History of the AWU

The Australian Workers Union is a national union made up of state, regional and industry-based branches. It represents more than 130,000 members across Australia in a diverse range of industries. It is Australia's oldest general union and largest blue-collar union.

The AWU was formed in 1886 as the Amalgamated Shearers Union, and quickly grew to represent shearers across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The Queensland Shearers Union formed in 1887.

By 1894 the Australian Workers Union was formed, and struggled to cope with the conditions of the 1890s. Gradually, the AWU grew as the colonies recovered.
Federation in 1901 brought a Commonwealth industrial relations system. The AWU was the first union to secure a federal award under the new conciliation and arbitration system - the Pastoral Industry Award. With this award, the AWU was able to ensure that workers, not just bosses, had a say in setting pay rates and workplace conditions.

In 1994 the AWU underwent its most significant amalgamation with FIMEE, itself an amalgamated union of the Federated Ironworkers' Association of Australia (FIA) and the Australiasian Society of Engineers (ASE).

Today, the AWU represents working Australians from all walks of life. The AWU has coverage of workers ranging from hairdressers to rabbit trappers. Our members build railways, work in underground mines, they mill paper and asphalt roads. They also farm fish and grow tobacco. Some of the major industries in which our members work include: Pastoral and agricultural;aluminium; aviation; oil and gas; mining; construction and steel.

The AWU's history is as rich and complex as the industries it represents.

Click below to watch a short film on the history of the AWU produced to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Union in 2006.

On this site you can also view a complete histortical timeline of the AWU from 1886 to today, you can also view a timeline of the history of FIMEE and the FIA from its foundation in 1911 through to the amalgation to form today's AWU.