International Women’s Day (8 March), is a time to celebrate the long and proud history of union women standing together to win fundamental rights that have reshaped our workplaces and society. The union movement, thanks to the tireless efforts of union women, has driven progress for gender equality and justice. This IWD we celebrate these hard-fought victories and continue to build on their legacy.
Here are just a few important moments in Queensland history that highlight the crucial wins union women have made to secure the rights we enjoy today.
Women's Right to Vote - 1905
One of the earliest and most significant achievements for women in Australia was securing the right to vote. The suffrage movement was deeply connected to the broader workers' movement, as union women campaigned alongside their sisters for political representation. Queensland women gained the right to vote in state elections in 1905. This victory was not easily won; it was the result of years of determined activism, petitions, and rallies that brought together women from all walks of life, united in their demand for equality.
The right to vote empowered women to have a say in the laws and policies that governed their lives. It was a catalyst for broader social and workplace reforms, ensuring that women had a platform to advocate for their rights and interests. This victory laid the groundwork for future gains within the union movement, as women increasingly stepped into leadership roles and drove campaigns that addressed issues affecting working women.
Winning Maternity Leave - 1979
Paid maternity leave was a groundbreaking win for union women. For decades, unions fought for the recognition that women should not have to choose between having a family and keeping their jobs. The campaign to win 1979 Maternity Leave Award, which guaranteed 52 weeks of unpaid maternity leave and job security upon return to work was groundbreaking and has lead to the entitlements women workers receive today. This landmark achievement acknowledged that parenting responsibilities should not come at the cost of a woman's career.
The introduction of maternity leave set a precedent for workplaces to become more inclusive and supportive of working families. It helped dismantle the stigma surrounding pregnancy and employment, giving women the confidence to pursue both professional and personal aspirations. Union advocacy continues to push for improvements in parental leave policies, ensuring that families are supported and workplace equality progresses.
Abortion Rights - 2018
The fight for reproductive rights has been another arena where union women stood together for change. In Queensland, the decriminalisation of abortion in 2018 was a historic milestone. This reform meant that women could access safe and legal abortion services without fear of prosecution. It was a victory for bodily autonomy and a recognition that reproductive choices are fundamental to gender equality.
Union members joined with community activists to push for this vital reform, understanding that access to abortion is essential for women to participate fully in the workforce and society. The ability to make decisions about their reproductive health without legal barriers allows women greater control over their futures. This win underscores the union movement's broader commitment to supporting women's rights beyond the workplace.
Together members were instrumental in protecting reproductive rights at the recent state election. Thanks to the incredible campaign efforts of Together members, the current LNP state government have committed to not restricting access to abortion and not changing laws around reproductive rights in this term.
Reproductive Leave - 2024
Union advocacy has also led to the introduction of reproductive leave policies in some workplaces. Reproductive leave supports women experiencing miscarriage, fertility treatments, or other reproductive health issues, allowing them to take time off without fear of losing their job or income. This emerging entitlement recognises the physical and emotional toll reproductive health challenges can have on workers.
The push for reproductive leave reflects a growing understanding that workplace policies must adapt to the diverse needs of employees. Unions continue to champion these rights, advocating for broader adoption of reproductive leave across industries. By addressing health issues that disproportionately affect women, unions are working to create fairer and more compassionate workplaces.
Merle Thornton and Rosalie Bognor’s Iconic Pub Protest - 1965
In 1965, Merle Thornton and Rosalie Bognor chained themselves to a bar at Brisbane's Regatta Hotel to protest the ban on women drinking in public bars. While not directly a workers' rights action, this protest was a bold statement against gender discrimination and is an iconic moment in Queensland’s feminist history. Their defiance challenged the entrenched social norms that sought to limit women's presence in public spaces.
The pub protest became a symbol of resistance and inspired generations of women to demand equality in all areas of life. For union women, it served as a reminder that barriers to gender equality exist both inside and outside the workplace. The spirit of Merle and Rosalie lives on in every action taken to dismantle discrimination and create a society where women are truly equal.
We know the fight for gender equality is far from over, but the history of union women proves that collective action can drive change. Revisiting these wins Together, we honour the wins of the past and continue the work towards a fairer future for all women in our workplaces and communities.
