Statistics show unions are losing membership

Queensland’s powerful unions boast strong political influence. But new analysis reveals some of the heaviest hitters in the movement have been losing membership for years, writes Matthew Killoran.

MEMBERSHIP of some of Queensland’s most powerful unions has been falling in the past five years, as the movement struggles to maintain relevance in recent times.

Membership in the Australian Workers’ Union, SDA, Transport Workers Union, CFMEU construction, CFMEU Mining and Energy, the MEAA, as well as the plumbing, communications and electrical branches of the CEPU have all consistently fallen year on year since 2015.

It is revealed in analysis of five years worth of financial statements of the state’s unions.

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Only United Voice, Together, as well as the teachers and nurses union have been recording consistent growth, while the police and Rail, Transport and Bus Union have remained steady.

Business groups say it is because the workforce is being “uberised” as workers seek greater flexibility, while unions focus more on campaigning instead of representation.

But unions argue the fall is part of a cycle, which has been exacerbated by industrial reforms brought in by the Liberal government.

Queensland unions protesting. Membership in some influential unions has been declining in recent years. Picture: AAP/David Clark

The Courier-Mail last month revealed the CFMEU Queensland construction branch’s membership was at the lowest point in five years.

Analysis of financial statements, lodged with the Registered Organisations Commission, show there has also been consistent falls in the mining and energy division from 6831 in 2015 to 6248 in 2018.

A massive fall was recorded by the AWU from 26,000 to 21,000 members over the same period, while the SDA membership fell by about 2000 to 29,000 in 2018.

An SDA spokeswoman said there had been an increase of 789 people in the 2019 figures, yet to be officially published.

“The union’s membership fluctuations are simply a reflection of how the retail sector has been performing and numbers of new employees in the industry,” she said.

CEPU Queensland Plumbers union branch boss Gary O’Halloran attributed falls to a lull in construction, as well as increasing red tape enforced on unions by the Federal Government.

“We must now work around the clock and go to extreme lengths of reporting to ensure we do not face fines that could hurt us for merely reporting late or having a minor admin error. I believe that even casinos are less regulated than unions,” Mr O’Halloran said.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland spokesman Dan Petrie said while unions had a proud history, times were getting tougher for them.

“The workforce is being uberised. People want flexibility and many are choosing to work part-time,” he said.

“There’s also a perception that they’re a campaign force first and foremost, not a body that’s prepared to sit down at the table as a negotiating force.”

Queensland Council of Unions boss Michael Clifford says membership is improving for teachers, nurses and service industries. Picture: AAP image/John Gass

Queensland Council of Unions acting secretary Michael Clifford said membership was up in teacher, nurses and service industries because the economy was growing in those areas.

“Figures show reduced employment in Queensland’s building and retail industries which will impact on union membership,” he said.

“We continue to fight for our members against a federal government intent on attacking the power of unions to boost wages, protect working conditions and make workplaces safer.”