Role of Unions & employer association

Employer association

Employer associations are similar to trade unions but were created as a counterparty to protect employers from employees. There are two types of employer association; industry associations and umbrella associations. These two cover different things, industry covering particular industries and umbrella covering a diverse range of industries. They aim to promote industry and trade, promote unity of purpose and action in matters affecting employees, represent employers in court, provide advice on issues in the workplace, inform about laws and regulations, provide assistance in enterprise agreements, improve employee / employer relationships, and provide advice about changes in industrial relations. Employer associations that are powerful within Australia include; National Farmers Federation, Metal Trades Industry Association, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Business Council of Australia