Will the new rules make it easier for unions to organise workers and win recognition?

Yes. Overall, the reforms are designed to make organising and recognition easier for unions.

For example:

• Lower thresholds and simpler procedures for statutory recognition.
• New rights of access to workplaces and workers.
• A requirement for employers to inform workers of their right to join a union.

Taken together, these measures are expected to increase union presence and collective bargaining coverage in many workplaces.

What this means for union reps

• The new rights provide unions with more opportunities to recruit members, build workplace organisation and campaign for recognition.
• Reps should make full use of new workplace and digital access rights to engage workers who may previously have been difficult to reach.
• Employers will also be required to inform workers of their right to join a trade union, creating new opportunities for conversations about union membership and representation.
• While the legal barriers to recognition have been reduced, successful campaigns will still depend on effective organising, strong workplace relationships and active member involvement.