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

ACTU calls on Australia to enact sanctions against Myanmar military regime

January 27, 2023

The ACTU has called on Foreign Minister Penny Wong to use the upcoming second anniversary of the Myanmar military coup to announce new sanctions against the regime.

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ACTU calls for release of Cambodian unionist Chhim Sithar

December 1, 2022

President of the Cambodian hospitality union (LRSU) representing workers at the NagaWorld Casino Hotel was arrested in Phnom Penh airport and jailed on the 26th of November while returning from International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) World Congress in Melbourne.

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ACTU stands in solidarity with Ukrainian unions against anti-worker laws

September 1, 2022

The ACTU has written to President Zelenskyy calling on his Government to not proceed with anti-worker laws, and replace them with measures that would increase the security of workers and enable them and their families to survive the devastation of war and build a stronger Ukraine.

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ACTU calls for the release of arrested Belarusian trade union leaders and activists

April 29, 2022

More than 14 Belarusian trade union leaders and representatives were arrested on 19 April – the ACTU has joined unions around the world in calling for their immediate release and an end to the repression of trade unions in Belarus.

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ACTU condemns the treatment of Saharawi human rights defender

April 1, 2022

ACTU condemns the treatment of Saharawi human rights defender, Sultana Khaya

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Solidarity with the people of Ukraine

March 5, 2022

The ACTU stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine

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ACTU stands in solidarity with Iran teachers’ strike

February 25, 2022

The ACTU has expressed it’s solidarity with the teachers on strike in Iran, and has urged the UN Secretary General to step in and address the situation.

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ACTU joins call for Future Fund to divest from Myanmar military-linked companies

February 16, 2022

The ACTU has joined with an alliance of human rights and aid organisations to call on the Future Fund to divest from any companies who are in business partnership with the Myanmar military or military-owned businesses.

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Australian unions call for the release of arrested unionists in Cambodia

February 7, 2022

Australian unions call on the Cambodian Government to release the detained leaders of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU)

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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.