Members gather in numbers to celebrate union

5 May, 2026

IEU members gather in Brisbane for Labour Day 2026.

Labour Day and May Day events across Queensland and the Northern Territory drew significant attendance from union members and their families.

IEU members joined events in Alice Springs, Bowen, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Maryborough, Toowoomba and Townsville during the long weekend of 2-4 May.

IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said Labour Day and May Day is a time of celebration, community and solidarity.

“Union members have made an enormous contribution to Australian working life,” Mr Burke said.

“Stretching back to the origins of Labour Day – in Queensland, the 1891 Barcaldine Shearer’s Strike – union members have been the driving force behind fair wages and working conditions.

“In recent years, union members have secured the most significant enhancements to working rights in decades.

“It is because of union members we have the right to disconnect, secure job protections, delegate rights, paid practicum to support our next generation of teachers and improved access to flexible work, among many other rights.

“With increased cost of living impacting many Australians, these working rights are vital.

“It was wonderful to see so many IEU members and their families celebrating the difference union makes at this year’s Labour Day and May Day events,” Mr Burke said.

Members recognised with Labour Day/May Day Awards

Several IEU members were honoured with special awards as part of the festivities.

IEU Delegate and teacher member Deborah Dowdall was presented with the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Campaign Award at the Gold Coast Labour Day Dinner celebration.

Over many years, Deborah has worked diligently with her school’s IEU Chapter to identify and target specific psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

Her advocacy has resulted in improved workload measures for staff.

Three Northern Territory based members also received recognition at the Darwin May Day Dinner event.

William Bampton, an IEU Delegate and teacher at Mackillop Catholic College, was one recipient, commended for stepping into his role as delegate and taking on Chapter meetings with enthusiasm.

He is committed to assisting member colleagues with their queries and supporting fellow delegates at his workplace to upskill in their roles.

Bryce Deller and Jessica Vo, both teachers and IEU Delegates at Haileybury Rendall School, were given awards in recognition of their outstanding union activism.

While being relatively new to their delegate roles, Bryce and Jessica are described as exceptionally passionate, engaging and keen to make improvements for their colleagues wherever they can.

Impressively, Bryce and Jessica have increased their IEU Chapter membership since stepping up as delegates and are also representing employees as part of the bargaining team for upcoming collective negotiations.

Congratulations to Deborah, William, Bryce and Jessica!

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