International Campaigns & Issues 2020



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

ACTU statement on resumption of conflict in Western Sahara

December 11, 2020

The ACTU deplores the flagrant violation by the Moroccan army of the ceasefire in Western Sahara by moving its army into the Guerguerat area and Buffer Strip which is monitored by the United Nations’ mission in Western Sahara, MINURSO.

The Australian trade union movement expresses our solidarity with the people of Western Sahara and the Saharawi Trade Union UGTSARIO, and reaffirms our support for the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and independence in accordance with UN resolutions and relevant UN decolonisation doctrines.

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Solidarity with 250 million Indian workers on strike

November 26, 2020

The ACTU stands in solidarity with the 250 million Indian workers on strike protesting anti-worker labour laws.

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ACTU calls on the Indonesian Government to repeal the Omnibus Law on Job Creation

October 8, 2020

The Indonesian Government passed the Omnibus Law on Job Creation on 5 October, despite the strong opposition of Indonesian workers and communities. The Omnibus Law puts the interests of foreign investors ahead of workers, and significantly undermines labour rights, human rights, and environmental protections.

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Solidarity with workers in Zimbabwe

September 18, 2020

The ACTU stands in solidarity with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), and condemns the labelling of the ZCTU as a terrorist organisation by the government.

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ACTU urges the Australian Government to take a stand against rights violations in the Philippines

September 8, 2020

In June 2020, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights released a comprehensive and alarming report on the human rights situation in the Philippines. The ACTU urges the Australian Government to sponsor a resolution at the upcoming 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council to follow up on the progress of the recommendations in the UN High Commissioner’s report, and call on the Philippines Government to implement the recommendations as a matter of urgency.

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L20 statement to the G20 labour and employment ministers’ meeting

September 1, 2020

The global trade union movement stands with all workers, and especially those on the front lines for treating and containing COVID-19 and those whose work ensures the provision of essential goods and services.

Government action to increase testing and fund vaccine and treatment research and production is urgently needed. Multilateral coordination in sharing research findings and the rapid production and dissemination of freely available vaccines and treatments is vital to address both the current health and socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to build resilience for all.

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ACTU urges the Commonwealth to lead a gender-responsive recovery

September 1, 2020

In Australia and around the Commonwealth, women have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of the Commonwealth Women’s Ministerial meeting, the ACTU wrote to Minister for Women Marise Payne outlining the priorities for the Commonwealth Trade Union Group’s women workers.

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Solidarity with workers in Belarus

August 21, 2020

The ACTU stands in solidarity with workers in Belarus taking strike action and calling for a stop to the violence, persecution and arrests; for the release of all imprisoned union leaders, activists and civil society representatives; and to rerun the elections with an independent commission and international observers. We call on the Australian Government to pressure the government of Belarus to meet the demands of the independent trade unions.

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ACTU calls on the Cambodian government to release union leader

August 13, 2020

The ACTU has written to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, regarding the arrest of the leader of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), Rong Chhun.

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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.
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Mind Your Head

We’re taking action to protect workplace mental health.
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Worksite

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

Information and resources for health and safety representatives and workers about how to speak up at work for health and safety.
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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.
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ACTU National Union Directory

Find who you are looking for from the who’s who of the union movement.
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Australian Council of Trade Unions

Representing Australian workers and their families.