A Change for the Better but the Campaign Must Continue

The demise of the Howard Government last weekend was a great victory for the Union movement’s campaign to get rid of Work Choices and move to fairer and more balanced workplace laws.

There is no doubt that the Federal Election was in great part a referendum on Work Choices and that these unfair laws have been resoundingly rejected by Australian working families.

The ASU played a critical role in the Your Rights at Work campaign and we would like to thank and congratulate all Workplace Representatives, active members and staff who played their part in holding the Howard Government accountable for trying to strip workers and their Unions of basic rights.

The campaign is not yet over; we need to ensure the incoming Government upholds its commitments to scrap Work Choices and that the mandate they have received is not blocked by the Senate. We must also continue to push for improvements to Labor's policy.

One thing however is certain. It will be a long time (if ever) before a Government of any political persuasion will underestimate the ability of working Australians and their Unions to stand up to unjust laws and engage and activate the broader community to uphold that basic Australian value of a fair go for all.

Once again, congratulations. We look forward to your continuing support as we keep working together to achieve our vision:

Our Union will be a strong, active and growing Union, organising workers to collectively build power in our workplaces, industries and communities to win better working conditions and to build a fair and just society for all.