Celebrating union pride on Labour Day

For 140 years, The Australian Workers’ Union has stood alongside working people — fighting for safer workplaces, fair wages, secure jobs and dignity at work. This year, our members had every reason to celebrate that proud history.

Labour Day 2026 marked a significant milestone, with our union taking pride of place at the front of the Labour Day marches for the first time in our union’s history. Across Queensland, members and their families gathered in towns and cities to lead marches through local streets, proudly carrying our flags and celebrating the strength and solidarity that has defined our union for generations.

The AWU QLD Branch at Brisbane Labor Day 2026

It was a powerful reminder that the AWU has always been built by working people. From our roots in organisations such as the Australasian Shearers’ Union, the Queensland Shearers’ Union and many other unions that came together over time, our movement has been forged through determination, sacrifice and collective action. Those early unionists faced enormous challenges, but they understood a simple truth: workers achieve more when they stand together.

That truth remains just as important today.

While we take pride in our history, our focus remains firmly on the future. The challenges facing workers may change, but our commitment never does. When workplace safety is put at risk, we will continue to stand up and demand better. When employers seek to replace secure jobs with casualisation and uncertainty, we will organise and fight for permanent employment and stronger conditions. When wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living, we will continue pushing for fair outcomes that recognise the value of workers and their families.

Every generation of union members builds on the work of those who came before them. The rights and conditions many workers enjoy today were not simply handed down — they were won through collective action by union members who refused to accept less than they deserved.

As we celebrate 140 years of the AWU, we also celebrate the people who continue to make this union strong: our members. Thank you to everyone who marched, attended celebrations and helped mark this incredible milestone.

One hundred and forty years on, we remain proud of our history, proud of our members and proud to wear the AWU logo on our chest. The fight continues — and together, our future remains strong.