is probably the most commonly quoted workforce figure and includes employees, employers, own account workers and contributing family workers.5 In August 2010 there were: •

11,208,300 Employed persons; and

•

9,775,000 Employees (or 87% of Employed persons)

References to ‘workforce’ in this publication only include employees.

Further information about this survey is contained in Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership - 6310.0, Australia, August 2010 – http://www.abs.gov.au 2 Sourced from http://www.skillsinfo.gov.au/skills/IndustryInformation/ 3 Data for ‘Australia’ includes all states and territories. 4 Detailed information about the ANZSIC classification system and detailed industry definitions can be found at http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1292.0 5 For more information see Chapter 4, Labour Statistics: Concepts, Sources and Methods, 6102.0.55.001 – April 2007 – http://www.abs.gov.au 4 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

‘Union member in main job’ and ‘Union member’ There are two ways that union members can be counted; •

Employees who were members of a trade union in their main job (1,787,800 persons); and

•

Employees who were members of a trade union (1,863,100 persons)

This produces two slightly different calculations of union density. The headline figure that has been used historically is based on union membership in main job; however density will obviously be higher when based on all union members. In 2010 the two density figures were: •

18.3% density for union members in their main job; and

•

19.1% density for union members.

The detailed data regarding density, length of union membership and demographic status in this report is based on total union membership; however these data were not collected before 2009. Consequently, historical density is based on union membership in main job and is presented to give an indication of trends in a variety of sectors, states and industries. Consequently there will be a slight discrepancy between past density and current density in some of the analysis. Industry employment projections Data from DEEWR was used to estimate changes in the number of employees in each industry division up to 2015, and to give an average unemployment rate for each industry.6 The DEEWR data is for all Employed persons within each industry; however the ACTU has applied these to Employees. In most industry divisions Employees make up over 90% of the workforce, however in a few cases Employees make up less than 80%.7 The DEEWR employment projections run from February 2011 until 2015-16. For the purposes of this report the projections have been applied to the EEBTUM data from August 2010 through to 2015. Obviously there is a degree of uncertainty with any projections, however the ACTU believes the use of these projections in this way is reasonable in the circumstances. Unemployment levels for each industry are an average for 2010. Employees with paid leave entitlements The ABS excludes owner managers of incorporated enterprises (OMIEs) when reporting the number of employees with or without paid leave entitlements. In 2010 there were 726,500 OMIEs or 7.4% of all employees.8 The data is included in this report to help give a general picture of the workforce. The proportion of employees without paid leave entitlements is often used as a proxy measure for ‘casuals’.9

Available from http://www.skillsinfo.gov.au/skills/IndustryInformation/ These industries are Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Construction; Administrative and Support Services; and Other Services. 8 The distribution of OMIEs varies across industry sectors; however there are only four industries where OMIEs make up more than 10% of all employees – these are Agriculture, forestry and fishing; Construction, Rental, hiring and real estate services and Professional, scientific and technical services. 9 Data for employees “without paid leave entitlements” have very high standard errors in some industries; however data for employees “with paid leave entitlements” is far more robust and has consequently been used in this report. 7

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Past, present and future Union density has been decreasing for many years. The 2009 figures showed an increase in union density in main job from 18.9% in 2008 to 19.7% in 2009; however this trend did not continue into 2010 with union density declining to 18.3%. Figure 1 on the opposite page shows the total number of employees, the total number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels – 40.5% in 1990 and 18.3% in 2010. From 2010 onwards the graph shows projected growth in employees (2.1% per annum) which would result in over 1 million new employees by 2015. Two different scenarios of union density up to 2015 are shown – stable density and increased density. To maintain the current level of union density will require an overall increase of 197,000 members by 2015 – approximately one new member for every five new employees or an increase of 11.0% from the number of members in 2010. For union density to return to 2005 levels (22.4%) would require 642,000 additional members by 2015 – approximately two new members for every three new employees or an increase of 35.9% from the number of members in 2010.10

It should be noted that the number of required ‘additional members’ in each scenario is premised on all existing members being retained. 6 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

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8,000

10,000

12,000

2,000

4,000

6,000

'000

96 19

97 19

98 19

Union members in main job

An overall increase of 197,000 members will be needed by 2015 just to maintain current density level.

An overall increase of 642,000 members would be needed by 2015 to return to 2005 density level.

Employees

1,788

18.3%

9,775

Projections

1,070,000 new employees by 2015

Union density - %

1,985

2,429

18.3%

22.4%

10,845

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Figure 2 shows union density levels for employees in their main job for the Public Sector, the Private Sector and all Employees from 1990 to 2010. Public Sector density increased from 41.9% in 2008 to 46.3% in 2009; however the 2010 density level decreased to 41.5%. Private Sector density remained stable at 13.8% in 2010 which actually reflects an increase of 72,800 members from 2009 and an increase of over half a million Private Sector employees over the same period. Figure 2 Union density by sector 100% Public 90%

Private Total

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

8 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

20 10

20 09

20 08

20 07

20 06

20 05

20 04

20 03

20 02

20 01

20 00

19 99

19 98

19 97

19 96

19 95

19 94

19 93

19 92

19 90

Figure 3 shows a time series of union density by gender from 1990 to 2010. Density for male employees in their main job decreased from 20.1% in 2009 to 17.9% in 2010, while for women it went from 19.2% to 18.7 over the same period. Since 1990, density figures for men and women have been converging, reaching equivalence in 2008. The 2010 figures are the first time that union density for females has been higher than males. Figure 3 Union density by gender 50%

Males Females

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

20 10

20 09

20 08

20 07

20 06

20 05

20 04

20 03

20 02

20 01

20 00

19 99

19 98

19 97

19 96

19 95

19 94

19 93

19 92

19 90

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All sectors In 2010 the workforce across all sectors consisted of 9.8 million employees compared to 9.3 million in 2009. The majority of employees had never been union members, 66.2% in 2010 compared to 64.0% in 2009; previous members accounted for 14.7% of employees in 2010 compared to 15.5% in 2009; and 19.1% were members in 2010 compared to 20.5% in 2009. Union members continued to have better pay and conditions than non-union members. In 2010 the average weekly earnings for a union members was $1,127, compared to $1,003 for a non-union member and $1,024 for all employees. The vast majority of employees who were union members had paid leave entitlements (91.2%), compared to 75.7% for all employees and 72.0% for non-union members. 11 As can be seen in Figure 4 the profiles of union membership for the Public and Private Sector are notably different to each other with Public Sector density approximately triple that of Private Sector density. Figure 4 Union membership status, 2010

100%

75%

50%

25%

0% Public Sector Currently a Trade Union Member

Private Sector Previously a Trade Union Member

All Employees Never been a trade union member

Figure 5 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for all employees in 2010. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 2.0% (unchanged from 2009); while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% compared to 0.5% in 2009. Figure 6 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

The ABS excludes owner managers of incorporated enterprises (OMIEs) when calculating the proportion of employees with or without paid leave entitlements.

10 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 5 Members = 19.1% Ex-members = 14.7% Never members = 66.2%

All Employees

Member 3–4 years 2.0%

Member 1 - 2 years 2.6%

Member - less than 1 year 2.0%

Member 5–9 years 3.2%

Member 10 years or more 9.3%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.5% Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.3% Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.5%

Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 8.8%

Never been a trade union member 66.2%

Figure 6 All Sectors Gender

6,000

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

Currently a Trade Union Member

Previously a Trade Union Member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er ov an d 65

55 -6 4

4 45 –5

4 35 –4

15 -2 4

25 –3

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

5,000

Never been a trade union member

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Private Sector The Private Sector workforce consisted of 8.2 million employees in 2010, or 83.6% of the workforce; compared to 7.6 million and 81.8% respectively in 2009. Not surprisingly the trends and characteristics for the Private Sector were very similar to those for all employees. Figure 7 shows the number of employees, the number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels from 1990 through to 2010 for the Private Sector. Figure 7 Private Sector

9,000

40% Members

Employees

Density

8,000

35%

7,000 30% 6,000 25% Employees

'000

5,000 20%

4,000 Density %

15%

3,000 10% 2,000

Members 5%

1,000

0% 1990

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Figure 8 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for Private Sector employees in 2010. As can be seen the vast majority of Private Sector employees have never been union members, 70.7% in 2010 compared to 69.8% in 2009; previous members accounted for 14.8% of employees in 2010 compared to 15.6% in 2009; and 14.5% of Private Sector employees were members in 2010 compared to 14.6% in 2009. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 1.8% compared to 1.7% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% compared to 0.5% in 2009. Figure 9 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

12 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 8 Members = 14.5% Ex-members = 14.8% Never members = 70.7%

Private Sector

Member 3–4 years 1.6%

Member 1 - 2 years 2.2%

Member - less than 1 year 1.8%

Member 5–9 years 2.5% Member 10 years or more 6.4% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.5% Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.3% Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.5% Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 9.0%

Never been a trade union member 70.7%

Figure 9 Private Sector

6,000

Gender

5,000

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

3,000

2,000

1,000

Previously a Trade Union Member

em pl oy

Pa r

t-t im e

To t

s ee

ee em pl oy

lltim e Fu

Currently a Trade Union Member

as rs e ov e n Bo r

Au in n Bo r

an d

st ra l

-6 4 55

–5 4 45

–4 4 35

–3 4 25

-2 4 15

m al es Fe

0 M al

'000 of employees

4,000

Never been a trade union member

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Public Sector The Public Sector workforce consisted of 1.6 million employees in 2010, or 16.4% of the workforce; compared to 1.7 million and 18.2% respectively in 2009. The trends and characteristics for the Public Sector are very different to those for the Private Sector and all employees. Figure 10 shows the number of employees, the number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels from 1990 through to 2010 for the Public Sector. Figure 10 Public Sector 2,000

100% Members

Employees

Density

Employees

90%

1,750 80% 1,500 70% 1,250

'000

60% Members

1,000

Density %

50%

40% 750 30% 500 20% 250 10%

0% 1990

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Figure 11 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for Public Sector employees in 2010. As can be seen 42.3% of Public Sector employees were union members in 2010 compared to 47.0% in 2009; previous members accounted for 14.2% of employees in 2010 compared to 15.5% in 2009; and 43.5% of Public Sector employees have never been members in 2010 compared to 37.5% in 2009. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 2.9% compared to 3.6% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% compared to 0.7% in 2009. Figure 12 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

14 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 11 Members = 42.3% Ex-members = 14.2% Never members = 43.5%

Public Sector Member 1 - 2 years 4.3% Member 3–4 years 4.0%

Member - less than 1 year 2.9%

Member 5–9 years 7.0%

Never been a trade union member 43.5%

Member 10 years or more 24.1%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.6%

Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 8.1%

Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.6%

Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.3%

Figure 12 Public Sector

700

Gender

600

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

400

300

200

100

Currently a Trade Union Member

Previously a Trade Union Member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er ov an d 65

55 -6 4

4 45 –5

4 35 –4

15 -2 4

25 –3

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

500

Never been a trade union member

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States As can be seen in Figure 13 union density decreased in all states between 2009 and 2010, except for the ACT which recorded a rise from 13.4% to 15.5% - an increase of 5,500 members. Figure 13 Union density by state 30%

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

25%

20%

15%

10%

0% New South Wales

Victoria

16 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Tasmania

Northern Territory

Australian Capital Territory

Australia

Figure 14 shows a time series of union density for each state using five year intervals. Figure 14 Union density by state 60%

1990

1995

2005

2010

2000

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Tasmania

Northern Territory

Australian Capital Territory

Australia

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NSW & ACT The workforce in NSW & ACT consisted of 3.2 million employees in 2010, or 33.1% of the workforce; compared to 3.1 million and 33.6% respectively in 2009. Figure 15 shows the number of employees, the number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels from 1990 through to 2010 for NSW & ACT. Figure 15 NSW&ACT

3,500

3,000

50%

Union density - % 40%

2,500

Employees

30% '000's

2,000

1,500

% 20%

Union members 1,000

10% 500

10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

06 20

05 20

04 20

03 20

02 20

01 20

00 20

99 19

98 19

97 19

96 19

95 19

94 19

93 19

0% 90

Figure 16 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for NSW & ACT employees in 2010. As can be seen 18.7% of employees were union members in 2010 compared to 21.3% in 2009; previous members accounted for 14.3% of employees in 2010 compared to 14.6% in 2009; and 66.9% of employees have never been members in 2010 compared to 64.1% in 2009. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 1.7% compared to 2.3% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% compared to 0.5% in 2009. Figure 17 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

18 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 16 Members = 18.7% Ex-members = 14.3% Never members = 66.9%

New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Member 1 - 2 years 2.3% Member 3–4 years 1.8%

Member - less than 1 year 1.7%

Member 5–9 years 3.1%

Member 10 years or more 9.8%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.3% Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.3%

Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.4% Never been a trade union member 66.9% Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 8.8%

Figure 17 NSW & ACT Gender

2,000

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

1,200

800

400

Currently a Trade Union Member

Previously a Trade Union Member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e

lltim e

ov e Fu

Bo r

an d 65

Bo rn

st ra l

er ov

64 55

54 45

44 35

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

1,600

Never been a trade union member

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Victoria The workforce in Victoria consisted of 2.5 million employees in 2010, or 25.4% of the workforce; compared to 2.3 million and 24.7% respectively in 2009. Figure 18 shows the number of employees, the number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels from 1990 through to 2010 for Victoria. Figure 18 Victoria

3,000

50%

Union density - %

2,500

40%

2,000 Employees

'000's

30%

1,500 % 20% 1,000 Union members

10% 500

0% 10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

06 20

05 20

04 20

03 20

02 20

01 20

00 20

99 19

98 19

97 19

96 19

95 19

94 19

93 19

92 19

Figure 19 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for Victorian employees in 2010. As can be seen 19.1% of employees were union members in 2010 compared to 20.0% in 2009; previous members accounted for 14.1% of employees in 2010 compared to 15.2% in 2009; and 66.8% of employees had never been members in 2010 compared to 64.8% in 2009. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 2.0% compared to 1.4% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% compared to 0.5% in 2009. Figure 20 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

20 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 19 Members = 19.1% Ex-members = 14.1% Never members = 66.8%

Victoria Member - less than 1 year 2.0%

Member 1 - 2 years 2.4%

Member 3–4 years 1.9% Member 5–9 years 3.3%

Member 10 years or more 9.5%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.6% Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.2%

Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.3% Never been a trade union member 66.8%

Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 8.4%

Figure 20 Victoria Gender

1,600

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

800

400

Currently a Trade Union Member

Previously a Trade Union Member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e

lltim e

ov e Fu

Bo r

an d 65

Bo rn

st ra l

er ov

64 55

54 45

44 35

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

1,200

Never been a trade union member

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Queensland The workforce in Queensland consisted of 2 million employees in 2010, or 20.3% of the workforce; compared to 1.9 million and 20.7% respectively in 2009. Figure 21 shows the number of employees, the number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels from 1990 through to 2010 for Queensland. Figure 21 Queensland

2,500

50%

Union density - % 40%

1,500

30%

'000's

2,000

Employees % 20%

1,000

Union members

500

10%

0% 10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

06 20

05 20

04 20

03 20

02 20

01 20

00 20

99 19

98 19

97 19

96 19

95 19

94 19

93 19

92 19

Figure 22 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for Queensland employees in 2010. As can be seen 19.5% of employees were union members in 2010 compared to 20.1% in 2009; previous members accounted for 14.7% of employees in 2010 compared to 15.7% in 2009; and 65.7% of employees had never been members in 2010 compared to 64.2% in 2009. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 2.0% compared to 2.2% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.5% compared to 0.6% in 2009. Figure 23 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

22 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 22 Members = 19.5% Ex-members = 14.7% Never members = 65.7%

Queensland Member - less than 1 year 2.0%

Member 1 - 2 years 2.8%

Member 3–4 years 2.2% Member 5–9 years 3.5%

Member 10 years or more 9.0%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.5% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.5% Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.5%

Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.5%

Never been a trade union member 65.7%

Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 8.7%

Figure 23 Queensland

Gender

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

1,200

600

300

Currently a Trade Union Member

Previously a Trade Union Member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e

lltim e

ov e Fu

Bo r

an d 65

Bo rn

st ra l

er ov

64 55

54 45

44 35

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

900

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

| 23

South Australia The workforce in South Australia consisted of 700,000 employees in 2010, or 7.1% of the workforce; compared to 670,000 and 7.2% respectively in 2009. Figure 24 shows the number of employees, the number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels from 1990 through to 2010 for South Australia. Figure 24 South Australia

800

50%

Union density - % 700 40% 600 Employees

500

'000's

30%

400 % 20% 300 Union members

200 10% 100

0 10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

06 20

05 20

04 20

03 20

02 20

01 20

00 20

99 19

98 19

97 19

96 19

95 19

94 19

93 19

92 19

Figure 26 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for South Australian employees in 2010. As can be seen 20.2% of employees were union members in 2010 compared to 21.1% in 2009; previous members accounted for 17.8% of employees in 2010 compared to 18.7% in 2009; and 62.1% of employees have never been members in 2010 compared to 60.3% in 2009. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 2.2% compared to 1.4% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.7% compared to 0.6% in 2009. Figure 26 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

24 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 25 Members = 20.2% Ex-members = 17.8% Never members = 62.1%

South Australia Member 1 - 2 years 3.1%

Member - less than 1 year 2.2%

Member 3–4 years 1.7% Member 5–9 years 3.5%

Member 10 years or more 9.7%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.7% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.9% Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.4% Never been a trade union member 62.1%

Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.6%

Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 11.1%

Figure 26 South Australia Gender

400

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

200

100

Currently a Trade Union Member

Previously a Trade Union Member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

300

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

| 25

Western Australia The workforce in Western Australia consisted of 1.1 million employees in 2010, or 10.9% of the workforce; compared to 992,000 and 10.6% respectively in 2009. Figure 27 shows the number of employees, the number of union members in their main job and the corresponding union density levels from 1990 through to 2010 for Western Australia. Figure 27 Western Australia

1,200

40%

Union density - %

1,000

30%

800

'000's

Employees 600

20% %

400

10% Union members 200

10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

06 20

05 20

04 20

03 20

02 20

01 20

00 20

99 19

98 19

97 19

96 19

95 19

94 19

93 19

0% 90

Figure 28 shows a detailed breakdown of union membership status for Western Australian employees in 2010. As can be seen 17.7% of employees were union members in 2010 compared to 18.0% in 2009; previous members accounted for 14.4% of employees in 2010 compared to 15.6% in 2009; and 67.8% of employees have never been members in 2010 compared to 66.3% in 2009. The proportion of employees that had been members for less than a year was 2.4% compared to 2.6% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unchanged from 2009. Figure 29 shows trade union membership status and demographic information against a number of different criteria; namely gender, age, country of birth and full-time/part-time status.

26 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 28 Members = 17.7% Ex-members = 14.4% Never members = 67.8%

Western Australia Member 1 - 2 years 2.9%

Member - less than 1 year 2.4%

Member 3–4 years 2.3% Member 10 years or more 7.4%

Member 5–9 years 2.7%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member 1 - 2 years ago 1.3% Ex-member - 3-4 years ago 1.3%

Ex-member - 5-9 years ago 2.7%

Never been a trade union member 67.8%

Ex-member - 10 years and over ago 8.6%

Figure 29 Western Australia

750

Gender

450

300

150

Currently a Trade Union Member

Previously a Trade Union Member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

600

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

| 27

Industries A summary of union membership status for all industries is shown in Figure 30.12 The industries expected to experience the most employment growth up to 2015 are Mining (6.1% per annum), Health Care and Social Assistance (4.5% per annum) and Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services (3.9% per annum). The only industry not expected to grow is Manufacturing which is projected to shrink by 0.6% per annum. Figure 30 Union membership status by industry, 2010 100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

To ta l

Pr of es s

Fi na nc

an d

R nd en tio ta in ns l, su hi ra rin nc g e an se io d na rv re ic l, al es sc es ie nt ta ifi te c se a nd Ad rv ic m te es in ch is ni tra ca tiv ls e er an vi ce d Pu su s bl pp ic or ad ts m e rv in is ice tra s tio n an d Ed sa uc H fe ea at ty io lth n an ca re d tra an in d in so g ci Ar al ts as an si st d an re ce cr ea tio n se rv ic es O th er se rv ic es

in g

un ic a om m

te le c

nd la po st a

m ed ia

or t,

In fo rm at io n

ia la

rv ic se od

w ar eh ou s

ra de R et ai lt an d n m od at io

Currently a trade union member

Tr an sp

Ac c

M in in g M an w uf at ac er t ur an in d g w as te se rv ic es C on st ru ct io W n ho le sa le tra de El ec tri c

ity

as ,

Ag ric

ul tu re ,f

or es

try

an d

fis hi ng

Previously a trade union member

Never been a trade union member

It should be noted that some industry divisions are very small in terms of the number of employees and union members covered and consequently the data may have high relative standard errors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; see the full data tables for details. 28 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

Figure 31 shows a short time series of union density in main job for each industry. Figure 31 Union density 50%

2006

2008

2010

40%

30%

20%

10%

l ta To

rv ic

Se at

ec re

So d

re Ca

an ist

io n

ss lA cia

an io n

uc at Ed He

rv ice

ty d

ic bl Pu

ai ni

Sa d

er n ti o ra ist in m Ad

e tiv ra ist in

es si

vic es

es pp Su d an

d an ic tif en

ci ,S al

or tS

er lS

ni ca ch Te

al Re d an

iri ng H l, ta

vic

rv ice Se te ta

an su r In nd

nc ia na Fi R

s rv ice

ns ti o

Se ce

un m la

d an ia ed

M n io at rm

om le c Te

la st a Po r t,

ns po Tr a

ica

ou W

d an n io at od m m co

sin

ice rv

ar eh

Se Fo o

ho Ac

e ra d

il T

Tr a

ct io

sa l le

on W

ta In

ec tri

cit y

ric

ul tu

st ru

rv ice s te

an M

d an es tr y

g rin tu ac

Fi sh i

in i

Data for each industry is presented using the following format: •

Number of employees and size relative to rest of the workforce for 2009 and 2010;

•

General definition of the ANZSIC industry division;

•

Overall demographics of the industry and average unemployment level during 2010;

•

Proportion of employees in the industry with paid leave entitlements;

•

Historical union density in main job and employment projections; and

•

Analysis of total density levels, length of membership and time since a member.

Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

| 29

Agriculture, forestry and fishing In 2010 there were 182,400 employees in agriculture, forestry and fishing which equated to 1.9% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 174,800 and 1.9% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in growing crops, raising animals, growing and harvesting timber, and harvesting fish and other animals from farms or their natural habitats. In 2010 employees in this industry were 71.9%% male and 28.1% female; 74.0% worked full-time and 26.0% worked part-time; 45.7% were over 45 and 54.3% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.1%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 82.1%; for non-union members it was 55.2%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 55.4%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.4% per annum reaching 195,500 employees in 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; consequently 200 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 7.2% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 32 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 33 shows that in 2010, 84.2% had never been union members (compared to 79.2% in 2009); 13.4% had previously been members (compared to 16.3% in 2009) and the remaining 2.4% were members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a decrease from 4.5% in 2009. In 2010 the industry had the lowest proportion of union members and the second highest proportion of employees who had never been union members. Figure 32 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 250

10%

195.5

200 Employees

182.4 7%

'000's

150 Projections

Union density - %

100

200 extra members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level. % 50

Union members in main job 3.6

3.4

30 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

5 20 1

4 20 1

3 20 1

2 20 1

1 20 1

0 20 1

9 20 0

8 20 0

20 0

Figure 33 Members = 2.4% Ex-members = 13.4% Never members = 84.2%

Agriculture, forestry and fishing Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 0.9%

Member 10 years or more 0.9% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.0%

Member 1 - 4 years 0.7%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 11.4%

Never been a trade union member 84.2%

Figure 34 Agriculture, forestry and fishing Gender

150

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Previously a trade union member

al To t

s ee em pl oy

ee Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy lltim e

Currently a trade union member

as rs e ov e n

Au in n Bo r

Bo r

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es Fe

0 M al

'000 of employees

120

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 31

Mining In 2010 there were 196,400 employees in mining which equated to 2.0% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 157,600 and 1.7% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in extracting naturally occurring mineral solids, such as coal and ores; liquid minerals, such as crude petroleum; and gases, such as natural gas. In 2010 employees in this industry were 84.9% male and 15.1% female; 96.9% worked full-time and 3.1% worked part-time; 38.2% were over 45 and 61.8% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.4%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 90.8%; for non-union members it was 89.3%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 88.9%. Employment is projected to grow by 6.1% per annum reaching 264,100 employees in 2015 – consequently 14,400 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 34.5% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 35 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 36 shows that in 2010, 62.4% had never been union members (compared to 55.9% in 2009); 15.4% had previously been members (compared to 22.0% in 2009) and the remaining 22.2% were members – an increase from 22.1% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 2.6% in 2010 compared to 3.0% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.5% – unchanged from 2009. Figure 35 Mining

300

60%

264.1

250

50%

196.4 200

'000's

40%

Projections

150

30% Employees %

100

20% Union density - %

14,400 extra members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level. 56.2 41.8

10%

Union members in main job

32 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 36 Members = 22.2% Ex-members = 15.4% Never members = 62.4%

Mining Member - less than 1 year 2.6%

Member 1 - 4 years 3.9% Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 4.5% Member 10 years or more 11.1% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.5%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 3.3% Never been a trade union member 62.4%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 11.6%

Figure 37 Mining

Gender

120

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 33

Manufacturing In 2010 there were 916,500 employees in manufacturing which equated to 9.4% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 932,900 and 10.0% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in the physical or chemical transformation of materials, substances or components into new products (except agriculture and construction). The materials, substances or components transformed by units in this division are raw materials that are products of agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining, or products of other manufacturing units. In 2010 employees in this industry were 74.9% male and 25.1% female; 85.9% worked full-time and 14.1% worked part-time; 38.6% were over 45 and 61.4% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 4.2%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 93.3%; for non-union members it was 80.1%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 82.5%. Employment is projected to decline by 0.6% per annum falling to 889,300 employees in 2015. Figure 38 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 39 shows that in 2010, 64.7% had never been union members (compared to 61.0% in 2009); 16.9% had previously been members (compared to 17.7% in 2009) and the remaining 18.5% were members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a decrease from 21.3% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 1.9% in 2010 compared to 1.6% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% compared to 0.5% in 2009. Figure 38 Manufacturing

1,200

50%

45% 1,000

Employees 916.5

889.3

40%

35% 800 Projections '000's

30%

600

Union density - %

25%

20%

400 15% Static membership would retain current density level.

Union members in main job

10% 200

163.2

158.4 5%

34 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 39 Members = 18.5% Ex-members = 16.9% Never members = 64.7%

Manufacturing Member 1 - 4 years 4.4%

Member - less than 1 year 1.9%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 2.5% Member 10 years or more 9.7% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 3.1%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 13.1% Never been a trade union member 64.7%

Figure 40 Manufacturing

Gender

600

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

300

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

450

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 35

Electricity, gas, water and waste services In 2010 there were 145,900 employees in electricity, gas, water and waste services which equated to 1.5% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 120,700 and 1.3% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in the provision of electricity; gas through mains systems; water; drainage; and sewage services. It also includes employees engaged in the collection, treatment and disposal of waste materials; remediation of contaminated materials (including land); and materials recovery activities. In 2010 employees in this industry were 82.0% male and 18.0% female; 95.9% worked full-time and 4.1% worked part-time; 40.9% were over 45 and 59.1% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 2.7%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 99.3%; for non-union members it was 89.0%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 92.3%. Employment is projected to grow by 3.9% per annum reaching 176,700 employees in 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; consequently 11,500 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 21.1% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 41 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 42 shows that in 2010, 44.7% had never been union members (compared to 41.3% in 2009); 16.3% had previously been members (compared to 15.5% in 2009) and the remaining 39.0% were members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a decrease from 43.2% in 2009. In 2010 the industry had the second highest proportion of union members and the lowest proportion of employees who had never been members. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 3.4% in 2010 compared to 1.2% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was zero compared to 1.3% in 2009. Figure 41 Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services

200

80%

176.7 180 70% 160 145.9

60% Projections

140

50% '000's

120 Employees

11,500 extra members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

100

Union density - % 65.9

40%

30%

54.4 20%

Union members in main job 40

10% 20

36 | Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 42 Members = 39.0% Ex-members = 16.3% Never members = 44.7%

Electricity, gas, water and waste services Member - less than 1 year 3.4%

Member 1 - 4 years 6.2%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 7.7%

Never been a trade union member 44.7%

Member 10 years or more 21.7%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.8%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 13.5%

Figure 43 Electricity, gas, water and waste services

Gender

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e

lltim e

ov e Fu

Bo r

an d 65

Bo rn

st ra l

er ov

64 55

54 45

44 35

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 37

Construction In 2010 there were 724,400 employees in construction– this equated to 7.4% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 663,400 and 7.1% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in the construction of buildings and other structures, additions, alterations, reconstruction, installation, and maintenance and repairs of buildings and other structures. Activities also include demolition or wrecking of buildings and other structures, and clearing of building sites. In 2010 employees in this industry were 87.4% male and 12.6% female; 88.9% worked full-time and 11.1% worked part-time; 30.1% were over 45 and 69.9% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.5%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 89.9%; for non-union members it was 75.4%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 78.0%. Employment is projected to grow by 3.6% per annum reaching 864,500 employees in 2015 – consequently 23,600 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 19.3% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 44 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 45 shows that in 2010, 65.7% had never been union members (compared to 61.5% in 2009); 16.0% had previously been members (compared to 18.7% in 2009) and the remaining 18.3% were members – a decrease from 19.8% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 1.9% in 2010 compared to 2.7% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.7% compared to 0.6% in 2009. Figure 44 Construction

1,000

40%

864.5

900

35% 800 724.4

30%

700

Projections Employees 25%

'000's

600

500

20% %

Union density - % 400

15% 23,600 extra members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

300

10%

200 Union members in main job

145.6 122.0

100

38 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

Figure 45 Members = 18.3% Ex-members = 16.0% Never members = 65.7%

Construction Member 1 - 4 years 4.7%

Member - less than 1 year 1.9%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 2.9% Member 10 years or more 8.8% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.7% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.9%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 12.4% Never been a trade union member 65.7%

Figure 46 Construction

500

Gender

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

300

200

100

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

400

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 39

Wholesale trade In 2010 there were 378,900 employees in wholesale trade– this equated to 3.9% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 388,600 and 4.2% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in the purchase and onselling, the commission based buying, and/or the commission based selling of goods, without significant transformation, to businesses. In 2010 employees in this industry were 68.0% male and 32.0% female; 83.4% worked full-time and 16.6% worked part-time; 37.8% were over 45 and 62.2% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.3%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 91.2%; for non-union members it was 85.1%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 85.4%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.1% per annum reaching 400,200 employees in 2015 – consequently 1,200 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 5.6% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 47 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 48 shows that in 2010, 74.2% had never been union members (compared to 76.7% in 2009); 19.7% had previously been members (compared to 17.4% in 2009) and the remaining 6.2% were members – an increase from 5.8% in 2009. In 2010 the industry had the highest proportion of employees who had previously been union members. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 0.4% in 2010 compared to 0.6% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.2% in 2010. Figure 47 Wholesale Trade

450

14% 400.2

400

Employees 378.9

12%

350 10%

Projections 300 Union density - %

'000's

250

200

6% 1,200 extra members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

150

4% 100

2% 50

Union members in main job 22.9

21.7

40 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 48 Members = 6.2% Ex-members = 19.7% Never members = 74.2%

Wholesale trade Member 1 - 4 years 1.8%

Member 10 years or more 2.9%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 1.1%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.2%

Member - less than 1 year 0.4%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 3.1%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 16.4%

Never been a trade union member 74.2%

Figure 49 Wholesale trade

300

Full-time/ Part-time Gender

County of birth

Age

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

225

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 41

Retail trade In 2010 there were 1.1 million employees working in retail trade – this equated to 11.3% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 1 million and 11.3% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in the purchase and/or onselling, the commission based buying, and the commission based selling of goods, without significant transformation, to the general public. In 2010 employees in this industry were 42.8% male and 57.2% female; 48.5% worked full-time and 51.5% worked part-time; 24.5% were over 45 and 75.5% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 4.4%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 73.2%; for non-union members it was 55.9%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 59.0%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.2% per annum reaching 1,170,800 employees in 2015 – consequently 10,400 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 6.1% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 50 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 51 shows that in 2010, 73.5% had never been union members (compared to 73.4% in 2009); 10.6% had previously been members (compared to 10.8% in 2009) and the remaining 15.9% were members – an increase from 15.8% in 2009. In 2010 the industry had the second lowest proportion of employees who had previously been members. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 2.6% in 2010 compared to 3.2% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% compared to 0.4% in 2009. Figure 50 Retail Trade

1,400

40%

1,170.8

1,200

35%

1,103.0

Employees

30% 1,000 Projections 25%

'000's

800 Union density - % 20%

10,400 extra members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

600

% 15%

400 10% Union members in main job 180.1

169.7

200

42 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 51 Members = 15.9% Ex-members = 10.6% Never members = 73.5%

Retail trade Member - less than 1 year 2.6%

Member 1 - 4 years 6.1%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 3.2% Member 10 years or more 3.9% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.3%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 7.8% Never been a trade union member 73.5%

Figure 52 Retail trade Gender

750

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

450

300

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

600

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 43

Accommodation and food services In 2010 there were 667,800 employees working in accommodation and food services– this equated to 6.8% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 685,200 and 7.3% respectively. Employees are primarily engaged in providing short-term accommodation for visitors and/or meals, snacks, and beverages for consumption by customers both on and off-site. In 2010 employees in this industry were 44.2% male and 55.8% female; 36.8% worked full-time and 63.2% worked part-time; 17.3% were over 45 and 82.7% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 6.2%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 54.0%; for non-union members it was 32.2%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 33.3%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.2% per annum reaching 708,800 employees in 2015 – consequently 1,800 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 6.1% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 53 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 54 shows that in 2010, 87.4% had never been union members (compared to 85.2% in 2009); 7.5% had previously been members (compared to 9.8% in 2009) and the remaining 5.1% were members – unchanged from 2009. The industry had the highest proportion of employees who had never been union members and the lowest proportion that had previously been members. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 1.3% in 2010 compared to 1.1% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.3% compared to 0.6% in 2009. Figure 53 Accomodation and Food Services

800

15% 708.8

700

667.8 Employees

12%

600 Projections 500 '000's

9% Union density - %

400 1,800 extra members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

300 %

200 3% 100 Union members in main job 31.0

29.2

44 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 54 Members = 5.1% Ex-members = 7.5% Never members = 87.4%

Accommodation and food services

Member 10 years or more 1.3%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 0.6% Member 1 - 4 years 1.9%

Member - less than 1 year 1.3%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.3% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 1.6%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 5.7%

Never been a trade union member 87.4%

Figure 55 Accommodation and food services

600

Gender

Age

450

300

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 45

Transport, postal and warehousing In 2010 there were 477,900 employees working in transport, postal and warehousing– this equated to 4.9% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 477,400 and 5.1% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in providing transportation of passengers and freight by road, rail, water or air. Other transportation activities such as postal services, pipeline transport and scenic and sightseeing transport are also included. In 2010 employees in this industry were75.9% male and 24.1% female; 81.7% worked full-time and 18.3% worked part-time; 44.5% were over 45 and 55.5% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.1%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 93.7%; for non-union members it was 73.0%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 79.0%. Employment is projected to grow by 2.5% per annum reaching 540,700 employees in 2015 – consequently 18,100 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 13.1% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 56 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 57 shows that in 2010, 52.9% had never been union members (compared to 47.7% in 2009); 17.8% had previously been members (compared to 19.5% in 2009) and the remaining 29.3% were members – a decrease from 32.9% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 3.3% in 2010 compared to 3.0% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.7% – unchanged from 2009. Figure 56 Transport, Postal and Wharehousing

600

60% 540.7

500

50%

477.9 Employees Projections

400

40%

'000's

Union density - % %

300

30%

An overall increase of 18,100 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

200

20% 155.6

Union members in main job 137.5

100

10%

46 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 57 Members = 29.3% Ex-members = 17.8% Never members = 52.9%

Transport, postal and warehousing

Member - less than 1 year 3.3% Member 1 - 4 years 6.8% Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 4.2%

Member 10 years or more 15.0% Never been a trade union member 52.9%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.7%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 3.8%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 13.3%

Figure 58 Transport, postal and warehousing

300

Gender

Age

225

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 47

Information media and telecommunications In 2010 there were 200,200 employees working in information media and telecommunications – this equated to 2.0% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 200,300 and 2.1% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in: • creating, enhancing and storing information products in media that allows for their dissemination; • transmitting information products using analogue and digital signals (via electronic, wireless, optical and other means); and • providing transmission services and/or operating the infrastructure to enable the transmission and storage of information and information product. In 2010 employees in this industry were 48.8% male and 51.2% female; 81.0% worked full-time and 19.0% worked part-time; 31.8% were over 45 and 68.2% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.2%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 93.8%; for non-union members it was 80.2%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 81.3%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.2% per annum reaching 212,500 employees in 2015 – consequently 1,500 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 6.1% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 59 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 60 shows that in 2010, 71.7% had never been union members (compared to 68.4% in 2009); 15.3% had previously been members (unchanged from 2009) and the remaining 13.0% were members – a decrease from 16.3% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 1.3% in 2010 compared to 1.4% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.4% compared to zero in 2009. Figure 59 Information Media and Telecommunications

250

30%

Employees 212.5 25%

200.2 200

Projections 20%

'000's

150

Union density - %

An overall increase of 1,500 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

15% %

100 10%

Union members in main job 5% 25.7

24.2

48 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 60 Members = 13.0% Ex-members = 15.3% Never members = 71.7%

Information media and telecommunications Member 1 - 4 years 1.8%

Member - less than 1 year 1.3%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 3.0%

Member 10 years or more 6.9%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.4% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.6%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 12.3%

Never been a trade union member 71.7%

Figure 61 Information media and telecommunications

160

Gender

Age

120

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 49

Financial and insurance services In 2010 there were 382,200 employees working in financial and insurance services – this equated to 3.9% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 368,600 and 4.0% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in financial transactions involving the creation, liquidation, or change in ownership of financial assets, and/or in facilitating financial transactions. The range of activities includes raising funds by taking deposits and/or issuing securities and, in the process, incurring liabilities; units investing their own funds in a range of financial assets; pooling risk by underwriting insurance and annuities; separately constituted funds engaged in the provision of retirement incomes; and specialised services facilitating or supporting financial intermediation, insurance and employee benefit program. In 2010 employees in this industry were 48.8% male and 51.2% female; 82.0% worked full-time and 18.0% worked part-time; 26.0% were over 45 and 74.0% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 2.5%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 97.4%; for non-union members it was 91.8%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 92.4%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.2% per annum reaching 405,700 employees in 2015 – consequently 2,400 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 6.1% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 62 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 63 shows that in 2010, 72.9% had never been union members (compared to 69.6% in 2009); 16.2% had previously been members (compared to 17.2% in 2009) and the remaining 10.9% were members – a decrease from 13.2% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 1.4% in 2010 – unchanged from 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.5%. Figure 62 Financial and Insurance Services

450

25% 405.7

400

382.2 Employees 20%

350

Projections 300

'000's

15% 250

200

An overall increase of 2,400 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

Union density - %

% 10%

150

100 5% Union members in main job 50

41.0

38.6

50 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 63 Members = 10.9% Ex-members = 16.2% Never members = 72.9%

Financial and insurance services Member 1 - 4 years 2.4%

Member - less than 1 year 1.4%

Member 10 years or more 5.2%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 1.9%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.5% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.5%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 13.1%

Never been a trade union member 72.9%

Figure 64 Financial and insurance services

300

Gender

Age

225

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 51

Rental, hiring and real estate services In 2010 there were 176,200 employees working in rental, hiring and real estate services– this equated to 1.8% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 162,700 and 1.7% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in renting, hiring, or otherwise allowing the use of tangible or intangible assets (except copyrights), and units providing related services. The assets may be tangible, as in the case of real estate and equipment, or intangible, as in the case with patents and trademarks. In 2010 employees in this industry were 50.0% male and 50.0% female; 74.9% worked full-time and 25.1% worked part-time; 39.0% were over 45 and 61.0% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.1%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 93.4%; for non-union members it was 76.7%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 77.2%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.9% per annum reaching 193,600 employees in 2015 – consequently 700 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 9.9% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 65 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 66 shows that in 2010, 83.3% had never been union members (compared to 76.6% in 2009); 12.7% had previously been members (compared to 16.8% in 2009) and the remaining 4.1% were members – a decrease from 6.6% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 0.5% in 2010, while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6%. Figure 65 Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services

250

10%

193.6

200

176.2 Employees

Projections

'000's

150

6% Union density - %

% 100

4% An overall increase of 700 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

Union members in main job

7.8

7.1

52 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 66 Members = 4.1% Ex-members = 12.7% Never members = 83.3%

Rental, hiring and real estate services Member 1 - 4 years 1.0%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 0.7%

Member 10 years or more 1.9%

Member - less than 1 year 0.5%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 1.6%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 10.5%

Never been a trade union member 83.3%

Figure 67 Rental, hiring and real estate services

150

Gender

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

120

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 53

Professional, scientific and technical services In 2010 there were 704,600 employees working in professional, scientific and technical services– this equated to 7.2% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 630,500 and 6.8% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in providing professional, scientific and technical services. Employees apply common processes where labour inputs are integral to the production or service delivery. In most cases, equipment and materials are not major inputs. The activities undertaken generally require a high level of expertise and training and formal (usually tertiary level) qualifications. In 2010 employees in this industry were 57.5% male and 42.5% female; 79.8% worked full-time and 20.2% worked part-time; 33.0% were over 45 and 67.0% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 2.3%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 89.8%; for non-union members it was 86.3%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 86.4%. Employment is projected to grow by 3.3% per annum reaching 828,800 employees in 2015 – consequently 3,900 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 17.6% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 68 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 69 shows that in 2010, 82.9% had never been union members (compared to 83.4% in 2009); 13.5% had previously been members (compared to 12.8% in 2009) and the remaining 3.6% were members – a decrease from 3.9% in 2009. In 2010 the industry had the second lowest proportion of union members. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 0.3% in 2010 compared to 0.2% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.6% in 2010. Figure 68 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

900

10% 828.8

800

704.6

700 Employees Projections 600

'000's

6% 500

400

An overall increase of 3,900 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

4% %

300 Union density - % 200 2%

100 Union members in main job

26.1

22.2

54 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 69 Members = 3.6% Ex-members = 13.5% Never members = 82.9%

Professional, scientific and technical services Member 1 - 4 years 1.3%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years Member 10 years or more 0.5% 1.5% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.6%

Member - less than 1 year 0.3%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.4%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 10.5%

Never been a trade union member 82.9%

Figure 70 Professional, scientific and technical services

600

Gender

Full-time/ Part-time

Age

County of birth

300

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

450

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 55

Administrative and support services In 2010 there were 293,200 employees working in administrative and support services– this equated to 3.0% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 280,200 and 3.0% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in performing routine support activities for the day-to-day operations of other businesses or organisations. This includes activities such as office administration; hiring and placing personnel for others; preparing documents; taking orders for clients by telephone; providing credit reporting or collecting services; arranging travel and travel tours. Other types of activities include building and other cleaning services; pest control services; gardening services; and packaging products for others In 2010 employees in this industry were 46.4% male and 53.6% female; 64.2% worked full-time and 35.8% worked part-time; 33.7% were over 45 and 66.3% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 4.7%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 72.4%; for non-union members it was 60.5%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 61.5%. Employment is projected to grow by 2.4% per annum reaching 330,100 employees in 2015 – consequently 3,000 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 12.6% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 71 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 72 shows that in 2010, 72.5% had never been union members (compared to 71.9% in 2009); 17.9% had previously been members (compared to 18.7% in 2009) and the remaining 9.6% were members – an increase from 9.5% in 2009. In 2010 the industry had the second highest proportion of employees who had previously been members. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 2.0% in 2010 compared to 1.4% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.5% compared to 0.6% in 2009. Figure 71 Administrative and Support Services

350

300

330.1

20%

293.2

Employees

15% 250

'000's

Projections

200 10% Union density - %

150

An overall increase of 3,000 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

100

50 Union members in main job

26.9

23.9

56 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

Figure 72 Members = 9.6% Ex-members = 17.9% Never members = 72.5%

Administrative and support services Member 1 - 4 years 3.2%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 0.8%

Member - less than 1 year 2.0%

Member 10 years or more 3.7% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.5% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 3.3% Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 14.0%

Never been a trade union member 72.5%

Figure 73 Administrative and support services

250

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

Age

Gender

150

100

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

200

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 57

Public administration and safety In 2010 there were 690,600 employees working in public administration and safety– this equated to 7.1% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 639,700 and 6.9% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in Central, State or Local Government legislative, executive and judicial activities; in providing physical, social, economic and general public safety and security services; and in enforcing regulations. In 2010 employees in this industry were 51.9% male and 48.1% female; 82.6% worked full-time and 17.4% worked part-time; 44.4% were over 45 and 55.6% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 2.4%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 97.5%; for non-union members it was 85.7%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 89.5%. Employment is projected to grow by 1.1% per annum reaching 729,400 employees in 2015 – consequently 12,800 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 5.6% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 74 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 75 shows that in 2010, 50.5% had never been union members (compared to 44.1% in 2009); 15.7% had previously been members (compared to 17.1% in 2009) and the remaining 33.9% were members – a decrease from 38.8% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 2.0% in 2010 compared to 2.8% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.7% compared to 1.0% in 2009.

Figure 74 Public Administration and Safety

800

70% 729.4

690.6

700

60% Employees

600 50%

Projections 500 '000's

Union density - %

40% %

400

30%

An overall increase of 12,800 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

300 Union members in main job

240.9

228.1

20% 200

10%

100

58 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 75 Members = 33.9% Ex-members = 15.7% Never members = 50.5%

Public administration and safety Member - less than 1 year 2.0% Member 1 - 4 years 6.7% Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 5.3%

Member 10 years or more 19.9%

Never been a trade union member 50.5%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.7%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.5% Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 12.4%

Figure 76 Public administration and safety

400

Gender

Age

200

100

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

300

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 59

Education and training In 2010 there were 858,400 employees working in education and training– this equated to 8.8% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 772,900 and 8.3% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in the provision and support of education and training in a range of settings such as educational institutions, the workplace, or the home. Generally, instruction is delivered through face-to-face interaction between teachers/instructors and students, although other means and mediums of delivery, such as by correspondence, radio, television or the internet, may be used. In 2010 employees in this industry were 28.9% male and 71.1% female; 62.7% worked full-time and 37.3% worked part-time; 49.8% were over 45 and 50.2% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 1.8%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 94.8%; for non-union members it was 77.0%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 84.0%. Employment is projected to grow by 2.1% per annum reaching 952,400 employees in 2015 – consequently 36,800 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to an 11.0% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 77 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 78 shows that in 2010, 44.9% had never been union members (compared to 42.7% in 2009); 15.2% had previously been members (compared to 14.7% in 2009) and the remaining 40.0% were members – a decrease from 42.6% in 2009. In 2010 the industry had the highest proportion of employees who were union members and the second lowest proportion of employees who had never been members. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 2.9% in 2010 compared to 3.3% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.7% compared to 0.6% in 2009. Figure 77 Education and Training

1,200

80%

70% 1,000

952.4

60%

858.4 800

Projections 50%

'000's

Employees

% 600

40% Union density - % An overall increase of 36,800 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

400

30% 373.1

336.3 Union members in main job

20%

200 10%

60 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

Figure 78 Members = 40.0% Ex-members = 15.2% Never members = 44.9%

Education and training Member - less than 1 year 2.9% Member 1 - 4 years 7.6%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 7.5%

Never been a trade union member 44.9%

Member 10 years or more 21.9%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.7%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 9.9%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 4.5%

Figure 79 Education and training

400

Gender

Age

200

100

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

300

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

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Health care and social assistance In 2010 there were 1,179,300 employees working in health care and social assistance– this equated to 12.1% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 1,142,700 and 12.2% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in providing human health care and social assistance. Workers providing these services apply common processes, where the labour inputs of practitioners with the requisite expertise and qualifications are integral to production or service delivery. In 2010 employees in this industry were 20.0% male and 80.0% female; 53.4% worked full-time and 46.6% worked part-time; 47.3% were over 45 and 52.8% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 1.8%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 93.0%; for non-union members it was 74.8%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 79.8%. Employment is projected to grow by 4.5% per annum reaching 1,469,600 employees in 2015 – consequently 76,900 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 24.6% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 80 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 81 shows that in 2010, 56.4% had never been union members (compared to 53.8% in 2009); 16.3% had previously been members (compared to 17.5% in 2009) and the remaining 27.3% were members – a decrease from 28.7% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 2.9% in 2010 compared to 2.6% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.8% compared to 0.9% in 2009. Figure 80 Health Care and Social Assistance

1,600

60% 1,469.6

1,400 50% 1,179.3

1,200

Employees

40%

Projections

'000's

1,000

800

Union density - %

An overall increase of 76,900 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

600

30%

20% 389.4

400 312.5

Union members in main job

10% 200

62 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

07 20

Figure 81 Members = 27.3% Ex-members = 16.3% Never members = 56.4%

Health care and social assistance Member - less than 1 year 2.9% Member 1 - 4 years 6.4% Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 4.5%

Member 10 years or more 13.5% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.8%

Never been a trade union member 56.4%

Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.9%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 12.6%

Figure 82 Health care and social assistance

Gender

Age

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

600

300

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

450

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

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Arts and recreation services In 2010 there were 153,200 employees working in arts and recreation services – this equated to 1.6% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 150,000 and 1.6% respectively. Employees are mainly engaged in the preservation and exhibition of objects and sites of historical, cultural or educational interest; the production of original artistic works and/or participation in live performances, events, or exhibits intended for public viewing; and the operation of facilities or the provision of services that enable patrons to participate in sporting or recreational activities, or to pursue amusement interests. In 2010 employees in this industry were 53.6% male and 46.4% female; 60.2% worked full-time and 39.8% worked part-time; 26.9% were over 45 and 73.1% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 3.1%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 92.2%; for non-union members it was 55.9%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 62.4%. Employment is projected to grow by 0.6% per annum reaching 157,900 employees in 2015 – consequently 700 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 3.0% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 83 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 84 shows that in 2010, 71.2% had never been union members (compared to 70.3% in 2009); 12.5% had previously been members (compared to 12.0% in 2009) and the remaining 16.3% were members – a decrease from 17.7% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 1.0% in 2010 compared to 0.9% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.3% compared to zero in 2009. Figure 83 Arts and Recreation Services

180

35%

157.9 160

153.2

30%

Employees 140 Projections

25%

'000's

120

20%

100

Union density - %

15% An overall increase of 700 members will be needed by 2014 to maintain current density level.

10% 40 Union members in main job

24.5

23.8

64 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 84 Members = 16.3% Ex-members = 12.5% Never members = 71.2%

Arts and recreation services Member - less than 1 year 1.0% Member 1 - 4 years 5.5% Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 2.2% Member 10 years or more 7.6% Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.3% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 1.8%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 10.4%

Never been a trade union member 71.2%

Figure 85 Arts and recreation services

120

County of birth Gender

Full-time/ Part-time

Age

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

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Other services In 2010 there were 343,800 employees working in other services – this equated to 3.5% of the workforce. In 2009 these figures were 326,900 and 3.5% respectively. Other services includes a broad range of personal services; religious, civic, professional and other interest group services; selected repair and maintenance activities; and private households employing staff. Employees in this division are mainly engaged in providing a range of personal care services, such as hair, beauty, diet and weight management services; providing death care services; promoting or administering religious events or activities; or promoting and defending the interests of their members. In 2010 employees in this industry were 61.2% male and 38.8% female; 73.7% worked full-time and 26.3% worked part-time; 32.7% were over 45 and 67.3% were under 45. The average unemployment level during 2010 was 2.6%. The proportion of union members with paid leave entitlements was 94.6%; for non-union members it was 77.4%; and the proportion of all employees with paid leave entitlements was 78.8%. Employment is projected to grow by 2.0% per annum reaching 379,600 employees in 2015 – consequently 2,900 additional members will be required by 2015 to maintain current density levels. This equates to a 10.4% increase in the number of members from 2010. Figure 86 shows the number of employees, the number of union members and union density levels using a combination of historical data and industry projections. Figure 87 shows that in 2010, 76.7% had never been union members (compared to 77.9% in 2009); 14.2% had previously been members (compared to 14.0% in 2009) and the remaining 9.2% were members – a decrease from 8.2% in 2009. The proportion of employees who had been union members for less than a year was 0.9% in 2010 compared to 1.2% in 2009; while the proportion of ex-members (less than a year ago) was 0.7% in 2010. Figure 86 Other Services

400

20% 379.6

343.8

350 Employees

300 Projections

'000's

250

200

Union density - %

10% %

150 An overall increase of 2,900 members will be needed by 2015 to maintain current density level.

100

Union members in main job

31.1

28.2

66 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

15 20

14 20

13 20

12 20

11 20

10 20

09 20

08 20

0% 06

Figure 87 Members = 9.2% Ex-members = 14.2% Never members = 76.7%

Other services Member - less than 1 year 0.9%

Member 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 years 1.9%

Member 1 - 4 years 2.4%

Member 10 years or more 4.0%

Ex-member - Less than one year ago 0.7% Ex-member - 1 to 4 years ago 2.4%

Ex-member - 5 years and over ago 11.0%

Never been a trade union member 76.7%

Figure 88 Other services

300

Gender

Age

150

Currently a trade union member

Previously a trade union member

To ta l

s ee

Pa r

t-t im e

em pl oy

ee s

as rs e Fu

lltim e

ov e

Au in n Bo r

Bo rn

st ra l

er an d 65

54 to 45

34 25

24 to 15

m al es

0 M al es

'000 of employees

Full-time/ Part-time

County of birth

225

Never been a trade union member

Urgency & Opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTU 2011

| 67

Data sources Copies of this report and the source data listed below are available from the ACTU website: http://www.actu.org.au/Publications/default.aspx Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, ABS, Cat. No. 6310.0: Customised Report •

Table 1: Sector of main job by Sex then Age group (years) then Country of birth then Full-time or part-time status in all jobs then Level of highest educational attainment by Length of current trade union membership. Reference period: August 2010.

•

Table 2: State or territory of usual residence by Sex then Age group (years) then Country of birth then Full-time or part-time status in main job by Length of current trade union membership. Reference period: August 2010.

•

Table 3: Industry of main job by Sex then Age group (years) then Country of birth then Fulltime or part-time status in main job. Reference period: August 2010.

•

Table 4: Industry of main job by Length of current trade union membership then Duration since previously a trade union member. Reference period: August 2010.

Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, ABS, Cat. No. 6310.0: •

Table 5: Union membership by selected characteristics

The last table is based on a combination of data from: Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, ABS, Cat. No. 6310.0: and Recent and Future Growth by Industry (DEEWR Trend Data and DEEWR Annual Employment Projections to 2015-16 based on ABS, Labour Force, Australia, Cat no: 6291.0.55.003 – Feb 2011) •

Table 6: Trade union members in main job, Total employees and Union density - 2006 to 2015

Industry definitions are from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) which can be accessed at http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1292.0

Further information Any queries, comments or feedback regarding this report should be addressed to: James Bennett Lead Strategic Researcher Australian Council of Trade Unions (03) 9664 7268 jbennett@actu.org.au Level 6, 365 Queen Street Melbourne, VIC, 3000 68 | Urgency & Opportunity – ACTU 2011

Urgency & Opportunity Union membership - trends and observations An analysis of ABS data 2011

australian council of trade unions

level 6 365 queen street melbourne victoria 3000 t 03 9664 7333 f 03 9600 0050 w actu.org.au

D34 - 2011