May Day is the time of year that those involved in the labour movement come together to reflect on the battles of the past and prepare for the battles of the future. We think about the great wins of the 8 hour day, superannuation, and improvements to on-site amenities and safety. As well as the future battles of securing penalty rates, growth in workforce casualisation and the potential election of a coalition Government that is no friend to workers.

This year I was lucky enough to be able to join other ACT workers and unionists at an event at the Woden Tradies. The event included a presentation by Humphrey McQueen on the history of the labour movement. It is always good to come together with others fighting the long and hard battle of ensuring workers entitlements.

May Day to me is a time to bring together all the issues and campaigns the union has dealt with over the last 12 months and reflect on how they contribute to maintaining and improving workers conditions.

Some of the issues and campaigns the ACT Branch has dealt with over the last 12 months include:

• The fight for minimum award entitlements for Korean workers on 457 visas that were being exploited by their employer
• The lobbying of the ACT Government to investigate safety in the construction industry that resulted in the Getting Home Safely Report.
• The weekly on-site safety breaches that stopped jobs operating unsafely and make employers operate a safe site for workers
• Lobbying of employers and Government to secure workers legitimate entitlements, such as penalty rates, LSL, ACIRT and Superannuation.
• Outing of companies using sham contracting arrangements.

And there are many more.

On Saturday, 4 May 2013 I will join other ACT unionist in the May Day Rally outside Old Parliament House from 11.30am. I hope as many members as possible come along and stand alongside your fellow workers as workers united will never be defeated.