In late October-early November Union Aid Abroad ran a study tour to the Thai-Myanmar border. This tour contained participants from the Australian union movement who attended to learn about our projects in the region and the struggle for democracy in Myanmar.

Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) are deepening its commitment to international solidarity through the Partnerships for Decent Work in the Indo-Pacific.

This year, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s partners led campaigns that strengthened labour rights, advanced gender equality, addressed climate impacts for workers, expanded community resilience, and pushed back against exploitation and authoritarianism. Together, they demonstrate a simple truth: when people organise collectively, they win.

This year has been a tough one for communities around the world. But even in hard times, our message has stayed the same — there’s hope in solidarity. We know this story well. When conditions at work are harsh and the boss is a bully, what do we do? We organise, stand together, and fight back.

The asbestos industry’s legal attack on activists in Indonesia has provoked a strong national and international response. Dozens of statements from around the world have been submitted to the court in support of the defendants.

The powerful momentum from the Harbour Bridge march—felt nationally and internationally—provided the necessary pressure for the Australian government to act. The recognition of the State of Palestine, a long-held goal of our movement, is a welcome step.