In the present political and economic life of Australia, the A.C.T.U. plays as important a role as that of any of the political parties. In many ways, it is now a third force in the life of the nation, independent enough in its policies to cut across conventional party loyalties and come into contact not only with employers, but with governments of different political persuasions. The officials of the A.C.T.U. and its constituent bodies are national figures wielding considerable economic power and political influence.
This book is the history of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, tracing the story of the A.C.T.U. from its establishment in 1927 to the present day. The author was specially commissioned by the Council and given full access to all available records so that the subject is comprehensively covered.
In 1927, delegates from the many sections of the trade union movement decided that the existing structure had to be abandoned to make way for One Big Union. This did not in fact materialize, but an overall controlling Council was established. The author describes the events which, during the half century that followed, were to give the Council both its triumphs and failures. Jim Hagan details the problems that have been overcome. He also assesses the achievements, and discusses the contributions made by individuals to the successes gained—successes which have enabled the living standards of the Australian working people to be as high as they are today.
This book will be essential reading for all who wish to understand the workings of the union movement and appreciate how the A.C.T.U. has come to achieve the important place it now has in Australian affairs, affecting the lives and livelihood of all citizens, whether or not they are members of the union movement.