The Australian Council of Trade Unions is the peak body for Australian unions, made up of 38 affiliated unions who together represent about 1.8 million workers and their families.
Since its creation in 1927, the ACTU has spearheaded some of the most fundamental workplace struggles in Australia’s history.
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The Australian Council of Trade Unions
The ACTU has fought for and won 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, the establishment of a universal superannuation system, paid parental leave and paid family and domestic violence leave.The ACTU has played a role in all of these achievements. Every worker in Australia has benefited from the victories of the union movement.
The ACTU has contributed to fairness and justice in the entire community as well – contributing to Australia’s major social institutions, including progressive taxation, the social security system, universal Medicare, fairer migration, decent education – to name just a few.
The ACTU’s job is to organise working people in their union to win big, important and permanent improvements to work, workplaces and broader society.
The ACTU doesn’t just talk about change. It makes it happen, through a shared vision and strength in numbers. If you believe that you can take action to make your work and society better, join with us as a union member.
The ACTU’s role as peak body is to co-ordinate union campaigns, represent workers at a range of government and non-government forums in Australia and overseas, to provide industrial, policy and other support to affiliates, and encourage workers to join their union.
The Australian union movement has always worked towards big, important and permanent changes that benefit all workers. Time and time again, we’ve proven that change is more than an idea – it is an action we take every day.
Sally McManus, ACTU Secretary 
Ready to take control of your work life?
With the strength of almost 2 million members, we have a major say in shaping the future of work for all. Beyond this, your union will provide advice, support, and tools you need to fulfil your goals – wherever you are in your working life.
Join your unionWe are so proud of what union members have achieved together, and we are ready to achieve so much more. Every day, union members stand together to prove that change is more than talk – it's action we take every day. Be part of the change by joining with almost 2 million other union members as we act to improve the lives all working people.
Michele O'Neil, ACTU President 
Your rights at work are worth fighting for.
ACTU Campaigns
Pledge to protect work rights from Peter Dutton
We can’t let Petter Dutton and the Coalition send workers backwards. Pledge to protect work rights from Dutton.
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Sign the petition to eradicate asbestos
It’s been 20 years since Asbestos was banned in Australia, but sadly the threat hasn’t gone away.
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Union members are calling for a 5% increase to the minimum wage
This year, we’re calling for a 5% increase, which would lift the minimum hourly rate to $24.39, or $48,200 per year.
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For The Workers
Join the nearly 2 million strong member movement that works as hard as you do.
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Report a rip-off
It is clear that big business are price gouging and profiteering in a cost-of-living crisis, and it’s time to expose it. Share your story of corporate price gouging – Report a rip-off!
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Work Shouldn’t Hurt Survey 2022
In 2022, the annual Work Shouldn’t Hurt Survey found that more than one in four workers in Australia been injured or made sick due to work in the previous 12 months.
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Deadly Dust
Workers have a right to safe and healthy workplaces, free of potentially deadly silica dust.
Read MoreACTU Media Releases:
Latest News
Future Made in Australia important for jobs and climate action
July 3, 2024
The ACTU has welcomed the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia Act as an important step change that will lock in decades of jobs and domestic manufacturing while supercharging Australia’s transition to clean energy.
Unions call for Net Zero Economy Authority as matter of urgency
July 2, 2024
The ACTU and regional coal and gas power workers today called on the Greens and Senate cross benchers to pass the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill.
The NZEA Bill needs to pass the Senate to set up a new Authority charged with supporting workers and communities to thrive through the energy transition.
Speaking in Canberra, ACTU President, Michele O’Neil and workers from impacted communities stressed the Net Zero Economy Authority has an urgent, important task ahead of it, as industries like coal-fired power stations start to phase down.
Workers take home pay up from 1 July
June 28, 2024
Australian workers will experience a significant boost to their personal finances from 1 July with the combined impacts of wage rises and the Federal Government’s tax cuts.
The 3.75 per cent annual wage increases will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. An entry-level retail or hospitality worker will be $2,600 per year better off; a mid-level community sector worker will be $3,260 a year better off; and a forklift driver will be $3,170 better off.
