International Campaigns & Issues 2011



As the peak union body for Australia, the ACTU participates in a range of international forums on behalf of unions and Australian workers, including the International Labour Organisation and the International Trade Union Confederation.



Australian unions are also active players in the global union movement, joining international campaigns and solidarity actions on a regular basis.



In this section, you will find statements by the ACTU on international issues, details of current international campaigns, and news from around the world.


Recent International Campaigns & Issues

Fiji Union Leader Arrested After Commonwealth Meeting

October 31, 2011

The ITUC strongly condemns the arrest and detention, without charge, of Daniel Urai, President of the Fiji Trade Union Council.

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Widespread abuse of Workers’ Rights

October 26, 2011

More than a quarter of countries represented at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth this week have failed to allow basic industrial rights for workers, the ACTU said today.

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Letter to PM on deteriorating situation in Fiji

August 4, 2011

We are gravely concerned, in light of these developments, for the safety and continued liberty of all unionists in Fiji, and ask that you direct the Australian Ambassador to Fiji to make appropriate inquiries.

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Calls for independent review of alleged human rights abuses in Sri Lanka

July 8, 2011

Australian Unions are calling for an independent review of allegations of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka in the wake of new claims of mass Tamil civilian killings.

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ITUC annual survey: Repression of union rights and economic freedoms across the globe

June 9, 2011

Colombia and the Americas maintain the lead in a grim record of murder and repression of workers involved in trade union activities in the latest world Annual Survey of violation of trade union rights released by the ITUC at the 100th ILO Conference.

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Trade unions against climate change at the top of the world

May 31, 2011

A member of Nepal’s Sherpa trade union, Dorje Khatri, yesterday planted the ITUC flag on the summit of Mount Everest, symbolising the trade union commitment to protecting the planet from climate change.

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Negotiated settlement ends long and bitter Tata/Tetley tea plantation dispute

May 23, 2011

A settlement has been reached in the long-running dispute between workers and Amalgamated Plantations Private Ltd (APPL) at the company’s Nowera Nuddy tea garden in northern West Bengal, India.

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Australia: Time to improve workers’ rights and to empower women and Indigenous peoples

April 5, 2011

The state of fundamental workers’ rights in Australia is disclosed in a new report by the ITUC, published to coincide with the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) review of its trade policies.

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Letter to NZCTU expressing sorrow for impact of Christchurch earthquake

February 28, 2011

We share the sorrow of all New Zealanders at the tragic loss of life, and the impact this earthquake will have on the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of New Zealanders.

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Call for Egyptian Government to listen its people

February 8, 2011

The ACTU is gravely concerned over the situation in Egypt and the escalation of violence which has occurred in recent days.

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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
Australian Council of Trade Unions

Representing Australian workers and their families.