Labor Council of New South Wales facts for kids
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| Founded | 1871 |
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| Headquarters | Sydney, New South Wales |
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Members
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800,000 |
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Key people
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Mark Morey, Secretary Thomas John Costa, Assistant Secretary Emma Maiden, Assistant Secretary |
The Labor Council of New South Wales, also known as Unions NSW, is a very important group for workers in New South Wales, Australia. It's like a main office for many different trade unions across the state. Think of it as the top organization that brings together many smaller unions.
As of 2005, 67 unions and 8 local worker councils were part of Unions NSW. Together, they represent about 800,000 workers in New South Wales. This council works closely with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), which is the biggest union group in all of Australia.
Contents
The Story of Unions NSW
Unions NSW started a long time ago, in 1871. It was first called the Trades & Labor Council of Sydney. Only six unions joined at the very beginning.
Early Growth and Challenges
The council grew very quickly in its early years. Between 1885 and 1890, the number of unions joining tripled. By 1890, about 35,000 workers were members. This meant that 60% of all union members in the Colony of New South Wales were part of this group.
In 1891, nearly a quarter of all workers in the colony were union members. This made New South Wales one of the most organized places for workers in the world!
However, the 1890s brought tough times. There was a big economic depression, which meant many people lost their jobs. Employers also made it harder for unions to operate. Some large strikes, like the 1890 Australian maritime dispute and the 1891 Australian shearers strike, were not successful. These challenges made it difficult for unions to grow during that period.
Name Changes Over Time
The organization changed its name several times. In 1894, it became the Sydney District of Australasian Labour Federation. Then, in 1900, it was renamed the Sydney Labor Council. Eight years later, in 1908, it became the Labor Council of New South Wales, which is its official name today.
In 2005, the group started using the brand name Unions NSW for all its public activities. This is the name most people know it by now.
What Unions NSW Does
Unions NSW has several important jobs. It helps make sure workers in New South Wales are treated fairly and have good working conditions.
- Following National Rules: It helps put the rules and plans of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) into action within New South Wales.
- Organizing Campaigns: It helps organize and lead activities and campaigns that involve many different unions working together.
- Helping Unions: It provides help to its member unions with things like research, talking to employers (negotiations), and speaking up for workers (advocacy).
- Talking to Government: It talks to the State Parliament to ask for new laws that improve social conditions and workers' rights. This is called lobbying.
- Public Information: It's the main place for people to ask questions and get information about unions in New South Wales.
- Managing Trades Hall: It manages the Sydney Trades Hall, a historic building that is important for unions.
