Unions believe most Australians would see it makes sense they are compensated for negotiating pay rises.

The health, manufacturing and transport unions want non-union members to be charged a fee, likely around a year’s worth of membership, if they benefit from pay rise negotiations.

The HSU’s National President Gerard Hayes told Chris O’Keefe they want people who are active and engaged in their work to join unions.

“Having people on the books to receive money is not what this is about.”