On 17 October 2024, WA Branch Delegates attended the biannual HSU National Conference. Union members from across the country, including WA, also shared stories and insights about industrial campaigns. Discussion included “Powering Up to 150,000,” aimed at raising HSU membership nationally from 100,000 to 150,000 people.
Special guest, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke about the significant improvements to federal Industrial Relations laws made by the Labor government and their efforts to increase wages.
With a federal election around the corner in early 2025, it was an important reminder that these law changes, which are just starting to make a real difference for working people, would be wound back by the Liberals/Coalition if they won the election. That would mean the new Delegate’s rights, the right to disconnect, clear definitions and rights for casuals and gig workers, the “same job, same pay” principle, and many more important rights, needed to improve pay and conditions and restore some balance and fairness, would go.
ACTU Secretary Sally McManus also delivered a powerful reminder of what was at stake for Australian union members across the country at next year’s federal election.
Pictured WA Branch Delegation with the ACTU leadership of Sally McManus and Michell O’Neil.
