Queensland Unions work hard to see off the chaos and confusion of One Nation and the LNP
Queensland workers and their unions have again shown they will fight – and win – to ensure decent working conditions, fair wages and equality for all remain major priorities for Queensland’s future.
Unions across all industries racked up some impressive victories for their members and their communities, while the movement in general was instrumental in campaigning to recognise marriage equality.
As we wind up an action packed 2017, it’s wise to reflect on the victories of the year past, but to also focus on the battles ahead and the rules that we need to change.
Wage growth is still at record lows, wage theft remains the business plan for many dodgy employers, and more effort must go towards ensuring every worker comes home safe at the end of their working day.
The QCU appreciates the support and energy of affiliate unions in working hard to build a better future for all Queenslanders.
In the holiday season, spend some well-deserved time with your family and friends to recharge your batteries ready to rejoin the battle in the year ahead.
See you then!
Ros McLennan
General Secretary, Queensland Council of Unions
WIN – Voters reject chaos and confusion
Queenslanders have shown their support for a government that has created jobs, restored frontline services and retained public assets over an unstable and chaotic LNP/One Nation Coalition government with a cut, sack and sell agenda. The QCU’s Stand for Queensland campaign had successful outcomes in nine targeted seats: Cairns, Cook, Gaven, Mundingburra, Keppel, Maryborough, Mansfield, […]
FIGHT – Fair pay for club workers
The Union movement warned the federal government and retail bosses that if they cut wages, people would stop spending – but they did not listen. What did they think would happen when we hear that businesses now face the weakest consumer spending since 2008. Unions continue to campaign against pay cuts in the community club […]
WIN – Marriage equality at last!
Queensland and Australia have overwhelmingly said “Yes” to marriage equality, following the postal plebiscite result announced in November. The Queensland Union movement was proud to stand, rally, wobble board, call, advocate and lobby with our LGBTIQ+ members on the right side of history in calling for a “Yes” result. LGBTIQ+ Australians should never had to […]
WIN – Unions win apprentice back pay case
Queensland apprentices have won a landmark case, securing up to $100 million in back pay. The ETU and the Plumbers Union, the AMWU, and the CFMEU have had a significant victory on behalf of Queensland apprentices after the Federal Court handed down a ruling that potentially affects thousands of apprentices who have been paid wages […]
FIGHT – Nurse-patient ratios in aged care
The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union has called for the introduction of legislated nurse numbers in aged care facilities. QNMU Secretary Beth Mohle said the push for legislated nurse numbers in aged care was part of an ongoing campaign to continue to improve safety and quality of care for elderly and other Queenslanders. The move […]
WIN – Ambos vote for pay parity
There’s been a recent win for United Voice ambulance officers who have voted yes for pay parity. In October, after intense lobbying from United Voice, the State government gave the green light for a process to see wage parity with other states and an enhanced classification structure delivered for Queensland Ambulance employees. The new workplace […]
FIGHT – ETU wants safety laws widened
The Electrical Trades Union has called on the Northern Territory’s Gunner Government to urgently introduce industrial manslaughter laws in the wake of the tragic death of a worker at the Ichthys project in Darwin earlier this month. ETU Queensland and NT State Secretary Peter Ong said over the past four years the project had been […]
FIGHT – Build a narrative for renewable energy
Queensland unions say investment in renewables should occur but must also guarantee good, secure jobs if it is to provide long-lasting benefits to the state. Queensland Council of Unions Assistant General Secretary Michael Clifford has been part of public advocacy for renewables, telling a major summit that the renewable energy industry needed to convince Queenslanders […]
WIN – JCU staff win better deal
After defeating a non-union ballot in September, NTEU and Together, with the support of the ETU and UV, finally won a new Enterprise Agreement with James Cook University which will cover more than 4,000 workers in North Queensland. The improved deal included an additional 2% in salary increases, improved workload regulation,10 days paid Domestic and […]
WIN – Breakthrough for Shalom staff
The Independent Education Union of Australia (QLD and NT Branch) has made a breakthrough in achieving greater assistance for members at the Shalom Christian College secondary school in Townsville, which was closed by the Uniting Church in December. The Union coordinated community rallies in Brisbane and Townsville – pictured – which highlighted the concerns of staff […]
WIN – Community Alliance makes impact
The Queensland Community Alliance – of which unions are founding members – says the recent state election result is a wake-up call to ensure community leaders focus on issues that matter to ordinary Queenslanders such as better-quality care, vocational training and secure employment. The Alliance was launched in late August, representing a powerful new voice […]
FIGHT – DV leave for all workers
The call for domestic violence leave to be incorporated into national employment standards gains momentum, with Queensland unions leading the way. Queensland’s public sector agencies and many private industry employers now include 10 days family and domestic violence leave into their agreements, providing women the time they need to attend counselling and support service appointments, […]
WIN – Super victory over CBA
Queensland members of the Finance Sector Union are among members delivered a major win as the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) announced that it will pay employees $16.7 million in unpaid entitlements. The CBA said that more than 36,000 current and former part-time staff were short-changed on these important entitlements. Congratulations to all FSU members who were […]