The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and Australian unions have a proud history of standing up for the rights at work of all Australians.
More than two million Australians and their families are represented by Australian unions and many more rely on unions for improvements to their wages and conditions. The daily role unions play in improving society is rarely spoken about, but easy to observe.
Whether it’s through health and safety regulations that save workers’ lives or minimum wage increases that help the lowest paid keep up with the cost of living, unions are there, standing up for working people.
Australian unions have a vision for the future: one that is fairer, more equal and increases opportunity in the community.
Recent times have demonstrated how vital it is that working people have strong unions. At no time should a democratic society become complacent or dismissive about the right of working people to be represented in their workplace.
Australian unions will continue to work hard to achieve better living standards for working families and stand up for the values that are important to them.
This framework document articulates the priorities of the ACTU and unions as we move forward to create a fairer society.