The departing ACTU leadership team of Sally McManus and Michele O'Neil has delivered effective and consequential change, giving Australian workers more power and bargaining strength, the TWU said today.
McManus and O'Neil began the union movement's rebuild following years of being undermined by successive Coalition governments.
During the pandemic, the ACTU leadership was instrumental in having the critically important wage subsidy scheme, JobKeeper, implemented, saving countless jobs and livelihoods. They also worked to stabilise Virgin through its administration.
More recently, McManus and O'Neil have successfully pushed for Labor's commitment to re-establish the Fair Work Court.
And for transport workers, the ACTU leaders fought alongside the TWU for a road transport stream of the Fair Work Commission and Same Job Same Pay laws. O'Neil also recently led the Australian delegation at the ILO to fight for gig workers' rights on the global stage.
The TWU recognises the profound and meaningful improvements Sally McManus and Michele O'Neil have delivered to the pay, conditions and safety of Australian workers.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said:
"Millions of Australian workers are better paid, have better rights and are safer at work because of the intelligent, effective advocacy of Sally McManus and Michele O'Neil.
"Sally McManus has led working people in Australia through difficult terrain, with smart campaigns against unscrupulous employers.
"Michele O'Neil has stood with transport workers across the industry, from aviation workers in crisis during the pandemic, to gig workers in her fight with us for global rights.
"Sally and Michele's contribution to improving the lives of working people is tangible and it will endure. They have galvanised the union movement to win, to continue to build union density and ensure workers have a stronger voice at work and across the nation."
