Australian Unemployed Workers' Union

The Australian Unemployed Workers' Union (AUWU) is a nonprofit organization and union representing unemployed, underemployed, and unwaged workers in Australia. It advocates for the rights and dignity of unemployed individuals and recipients of welfare payments, focusing on social security and employment services issues nationwide.

History

The AUWU was founded in 2014 as a grassroots advocacy group run by unemployed people for unemployed people. It was established to continue Australia’s legacy of unemployed workers' organizing and activism, which dates back to the early 20th century and includes groups active during the Great Depression. The organization aims to protect the interests of the millions of Australians seeking work and to resist government policies perceived as punitive towards the unemployed, such as the "Work for the Dole" schemes introduced in the late 1990s[1][3][4].

Structure and Membership

The organization operates nationally, with branches and divisions in every Australian state and territory. Membership in the AUWU is free and open to all, although voting rights on certain matters are restricted to unemployed and underemployed members. Members are required to agree to the AUWU's guiding principles, demands, and constitution upon joining[2][3].

Activities and Services

The AUWU actively campaigns against changes to Australia’s social security system that negatively affect unemployed people. It provides its members with resources such as an updated guide on unemployed workers' rights and navigating the complex social security and job services systems. The union also offers support services including telephone assistance and a crisis hotline, alongside workshops and training sessions designed to empower unemployed and underemployed workers[2].

Political Position and Funding

The AUWU maintains no political party affiliations and operates entirely through volunteer efforts without external funding. It identifies itself as an independent body focused solely on the interests and representation of unemployed workers rather than partisan politics[1][3].

Legacy and Context

The AUWU continues a rich tradition of unemployment activism in Australia, which historically included organizations like the Unemployed Workers Movement active during the Great Depression. Such movements were instrumental in fighting evictions and advocating for basic rights for unemployed people. The AUWU’s foundation responds to a perceived ongoing need for organized political representation of unemployed people in the contemporary era[1][4].

See Also

• Unemployed Workers Movement (Australia, 1930s)
• Wollongong Out of Workers Union
• National Unemployed Workers' Movement
• Workers Alliance of America

Note: The Australian Unemployed Workers' Union is registered as an incorporated entity under ABN 90246894207RR0001.

[1] https://unemployedworkersunion.com/faq-introduction-auu/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Unemployed_Workers'_Union [3] https://unemployedworkersunion.com/us/ [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unemployed_Workers_Movement [5] https://www.actu.org.au/history-of-australian-unions/