IEU members across Queensland and the Northern Territory have celebrated the difference collective solidarity makes, rallying in their thousands as part of Labour Day and May Day celebrations during the 4-6 May long weekend.
Members united at celebrations held in Alice Springs, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Maryborough, Toowoomba and Townsville.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the history of Labour Day in Queensland stretches back to 1891.
“The 1891 Barcaldine Shearer’s Strike saw workers protest employment of non-union workers on lower rates of pay than union colleagues,” he said.
“Their protest was about fairness and their dignity as workers,” Mr Burke said.
“In 2024, IEU members remain all too aware of the struggles we continue to face when it comes to fairness and dignity as education sector professionals,” he said.
Mr Burke said Labour Day and May Day remain a special time for the union movement in Australia.
“The day is about celebrating the difference union makes,” he said.
“This is why Labour Day and May Day are such a great opportunity for both celebration and reflection.
“It provides time where we renew our commitment to keep doing what we do best: campaigning and taking action on the issues that matter.
“It was particularly encouraging to see so many IEU members and their families participating in this year’s celebrations across Queensland and the Northern Territory,” Mr Burke said.
