The country's largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has warmly welcomed the election of Emma Kingdon as the new President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
Ms Kingdon is a highly experienced trade union official, previously serving as the ACTU's National Director of Campaigns and holding multiple roles across several unions.
As the union representing over 356,000 nurses, midwives and carers, Federal Secretary Annie Butler said the ANMF was looking forward to working with Ms Kingdon, who has a 'deep understanding of the movement, including female-dominated unions'.
"On behalf of ANMF members, we congratulate Emma on her election to lead the ACTU," Ms Butler said.
"Emma's experience working across various unions shows she has a deep understanding of the movement and has a proven track record of delivering successful campaigns, which have helped improve gender equity and deliver better workplace safety and education and secure employment for workers.
"As a movement, we have made significant workplace and industrial gains for Australian workers in recent years, including minimum and award wage increases; wage rises for workers in the health, disability and community sectors; the extension of paid parental leave (PPL) and an increase in superannuation.
"But as nurses, midwives and carers continue to struggle with ever-increasing cost-of-living pressures, it's crucial that the movement fights hard to eliminate pay disparity and embed robust workplace rights and conditions for the country's frontline workers.
"Emma's extensive experience at the ACTU in campaign strategy, worker education and grassroots organising, makes her the ideal leader, in partnership with ACTU Secretary Mel Donnelly, to work with the ANMF and our members to build a stronger union movement benefitting all Australian workers."
Ms Butler said the ANMF also acknowledged the 'immense legacy' of outgoing ACTU President Michele O'Neil and former Secretary Sally McManus.
About us:
The ANMF, with over 356,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.
