Quotes from Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary, the SDA the union for retail, fast food, warehouse and online retail workers:
“Michele O’Neil and Sally McManus have made an extraordinary contribution to the wellbeing of workers, all everyday Australians and, indeed, to the nation itself.
“They have been courageous, focussed and principled. That has proved a winning combination.
“Their efforts will be missed, but they will leave the ACTU stronger for their service as President and Secretary over the last decade.
“Every Australian worker is in debt to them and the SDA – on behalf of its 200,000 members – thanks them for their service.
“Michele and Sally took office at a time when the union movement was struggling under the weight of the coalition’s oppressive labour laws. On their watch it has returned to growth.
“Since then, and in large measure due to their efforts, low paid workers have seen the return of real wage increases, sham contracting has been restricted, union rights have been augmented, bargaining rights for low paid workers have been enhanced and paid parental leave has been extended, among many other things.
“We are now also on the way to the establishment of a Fair Work Court as a low cost and speedy avenue for workers to ensure their legitimate rights are honoured and the government has declared its readiness to extend superannuation to all workers 18 and under.”
Media contact: Jim Middleton 0418 627066