A Unions NT Retrospective
UNION HISTORY
Unions have existed and been active in a range of industries throughout the Northern Territory since the 1900s, more than 60 years of organising for a fairer working life.
OUR Origins
WHERE IT BEGAN
When union delegates gathered in the North Australian Workers Union to establish the Northern Territory Trades and Labor Council during the 1950s, they had a clear vision, to lift the living standards and quality of working life of working people.
Their strategy to achieve this was also clear: to build union organisation in the workforce on a local basis, in step with the ACTU strategy to build union capability and capacity on a national level.
Who We Are
WHAT WE'VE WON
More than 60 years on, Unions NT and its affiliated union members celebrate a proud record of achievement on behalf of working Territorians and the community.
01
Fairer Pay & Conditions
Decades of wage increases through the award system, better working hours and entitlements to paid holidays and improved employment conditions.
02
Safer Workplaces
Workplace health and safety laws and workers' compensation legislation that protect Territorians on the job.
03
Equality & Rights
Equality legislation for women, anti-discrimination laws, and protection of human rights and the rights of Indigenous peoples.
04
Secure Retirement
The establishment of an industry-based superannuation system, giving working people a dignified retirement.
1900s
Roots of the movement
1950s
NT Trades & Labor Council formed
60+
Years organising
13
Affiliated unions today
13,000+
Members across the NT
9
Major industrial gains
Key Insights
WHAT HISTORY TELLS US
Unions NT, alongside the ACTU and affiliated unions, has played a role in all of these achievements and has contributed to fairness and justice in the community as a whole.
The advances made have all contributed to Australia's post-war development, immigration program, social security system, Medicare and education — to name just a few areas of public policy.
History is important as it teaches us how to achieve positive change, and reminds us of the consequences of undervaluing ordinary working people.
The Legacy
Industrial gains, generation on generation
- Wage increases through the award system
- Safer workplaces
- Equality legislation for women
- Better working hours & paid holidays
- Anti-discrimination legislation
- Rights of Indigenous peoples protected
- Industry-based superannuation
Beyond The Territory
STANDING WITH WORKERS EVERYWHERE
Unions NT has also represented Australian unionists in the international arena, opposing discrimination and oppression and supporting human rights, from Europe and South Africa to Asia and the United States. The trade union aid agency, APHEDA, Union Aid Abroad, contributes to humanitarian projects in many countries and has previously had a working group based in Darwin.
The Fight Continues
PRINCIPLES WORTH DEFENDING
Right To Organise
A 21st century struggle
The fight to organise and the right to collectively bargain sit at the heart of the struggle for a fair Australia, just as they did throughout the previous century.
Enduring Commitment
Protecting the fundamentals
The enduring commitment of working Territorians to a fairer society is reflected in the continuing fight to protect the fundamental principles of unionism.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Built on sacrifice
We can all look back with pride on those who worked and sacrificed to build the trade union movement, and carry the Territory union cause bright into the future.
WHY HISTORY MATTERS
History is important as it can teach us all how to achieve positive change, and remind some in our society about the consequences of undervaluing ordinary working people. The fight to organise and the right to collectively bargain remain as vital today as they were in the last century, and Unions NT carries that legacy forward on behalf of every Territorian worker.