2 Million Voices Fighting for Dignity and Justice for All

I have just returned from the Triennial ACTU Congress held in Brisbane. The ACTU Congress is known as the workers parliament and representatives from all professions (finance sector workers, miners, teachers, nurses, cleaners, building workers to name but a few) came together for three days to debate, to inspire and to celebrate the contributions of working people across Australia. We also heard amazing stories from across the world from unionists in Zimbabwe, United States and New Zealand.

There were significant contributions on trade, infrastructure, climate change, the GFC and yes industrial relations. Unions stand up for so much more than just wages and conditions, they stand up for decent jobs, sustainable industries, stronger communities and tolerant, just societies.

Whilst the debates were fierce and hotly contested one thing struck me, and that was the missed opportunity that was the 10 years of John Howard where the voices of over 2 million workers were effectively ignored.

2 million working Australians pay each week to be part of their union to allow their voice to be heard and for Governments of any persuasion to ignore the ideas and the views of so many people represents a missed opportunity for this country. Governments should govern for all, the voice of working people like the voice of the community services sector (another sector marginalised by Howard) is just as legitimate as the voice of business, all need to be heard and respected.

We need to respect all in our community, all members of our community deserve a seat at the table. Harnessing all the spirit, goodwill and inspiration is the responsibility of our political leaders, not suppressing it.