Are “Red Unions” actually unions?

Fact: the Red Union “associations” are not unions.

The various “Red Union” organisations are not legally constituted unions under workplace or any laws.           

Their ability to represent an employee under workplace laws is far weaker than that of a union. For example, only a union (also called a “registered organisation” or “employee organisation” under workplace laws) has the right to bring proceedings for breach of an award or enterprise agreement in their own name.

These organisations are not subject to the same rules that govern unions. This means that there are not the same checks and balances to ensure they are democratic and spending members money effectively.