MYUNION Basics Membership
- Brian AJ Newman, LLB
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Affordable Workplace Protection Before Problems Become Disputes
No politics. Just help.
For many Australian workers, the first time they seek professional assistance is after they have been dismissed, placed on a performance improvement plan, accused of misconduct, or experienced workplace bullying or discrimination.
Unfortunately, by that stage valuable evidence may have been lost, important conversations have already occurred, and strict legal time limits may already be running.
That is precisely why we created MYUNION Basics Membership.
Rather than waiting until a workplace issue becomes a crisis, Basics Membership is designed to give members access to professional employment and human rights advocacy from the moment new issues arise.
What is MYUNION Basics?
MYUNION Basics is a preventative membership designed to provide affordable access to experienced employment and human rights advocates.
Members receive guidance, document reviews, workplace advocacy and representation before workplace issues escalate into formal disputes.
The aim is simple:
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
What's Included?
Each MYUNION Basics Membership includes:
Up to 5 hours of professional employment and human rights advocacy and representation each membership year.
Advice about workplace rights and employer obligations.
Review of employment contracts, disciplinary letters and workplace correspondence.
Assistance preparing responses to allegations.
Representation during workplace meetings where appropriate.
Assistance with grievances and complaints.
Advocacy in relation to bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.
Assistance with performance management and disciplinary processes.
Advice regarding redundancy consultation, workplace change and adverse action.
Priority access to MYUNION services.
Discounted member rates for additional advocacy if more than five hours are required.
Why Join Before You Need Help?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that workers can simply join after something goes wrong.
Unfortunately, that would be unfair to existing members and would undermine the purpose of a membership-based advocacy service.
MYUNION Basics is designed to assist with future workplace issues, not disputes that already exist.
This allows us to keep membership affordable while providing genuine value to members who plan ahead.
No Pre-Existing Issues
A fundamental condition of MYUNION Basics Membership is that it does not cover pre-existing matters.
This means the workplace issue must first arise after your membership commences.
Examples of pre-existing matters include:
Existing workplace investigations.
Current disciplinary action.
Performance management already underway.
Existing bullying or discrimination complaints.
Existing grievances.
A dismissal or resignation that has already occurred.
Matters already lodged with a tribunal or commission.
Circumstances that existed before membership which later develop into a dispute.
If a workplace issue began before membership, it will generally be regarded as a pre-existing matter and will not be covered under the included annual representation entitlement.
What Can Your Five Hours Be Used For?
Your annual entitlement may include:
Telephone or video consultations.
Reviewing employment documents.
Drafting correspondence.
Preparing grievance letters.
Negotiating with employers.
Assistance responding to allegations.
Attendance at workplace meetings (where appropriate).
Advocacy before employment and human rights bodies where permitted by law.
Many workplace matters are resolved well before formal litigation becomes necessary, making early advocacy one of the most valuable services we provide.
What Happens If You Need More Than Five Hours?
Some matters are resolved quickly.
Others become complex.
If additional assistance is required, MYUNION may offer:
discounted member rates;
fixed-fee advocacy packages; or
ongoing representation under a separate agreement.
Members are never obliged to purchase additional services.
Who Should Consider MYUNION Basics?
Basics Membership is ideal for:
employees;
apprentices and trainees;
casual employees;
part-time and full-time workers;
managers;
supervisors;
professionals;
executives; and
workers who simply want peace of mind before problems arise.
Our Philosophy
At MYUNION we believe workplace representation should not only be available after people lose their jobs.
Professional advocacy can often prevent disputes from escalating in the first place.
Our focus is on practical solutions, early intervention and helping workers understand their rights before important decisions are made.
Important Information
MYUNION Basics Membership is not an insurance policy and should not be relied upon as such.
Membership benefits apply only to eligible matters arising after the commencement of membership and are subject to annual limits and MYUNION's Membership Policy.
Membership does not guarantee representation in every matter or a successful outcome.
Representation before tribunals or commissions is subject to the procedural rules of those bodies, including any applicable requirements for permission for a paid representative to appear.
Unused annual representation hours do not accumulate and expire at the end of each membership year.
Disclaimer
MYUNION provides professional employment and human rights advocacy. We are not a registered trade union, not a law firm, and do not provide legal services or legal advice. Information provided through membership is general in nature unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing. Members requiring legal advice or legal representation should consult an appropriately qualified Australian legal practitioner. All assistance is provided in accordance with MYUNION's Membership Policy, Membership Terms and Conditions, applicable legislation, and available advocacy resources.
Join MYUNION Basics Today
Protect your workplace rights before problems arise.
MYUNION – No Politics. Just Help.
Website: www.myunion.auEmail: gethelp@myunion.auPhone: 1300 MYUNION