How do trade unions work?

The member belongs to a union branch. This branch may include all of the union members at some large workplace, such as a major industrial plant. Employees at smaller workplaces or in more specialised occupations, on the other hand, will generally belong to local branches covering a geographical region or to some national, specialised branch.

Many workplaces have locally elected union representatives (shop stewards) who are authorised to represent the affairs of employees at the workplace, often during paid working hours. While these local union representatives generally provide the easiest and most personal way for the member to contact the union, it is also possible for the member to contact the regional or national office of the union for assistance and advice when necessary.

In most trade unions new members become eligible for full services six months after joining. However, the terms of generally binding collective agreements protect all employees, regardless of trade union membership. It is easier to secure this protection when more employees are members of trade unions. If the organising rate in an industry declines, then its collective agreement may cease to be generally binding and the protection is lost.