This year’s membership drive had the theme ‘Power to the People. Everywhere’. It was launched in response to unprecedented global challenges , in which workers and their communities face climate-induced disasters, rising authoritarianism, conflict, and war.
Last year, the world saw the biggest cut to international aid in history, with global aid shrinking by over 23%. At Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, we’ve always known that worker-to-worker solidarity can’t be cut, regardless of who’s in power.
Power to the people. Everywhere – was not only our membership drive slogan, but it is also our blueprint. This is why we don’t do charity, we build partnerships that last. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA connects Australian activists with workers overseas, building relationships that endure crises and strengthen power in calmer times.
With these ongoing challenges, it was crucial to take steps to grow our movement because just like unions, our power comes from our membership.
Unions and activists alike took up the call around the country to organise Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA activities to foster solidarity between working people in Australia and around the world:
- NSWNMA Committee of Delegates Stall: With the support and organisation from NSWNMA activists a Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA membership stall was up and running at the Committee of Delegates meeting in April. It was a great opportunity to connect with delegates across the NSWNMA membership.
- Wollongong May Day March & Concert: Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA was out in force with multiple shout-outs and flyers circulating at the May Day March and Concert organised by the South Coast Labour Council. The night included a May Day Music Competition for a chance to win $1000 for the best performance of a new May Day themed song or rendition of a union classic. Attendees were encouraged to support the work of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA by joining or volunteering.
- CPSU Queensland Member Webinar: CPSU Queensland activists organised a webinar with the support of their union. Members were invited to learn about the history of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, the importance of internationalism and the far-reaching impact that solidarity from Australian unionists has had for our partner organisations overseas. If you would like to organise an online meeting for your members or coworkers, email mreid@apheda.org.au.
- Brisbane Labour Day Stall & Raffle: The annual Brisbane Labour Day event took place on 4 May, where unionists from across the movement turned out in their hundreds to march through the streets to the Brisbane Showgrounds. For the first time, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA had a presence with a stall and solidarity raffle. Congratulations to our raffle winner, Emily from Together Union!
- Professionals Australia National Online Staff Meeting Presentation: Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA was invited to give an update on our international projects at the Professionals Australia monthly staff meeting in May. Following this, a call was put out to the team for Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA representatives to facilitate international solidarity work within the union.
- Timorese Unionists in Adelaide and Melbourne – in a happy coincidence, Maria and Manuela, two Timorese unionists visiting Australia to participate in the Anna Stewart program, were here for the membership drive. Telling their own story of people power, they were able to speak with unionists at the MUA, ASU, and elsewhere about the importance of joining.
Wear your T-shirt
For the limited edition ‘Power to the people. Everywhere’ t-shirt, we turned to Naarm-based illustrator Ashley Ronning. She spent hours in the archives of the Centre for the Study of Political Graphics, studying the history of movement posters.
Wear it proudly and bring your community into the global justice organisation of Australia’s trade union movement. (Send us your pics to comms@apheda.org.au)
What’s on next?
- Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Global Solidarity Dinners: Let’s come together in solidarity at our annual global solidarity dinners. More information to follow soon but save the date now so you don’t miss out!
- Melbourne: 30 July at Victoria Trades Hall
- Sydney: 4 September at Sydney Masonic Centre
- Brisbane Quiz Night: Organised by local activists to support the work of Union Aid Abroad. Make sure you keep 11 August free, it’s a year you won’t want to miss. Tickets on sale soon.
- Big Ride for Palestine-Australia: Preparations are underway for the 10th anniversary of The Big Ride for Palestine-Australia, and the organising committee is seeking volunteers to help with local events throughout October. Join them at the next meeting on 11 June at 5:30 pm online, if you would like more information on how to get involved, email activists@apheda.org.au or call Moniqua on 0422755873.
- Increase your impact: Invite your friends, colleagues and community to join our global solidarity community. Share this link with them: apheda.org.au/join
Well done to everyone who joined or boosted their membership. We’re looking forward to seeing you out and about in your t-shirts at a rally soon!
