Thousands of Australians rally to Change the Rules

Thousands of Australians are expected to hit the streets in April and May in a significant escalation to the Change the Rules campaign demanding more secure work and fair pay. Union members and supporters will march, rally and gather for a series of major events in cities and regional communities across Australia.

These events and subsequent campaign activities, involving all Australian unions including the AEU, will represent the largest mobilisation of working people since the Your Rights at Work campaign more than a decade ago. 

ACTU Secretary Sally McManus says people around the country are ready to take action to win more secure jobs and fairer pay for all Australians.

“They know big business has too much power, and they know that when working people join together we are mighty and unbreakable," McManus says.

“Wherever I go in Australia I hear the same story –we are ready for change and willing to take action to make change.”

The Change the Rules campaign seeks to address a changing and volatile work environment where a third of big businesses don't pay any tax, while wages have flatlined and an incredible 40% of Australians are in insecure work.

People will march, rally and gather in Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Wollongong, Adelaide, Cairns, Toowoomba, Sydney, Fremantle, Southport, Sunshine Coast, Maryborough, Brisbane, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Darwin and Thursday Island with more events being planned in regional centres across the country.

Many of the events will coincide with May Day celebrations, which mark International Workers Day.

“Anyone who wants to live in a better, fairer country, who wants more secure jobs and fairer pay rises, should attend these events and join the movement for change,” says McManus.