Union members in non-government education have a deep and lasting connection to Labour Day in Queensland and May Day in the Northern Territory, as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Rebecca Sisson writes.
For more than a century, as part of antecedent unions of the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory Branch, members have marched with workers from all sectors.
This year’s Labour Day/May Day celebrations will take place from 3-5 May across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
We encourage all IEU members to participate in this important tradition with their families and colleagues.
Why participation matters more than ever
Now, more than ever, it is vital to stand in solidarity with your colleague IEU members.
Labour Day embodies the values of Australian workers – values shared by education professionals.
These include dignity, respect and belief in the power of the collective.
Participating in Labour Day/May Day renews our commitment to defend these principles against attack.
134 years of fighting for workers’ rights
Labour Day in Queensland traces its roots back to Barcaldine in 1891 when pastoralists attempted to undercut shearers’ wages by bringing in nonunion labour and individual contracts.
In response, shearers went on strike for four months, culminating in a march of more than 1,300 workers – an incredible show of solidarity for a town of just 400 people.
At the same time, workers across Australia and the world were fighting for – and winning – an improvement to work-life balance: the Eight-Hour Day.
Labour Day/May Day is a chance to stand in solidarity with the broader movement.
Butchers and electricians march alongside teachers and nurses.
Public servants, firefighters, police officers, social workers, manufacturing workers, and cleaners walk together.
Celebrating our wins, defending our future
Labour Day is not just a day off – it is a reminder of the sacrifices made to secure the wages and conditions we enjoy today, including annual leave, 12.75 per cent superannuation and paid parental leave.
These hard-won gains were not given freely by employers – they were fought for through the collective action of IEU members.
As education workers, we honour those who came before us by continuing to stand up for fair wages, safe workplaces, and dignity for all workers.
Join us this May
Labour Day/May Day is a celebration, but it is also a call to action.
The conditions we enjoy today were won through unity and must be defended the same way.
This May, we march together to honour the past and protect the future.
For details on your upcoming local Labour Day/May Day celebrations, visit www.ieuqnt.org.au/labourday
