Queensland unions will fight on the battleground of secure jobs after statewide workers’ forums endorsed this election campaign focus at a final Congress meeting in Brisbane in June.
Union members, delegates and leaders identified job creation and insecure employment in regional communities as critical to building a better future for all Queenslanders as the state prepares for an election by March 2018.
Regional congresses were held in Mackay, Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg and Rockhampton before the final congress in Brisbane.
That Congress endorsed policies that focus on creation of good jobs for Queensland workers through stimulating employment and leveraging the government’s spending power.
QCU General Secretary Ros McLennan said members will use the coming state election to quiz all candidates on their policies for investment in skills and training, support for regional communities and keeping public assets in public hands.
Protecting penalty rates and employment conditions would also be important points for any union support, as these were critical factors in reducing income inequality.
“Support for union growth and workers’ rights will be crucial to any backing for candidates or parties,” said Ms McLennan.
ACTU Secretary Sally McManus spoke at several of the Congresses, outlining the Change The Rules campaign now underway.
