Julia Gillard tells AWU new laws will end anti-trade union bigotry

05 February 2009

The constructive, genuine and professional manner that the AWU went into the negotiations with the Federal Government over the introduction of the Fair Work Bill was praised by the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, at the Stronger Together national conference.

In a 7 minute message, via video, to the delegates and observers Ms Gillard said that she felt it was vital to make sure everyone's voice was heard in the consultation process for the new industrial relations legislations.

She says the new workplace laws will not forget the values of fairness which make Australians who we are today

AWU helped create Australia's national values

Australia's national commitment to fairness began in our workplaces and was given practical embodiment with the formation of the AWU, the Deputy Prime Minister says in the video.

She thanked the union for their help during the election campaign which ensured that WorkChoices was dead and fairness was re-introduced to our workplaces.

And she says we should celebrate the fact that we are now entering a period where anti-trade union bigotry had come to an end.

The AWU National Conference

For more information about the AWU National Conference visit the AWU's special National Conference website.