Introduction
Understand when a union official needs a Fair Work entry permit and how to identify a current permit.
Content
An entry permit gives a union official, including an employee or elected officer of a union, the right to enter work premises. The permit must be valid and current.
When we issue a permit, the official has a right to enter premises to:
- meet with employees
- investigate if they suspect the employer has breached the Fair Work Act 2009 or other instruments*
- investigate if they suspect breaches relating to textile, clothing and footwear industry outworkers
- use their rights under occupational health and safety laws.
The rules for entry permits are in Division 6 Subdivision A of the Fair Work Act.
When to apply for a Fair Work entry permit
As a union official, you may want a Fair Work entry permit because you:
- want to enter a workplace to meet members, or potential members
- suspect an employer is not meeting the requirements in the Fair Work Act.
What a Fair Work entry permit looks like
Fair Work entry permits issued after 1 July 2019 are the size of a driver's licence.
The permit shows:
- the permit holder's name and organisation
- the permit holder's photograph and signature
- the permit number
- an expiry date
- any conditions on the permit
- a QR code leading to our list of current permit holders.