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
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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 union

We 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
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Your rights at work are worth fighting for.

ACTU Campaigns

Wondering why this cost-of-living pressures have been so tough?

The last thing working people can afford is cuts to their workplace rights and wages.
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ADULT AGE, ADULT WAGE

If you’re of Adult Age, you should earn an Adult Wage. Make your voice heard by supporting the campaign.
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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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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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Support the union movement call for a 5% wage increase

Every contribution strengthens our collective voice.
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Roster Justice: Share Your Story

Got a story about unfair rostering? We want to hear it.
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Report a Rip-off

Tell us about a recent incident/incidents you’ve had with an insurance company that’s left you feeling ripped off.
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ACTU Media Releases:

Latest News

RBA should stop sitting on its hands and cut rates: ACTU

January 8, 2025

Today’s inflation figures offer further signs of a clear pathway for the Reserve Bank of Australia to start cutting official interest rates at its first policy meeting in February.

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New year, new powers to tackle wage theft affecting one million workers

January 1, 2025

Employers can face jail time or fines of up to $7.85 million under new laws criminalising wage theft that come into operation today, after a long union campaign.

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Workers win $120 million in compensation after defeating Qantas

December 17, 2024

The ACTU welcomes the establishment of a $120 million fund to compensate more than 1800 Qantas workers who were illegally sacked by the airline in 2020 – the largest case of illegal terminations in Australian history.

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The ACTU Network

Australian Unions

Whether you want to join a union, take action in campaigns, or make the most of the benefits of being a union member, Australian Unions is the place to go for information and resources.
Visit Australian Unions

Mind Your Head

We’re taking action to protect workplace mental health.
Visit Mind Your Head

Worksite

Your rights at work for students and for people entering the workforce for the first time.
Visit Worksite

OHS

Information and resources for health and safety representatives and workers about how to speak up at work for health and safety.
Visit OHS

Union Aid Abroad

Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is the overseas aid and development agency of the ACTU. Our work aims to build self-reliance through support to educational and training projects for workers and their organisations in the developing world.
Visit Union Aid Abroad

ACTU National Union Directory

Find who you are looking for from the who’s who of the union movement.
Visit the ACTU National Union Dictionary

Representing Australian workers and their families.