Queensland Labour Day activities this year will celebrate a new march, a new venue and continued membership growth amongst the movement.

Labour Day activities this year will celebrate a new march route, a new venue and continued membership growth amongst the movement.

ABS statistics in the year to August 2003 show an increase of 16 400 members taking the total membership in Queensland to 349 400. These statistics also show that density of union membership has increased to 23.5% up from 23% in the previous year.

QCU General Secretary Grace Grace said this was the third successive increase in both numbers and density for Queensland unions.

“This continued membership growth is proof of the healthy state of the movement in Queensland and also of the relevance and need for unions.

“Unions have been at the forefront of many important issues such as work and family balance, occupational health and safety and job security and we will continue to campaign on these and many other issues which affect workers and their families.”

The theme for this year’s celebrations is “union rights are human rights” which recognises the contributions of unions not only in the industrial sphere but in the global community.

“Unions are committed to the defence of human rights and have a record of support in countries such as Colombia, Zimbabwe and Burma. They have also been at the forefront of peace marches and rallies throughout the world and are committed to building international solidarity,” said Ms Grace.

This year’s celebrations will be held at Roma St Parkland on Monday 3 May with a new march route to weave its way through city streets – the first time in three years the march has proceeded through the city.

“This change in venue and march route heralds a new era for celebrations in Brisbane and we will continue to focus on ensuring the day is one for all ages to enjoy.

“The success of recent Labour Day celebrations is an indication of the importance of Labour Day for an increasing number of Queenslanders and the QCU will continue to ensure the relevance of celebrations for all workers and their families.

“Unions have achieved much over the years and we can be proud of our record on improving the wages and conditions of Queensland workers and their families.”

The march starts at 10:00am on Monday 3 May and the route is: assemble at Mary St, turn right into George St, right into Ann St, left into Albert St, enter Roma St Parkland.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie will be among the guest speakers at this year’s celebrations which will begin at 10:45am at Roma St Parkland.