The Australian Council of Trade Unions represents 2 million Australian workers and their families.

Since its creation in 1927, the ACTU has spearheaded some of the most fundamental workplace struggles in Australia’s history. The industrial gains are many: decades of wage increases through the award system and campaigns in the field, safer workplaces, greater equality for women, improvements in working hours, entitlements to paid holidays and better employment conditions, and the establishment of a universal superannuation system.

The ACTU has played a role in all of these achievements. It has contributed to fairness and justice in the community as well – contributing to Australia’s post-war development and immigration program, the social security system, Medicare and education - to name just a few.

In recent years, the ACTU has led a broad coalition of unions, churches and community groups to oppose the Howard Government’s unfair and radical industrial relations changes. The ultimate goal of the Rights at Work campaign is to see the Howard Government's so-called "Work Choices" legislation torn up and fairer laws put in their place. For this reason, the Rights at Work campaign will only strengthen in intensity as we approach the 2007 federal election – and beyond.

The ACTU is now hiring. Read the latest job vacancies.

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- The Economic and Social Impact of Increased Investment in Vocational Education and Training
- Global Warming ACTU principles and policy

Sharan Burrow

In May 2000, Sharan Burrow became the second woman to be elected President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

In December 2004, Sharan was the first woman to be elected President of the world union body, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), which represents 148 million workers in 231 affiliated organisations across 150 countries.

Jeff Lawrence

Jeff Lawrence took office as Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) on 21 August 2007.

He has served the Australian union movement for 30 years, including as head of one of Australia’s largest unions – the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) and more than ten years as a senior member of the ACTU Executive, its governing body.

Geoff Fary and Tim Lyons are the Assistant Secretaries. In addition to the full time officers the ACTU employs a number of industrial, research, communications and administrative staff. The Organisation also employs specialist advisers in occupational health and safety, international and trade union training areas.

Key moments and achievements of the union movement over the last two hundred years from convict rebellions over work and living conditions, through to more recent struggles for maternity leave, superannuation and accident compensation, and the current fight against the Howard Government's WorkChoices laws.

Explore a brief history of organised labour in Australia, and read the ACTU's key achievements over the last 80 years.

Would you like to work for the trade union movement? View the range of jobs available here.

Wednesday, 22 November 2006

ACTU Paid Maternity Leave policy and campaign