Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for global solidarity among workers and stronger protections for fair pay during his keynote address at the IndustriALL Global Union’s 4th Congress held on Tuesday at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
Addressing delegates from across the world, Albanese paid tribute to the contributions of trade unions in promoting fairness, safety, and dignity in workplaces. “This is the first IndustriALL Congress held in Australia since the organisation was formed in 2012,” Albanese said.
“By definition, union values are universal values. The challenges faced by workers may differ, but solidarity must be global too.”
The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Mining and Energy Union’s General President Tony Maher, who is retiring after 27 years of service, and commended IndustriALL’s leadership under General Secretary Atle Høie.
Reflecting on his government’s industrial relations reforms, Albanese highlighted the Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislation introduced in 2022 and the Same Job, Same Pay law passed in 2023 as transformative steps for Australian workers. “When two people work side by side, wear the same uniform, use the same skills and do the same job, they should get the same pay,” he said.
“Since Same Job, Same Pay came into force, wages have increased by up to $60,000 per year in some workplaces, restoring fairness and dignity.”
Albanese noted that under his government, the gender pay gap has reached a record low, collective bargaining coverage has risen to over 2.6 million workers, and real wages are increasing after years of stagnation.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to minimum wage rises, penalty rate protections, and ensuring that productivity and fairness grow together. “Fairness, decent wages and respect for workers don’t undermine economic growth — they drive it,” Albanese declared.
“Our government will never accept that prosperity should come at the expense of workers’ dignity.”
Concluding his speech, Albanese reminded delegates of the enduring purpose of the labour movement.
“Our mission is global, our values are universal, and our purpose is eternal. That’s why solidarity is forever.”
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