WHY JOIN THE UNION?

Why should I join the Union?

Every Australian has the right to join a Union! Unions provide a balance between individual workers and employers. Employers are always in a position of strength when dealing with individuals - after all, they own the job.

The Plumbers' Union has been an effective and active organisation for 100 years. Representing Plumbers and associated trades, the Union has ensured that licensing and registration have remained in force against increasing pressures from governments bent on deregulating plumbing as they have other industries.

Trade training has been effectively dismantled in many other trades but not in our industry, due largely to the actions of the Union.

Wages and conditions have been increasing steadily over the years, against the wishes of governments and employers. The Union is constantly pursuing employers for underpayments.

MEMBER BENEFITS

The Union provides members a seat at the table when it comes to negotiating the future of their industry. The State Secretary Brad O’Carroll is your direct representative on various industry and government boards and works hard to ensure your voice is heard and your interests are served.
In addition, Union members have access to discounted training that enables them to constantly upgrade their skills with the latest and safest industry practices. This provides Union members with an unashamed advantage over non-Union members in the marketplace.
The Union believes that an informed worker is an empowered worker and aims to deliver relevant up-to-date information in real time via the website, SMS alerts and mailouts.
Members can also access free financial planning, legal advice, superannuation, accidental dental cover, great rates on home and personal loans and huge savings on retail purchases through the Union Shopper scheme.
The Union is also your safety net in tough economic times providing members with access to counselling services, a $7000 funeral benefit and redundancy benefits.
In short the Union is here for you and is responsive to your needs. If we can assist you in any way feel free to make an online enquiry or call us anytime.



TESTIMONIALS


KEN
It is with a heavy heart that I tender my suspension as a sprinkler fitter member of our CEPU Plumbing Division - (hang my membership on the hook until further notice), I have been a member of the union for over a 35 year period and due to my company ceasing to operate in the fire protection industry in Queensland in the last year, the need for me to be hands on, on the tools has ceased and I have now moved over to the dark side (pardon the pun) and I have taken up a non full time site operational position within another company.

Can I say that our union has changed over the time since I have been a member and in my opinion for the better, many great initiatives have been introduced by the current officialdom, one being greater communication to members bringing us all up to date with the major issues within our industry and our community in general via newsletters, SMS messaging etc by passionate and up to date officials, another is the care and attention shown to members (by those same officials) who may be down on their luck at the moment due to the GFC bringing about lack of opportunities personally and employment wise within the building industry (there for the grace of luck and divine intervention go all of us). There are many more I could write about but the one big thing that stands out for me is that the CEPU Plumbing Division is truly at this point in time in touch and in step with the issues that affect all of its members and seems to be a more professional unit than many other union organizations within the community at large.    

I thank you for your past support in all matters union and I wish the total membership all the best in the future.

Best regards,
Ken


R C CADELL
My wife and I attended your seminar on retirement options which we found to be a very informative evening presented by people experienced in the field who delivered relevant information in an entertaining and easily understood way. At the conclusion of the seminar, we were able to make an appointment to visit a financial advisor who has subsequently devised an excellent plan for us.

We want to thank the Plumbers Union for presenting this seminar and we hope that you will continue to offer this service to your members.

R C Cadell


BRANDON
I would like to thank the CEPU and Brad O’Carroll for all the help and advice you gave me while I was on WorkCover.

I must admit I was a fence sitter when it came to the Union. I thought all the Union wanted was my dues while they did nothing for me. Well let me tell you, you really know who your friends are when you’re in trouble. The Union was there for me through my operation on my back. I had a disc prolapse (slipped disc) while lifting a sheet of iron. Since then I have had a micro discetomy and Rhizolysis.

To all of you fence sitters out there, get off the fence because when you are in trouble the Union will be there for you not only to provide support, but they also provide advice on legal matters and are available just for a friendly chat.

Thank you Brad and the CEPU!
Sincerely grateful
Brandon


J LUMLEY
Dear Brad, Just wanted to say thanks for your ongoing support and your interest in members who still want to be part of a union. I wish you and the other office staff all the best for the rest of 2009.

Yours faithfully
J Lumley


GEORGE
Over the last couple of years I have had difficulties obtaining regular full time employment due to a motor vehicle accident. However, I would like to thank the union and its organisers especially, for their individual help not only in trying to obtain employment for me but most importantly in assisting me on a few occasions with the recovery of entitlements due to me in the normal course of employment. I probably never would have been able to recover these entitlements without your intervention and I am truly appreciative of your efforts.

Thanking You.
George

DOWNLOAD MEMBERSHIP FORM

Membership application form

PRICING

Our members know that Union membership pays for itself. Sign up and pay your membership fees via a direct debit agreement and receive a 10% discount.

Weekly Direct Debit Rate
Tradesman $10.95
Apprentice $2.40

Monthly Direct Debit Rate
Tradesman $47.40
Apprentice $10.35

All prices include GST.