Find an AWU Branch

History of the AWU

The Australian Workers Union is a federation of state, regional and industry-based branches. It represents more than 130,000 members across Australia in a diverse range of industries. It is Australia's oldest general union.

The AWU was formed in 1886 as the Ammalgamated Shearers Union and quickly grew to represent shearers across NSW, Victoria and South Australia. The Queensland Shearers Union formed in 1887.

By 1894, the Australian Workers Union was formed and struggled to cope with the conditions of the 1890's. Gradually, the AWU grew as the colonies recovered.

Federation in 1901 brought a Commonwealth industrial relations system. The AWU was the first union to secure a federal award under the new concilliation and arbitration system - the Pastoral Industry Award. With this award, the AWU was able to ensure that workers, not just bosses, had a say in setting pay rates and workplace conditions.

In 1994 the AWU underwent its most significant amalgamation with FIMEE, itself an ammalgamated union of the Federated Ironworkers' Association of Australia (FIA) and the Australiasian Society of Engineers (ASE).

Today, the AWU represents working Australians form all walks of life. The AWU has coverage of workers ranging from hairdressers to rabbit trappers. Our members build railways, work in underground mines, they mill paper and asphalt roads. They also farm fish and grow tobacco. Some of the major industries in which our members work include: Pastoral and agricultural; aluminium; aviation; oil and gas; mining; construction and steel.

The AWU's history is as rich and complex as the industries it represents.

Related Articles