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

Get the facts

Peter Dutton thinks that politicians should be judged on their actions, not just on what they say. So let’s take a look at what you can expect from Peter Dutton and the Coalition...
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Sign the petition: Stop Dutton scrapping WFH

Dutton’s plan to scrap WFH for public servants is a slippery slope, and one that will see working families worse off.
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ACTU Media Releases:

Latest News

Tassie Liberal candidate says older Australians are ‘happy’ to work for $10 an hour – while disclosing the Coalition’s plan to cut wages   

April 28, 2025

Australian Unions warn comments by a Tasmanian Liberal candidate reveal the full extent of a Dutton-led Government’s broad ambition to cut minimum wage rates for Australian workers.

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Workplace fatalities claim 32 lives nationwide this year

April 28, 2025

The number of workplace fatalities last year was 168, slightly lower than the five-year average of 191 workers who have been killed each year at work nationwide.

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Young men back Albo as champion of workers, new poll reveals

April 24, 2025

The polling, by Demos AU commissioned by the ACTU, found that 66 per cent of men aged 18 to 24 agree that “Anthony Albanese is acting in the best interests of working men.”

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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.