International Campaigns & Issues
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
International Migrants Day 2010
December 20, 2010
To mark International Migrants Day, the ITUC is condemning the violations of migrant workers’ rights taking place all over the world.
Opposition to the re-opening of the Jeffrey Asbestos Mine in Canada
December 14, 2010
The organisations we represent are very concerned about the proposed re-opening of the Jeffrey asbestos mine in Quebec. We understand that the new mine may have annual exports of 200,000 tons of asbestos for the next 25 to 50 years.