Sally McManus, secretary, and Michele O’Neil, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), announced their resignations on Monday night. The pair have led the union movement for eight years.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described both as personal friends and “giants of the labour movement.” He stated their “tireless advocacy and strong leadership” had placed working families in a stronger financial position.
McManus and O’Neil were the first all-female leadership team in the ACTU’s 99-year history. They played a significant role in shaping the Albanese government’s workplace agenda, campaigning for new laws including the right to disconnect and same job, same pay protections.
McManus is set to depart in August, with O’Neil remaining to assist the new secretary before leaving by the end of the year. In a farewell video, they cited a need for renewal, noting union membership growth and 47 new workplace rights for workers.