The trade union movement is the foundation of the Australian Labor Party. The ALP was set up in 1891 after workers suffered losses in a number of major industrial disputes. They realized the need to change Australia through the Parliamentary processes as well as industrially. The ALP was set up as the political wing of the trade union movement. Throughout the history of the Party the union movement has played a crucial role.

It is a rule of the Party that, if you are employed in an area covered by a trade union, you must be a member of the relevant trade union. In the ACT Branch unions get representation at Branch Conference and Branch Council.

If you are a member of one of the affiliated trade unions you should approach your union about getting involved as one of their representatives in ALP forums.

Affiliated Trade Unions To The ACT ALP

• Australian Meat Industry Employees Union (AMWU)
• Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU)
• Australian Services Union (ASU C&A)
• Australian Services Union - Clerical Division (ASU (SACS))
• Australian Workers Union (AWU) 
• Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
• Communication, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU)
  • Postal and Telecommunications Division (CEPU (P & T))
  • Telecommunications and Services Division (CEPU (T & S))
• Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU)
• Health Services Union of Australia (HSUA)
• National Union of Workers (NUW)
• Public Transport Union (PTU)
• Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA)
• Transport Workers Union (TWU)
• United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA)
• United Voice