"Unions Work" in Queensland

Date: 03 May 2002

Celebrate a Queensland tradition - the workers day

"Unions Work" is the proud theme of Labour Day 2002

Queensland Council of Unions General Secretary Grace Grace said the proud and positive theme was an indication of the state of the union movement in Queensland and Australia.

"Unions work and unions will continue to work for Queensland workers and their families and with fine weather the QCU is expecting a record turnout," Ms Grace said.

"Unions work for basic rights and entitlements for all Queensland workers including paid maternity leave, equal pay, health and safety and much more," she said.

"2002 has already seen the need for unions in the current industrial relations landscape and the highest level of union involvement in key issues and campaigns," she said.

"Queensland is at the forefront in the majority of these national campaigns including pay equity, changes to termination and redundancy and call centres," Ms Grace said.

"So it is apt that Queensland continues to have the biggest and best Labour Day march and celebrations in Australia. More importantly, Labour Day in Queensland is celebrated throughout the state through regional marches and functions," she said.

"In 2002, Queensland has opened its first regional council building in over 15 years and for the first time the Gold Coast has joined in Labour Day celebrations," Ms Grace said.

"These achievements signal the turn of the tide for the union movement in Queensland," she said.

"This day is for all workers and their families to celebrate the achievements of Queensland's union movement and the basic rights and entitlements all workers deserve," she said.

This year Queensland's Labour Day march and celebration will be joined by Malaysian activist Irene Xavier who is in Australia highlighting the Malaysian Government's appalling treatment of trade unionists and democracy activists.

Queensland Premier, Hon. Peter Beattie will be among the guest speakers at this year's Labour Day celebrations.

The march starts at 10.00am from Mary Street and will end at Musgrave Park, South Brisbane with food, fun and free entertainment.

For more information Queensland Labour Day Celebrations go to www.qcu.asn.au/229.html

For further information

Contact:	Liz Phillips
Union:	Queensland Council of Unions
Phone:	07 3846 2468
Contact Mobile:	0407 624 475
Email:	lizp@qcu.asn.au
WWW:	http://www.qcu.asn.au

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