MEDIA RELEASE
27 October 2015	Embargoed: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	117/2015

The proportion of employees and owner managers of incorporated enterprises (OMIEs) who were trade union members in their main job fell to 15 per cent in August 2014 from 17 per cent in August 2013, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

There were 1.6 million people in August 2014 who were trade union members in their main job.

"The Characteristics of Employment survey collects information on the distribution of weekly earnings, working arrangements, independent contractors, labour hire workers and trade union membership," said Stephen Collett from the ABS.

"The survey shows a higher proportion of public servants were trade union members in their main job (39 per cent), compared to those in the private sector (11 per cent), and full-time employees and OMIEs (17 per cent) were more likely than part-time employees and OMIEs (12 per cent) to be trade union members.

"The survey also showed the median weekly earnings of employees and OMIEs in all jobs was $1,000 which was lower than the mean weekly earnings of $1,189 and reflects the impact of a relatively small number with comparatively high earnings. The mean weekly earnings in all jobs has increased $33 (three per cent) from August 2013.

"24 per cent of employees did not have paid leave entitlements in their main job in August 2014. This proportion has been reasonably stable for 10 years," said Mr Collett.

Further details can be found in Characteristics of Employment, Australia, August 2014 (cat. no. 6333.0) available for free download from www.abs.gov.au.

Media note:

• Median is the mid point of the distribution of earnings for the selected group.
• Mean is the average earnings for the selected group.
• Please ensure when reporting on ABS data that you attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
• Media requests and interviews - contact the ABS Communications Section on 1300 175 070.