Services model - Definition and Overview

Australian trade unions are perceived by the trade union and Labor movement to be in crisis caused by low membership numbers. The services model says that unions should protect their existing membership by offering them services.

The primary services suggested by the services model are financial or consumer services: cheap banking, shopping and super-annuation. Industrial services, including negotiation and support, are perceived to be secondary services.

This strategy has primarily been adopted by the more right wing unions.

The other model of the trade union current in Australia is the organising model.