The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is set for a leadership change as secretary Sally McManus and president Michele O’Neil announced their resignations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised their contributions to the labor movement and the government's workplace agenda.
The resignations of key leaders at the Australian Council of Trade Unions signal a potential shift in the labor movement's strategy and priorities, impacting the government's workplace agenda and the political landscape.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is facing a significant leadership transition as its secretary, Sally McManus, and president, Michele O’Neil, have announced their surprise resignations. The pair, who have served together for eight years, revealed their departures on Monday night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded both individuals as "giants of the labour movement" and personal friends, acknowledging their substantial contributions.
McManus and O’Neil led the ACTU as its first all-female leadership team in its 99-year history. They were instrumental in advancing the Albanese government's workplace agenda, successfully advocating for key reforms such as the "right to disconnect" law, "same job, same pay" protections, the criminalization of wage theft, and establishing minimum standards for gig economy workers.
Recently, the ACTU has focused its attention on Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, signaling a shift in the union movement's perception of political threats, now viewing One Nation as a greater risk to Labor and working people than the Coalition. McManus is scheduled to depart in August, while O’Neil will remain until the end of the year to assist with the transition to new leadership.
In a social media video, McManus and O’Neil stated that it was time for renewal, highlighting the growth in union membership and the establishment of over 47 new workplace rights. They also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including cost-of-living pressures, the impact of AI, and wealth inequality. Prime Minister Albanese stated that their "tireless advocacy and strong leadership" had improved the financial standing of working families, noting recent significant wage increases in undervalued sectors, a record low gender pay gap, and growing union membership.