Women in the AWU

Strong women from our earliest days

The AWU has had strong and incredible women in its ranks from its earliest days. Our most famous female member is Dame Mary Gilmore — a poet and writer who contributed to The Australian Worker and campaigned for maternity allowances, child health centres, and the rights of the aged and infirm.

Today, you can find Dame Mary Gilmore on Australia’s ten-dollar note.

Equality in the Workplace

Closing the gender pay gap

The gender pay gap — currently measured at 14.1 per cent — remains a source of frustration for all Australian women and for the AWU. Our union has long supported campaigns for gender equity in the workplace.

The AWU is proud to support the Women of Steel film project, honouring the 14-year campaign for women to work in blue-collar jobs. We include domestic violence and family leave in all union negotiations.

Breaking down stereotypes is close to the heart of our principles. Family-friendly conditions are consistently pursued in all Enterprise Agreements. The AWU values diversity — from our strong yes campaign in the same-sex marriage plebiscite to our representation of non-English speaking workers.

Pride & Inclusion

Union Pride — standing for equality

The AWU proudly stands with all members of our community. At a community level, we continue to be active on important issues relevant to a better, more equal society — because equality is union business.