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.
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.
Your rights at work are worth fighting for.
ACTU Campaigns
Wondering why this cost-of-living crisis has been so tough?
ADULT AGE, ADULT WAGE
Sign the petition to eradicate asbestos
Pledge to protect work rights from Peter Dutton
Support the union movement call for a 5% wage increase
Report a Rip-off
For The Workers
ACTU Media Releases:
Latest News
Cost-of-living to spike under Dutton’s nuclear proposal, ACTU warns
December 13, 2024
Unions warn that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear proposal announced today will drive up power bills and worsen the cost-of-living for working people.
One in three workers at risk from AI: Unions call for fair go in the digital age
December 10, 2024
The ACTU is calling for a ‘fair go in the digital age’ following today’s report that one in three Australian workers are at risk of job loss by 2030 from the introduction of AI by big corporate employers.
Out of step and out of touch: Australian Unions urge the RBA to cut rates
December 9, 2024
Working Australians want the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut official interest rates at the final opportunity for the year when the RBA’s two-day Board meeting wraps up tomorrow.
