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Today, union members can be categorised into three groups:

1. Managers and professionals

2. Blue-collar workers in trade work, labouring, machinery operation and driving

3. Unskilled and semi-skilled workers in sales, clerical work and community and personal service.

As blue-collar unionists became increasingly rare figures within the ranks of the trade unions, so it was that union membership became increasingly dominated by managers and professionals.

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Employer associations are nonprofit organizations that advocate and provide support for a group of member employers. Employer associations can be organized around central components such as geography, size, or type of organization.

The difference between Employer Associations and Unions are that they represent against each other so the role of the union is to protect the workers from the employer and the role of the Employer Association is to protect the businesses from the workers.

Examples of Employer Associations

The Australian Industry Group (AIG) is a peak industry association, representing about 60 000 businesses.

the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ) and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).

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protect the interests of union members; for example, by undertaking campaigns and negotiations for increased pay rates

improve the working conditions of members; for example, by monitoring health and safety

ensure fair treatment of employees at work; for example, by preventing unfair dismissals

promote quality of life issues; for example, by limiting work hours.

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Australian Workers' Union

Australian Maritime Officers Union

Australian Council of Trade Unions

Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union

Community and Public Sector Union