The Australian Council of Trade Unions

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) represents the national interests of Australian unions and their workers, both nationally and internationally. Learn about the ACTU. Here.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) was established to represent the national interests of Australian unions, and is now a peak body which represents workers both locally and internationally.

The ACTU coordinates campaigns on important work-related issues and is responsible for lodging pay claims with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission on behalf of its member unions.
The ACTU also negotiates with the government, does research and analysis and keeps people in touch with workers in other countries.

Use the fact sheets, the glossary, member profiles and about unions section of Worksite to help answer the following questions:

1. When was the ACTU established?
2. How many unions does that ACTU represent?
3. Who is the current president of the ACTU?
4. What was her first profession?
5. What is APHEDA?
6. What do you think the ACTU is best known for?
7. Write a one paragraph `biography' of the ACTU.
8. Use the ‘Union Achievements’ page to make a list of what you think are the top three achievements of the unions in Australia.

Opinion

What if...

Imagine there were no unions and no ACTU. How would the world of work be different? Consider issues like wages, a fair go for everyone and occupational health and safety.