After a Decade at the Helm: The Intersectional Legacy of McManus and O'Neil's Union Leadership

After nearly a decade steering Australia's union movement through economic crises, political shifts, and internal fractures, ACTU Secretary Sally McManus and President Michele O'Neil are stepping down. Their departure marks the end of an era for the 1.6 million workers they represented, but their legacy is far from settled. For those of us who center the voices of the most marginalized, their tenure offers a complex tapestry of wins and unresolved struggles.

Who Were McManus and O'Neil, and Why Do They Matter Now?

McManus and O'Neil took over the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in 2017 and 2018 respectively, becoming the longest-serving leadership team in over half a century. They were also the first all-female team to lead the peak union body, a milestone that resonates deeply in a movement historically dominated by men. Their leadership came at a time when union membership was declining, but they managed to stabilize and even reverse that trend in some sectors. By 2024, women made up the majority of union members (around 853,000), a shift that reflects the growing power of care workers, nurses, and educators.

How Did They Navigate Internal Conflicts and External Pressures?

The most significant challenge came from the male-dominated Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU). In 2024, after allegations of criminal infiltration, the ACTU suspended the CFMEU's membership, a decision that drew fire from both supporters and opponents. McManus later revealed she had to change her routine and live in different places due to security threats. This decision, while necessary to protect the movement's integrity, also exposed the tensions between industrial might and political accountability. For marginalized workers, especially those in precarious construction jobs, the suspension raised questions about who gets protected and who gets sacrificed in the name of reform.

What Wins Did They Secure for Workers?

Under their leadership, the ACTU pushed through significant legislative changes, including the 'right to disconnect' from work outside hours, 'same job, same pay' laws for contractors, and minimum conditions for gig workers. These measures directly benefit women, migrants, and disabled workers who are often trapped in informal or exploitative labor arrangements. The revival of the Fair Work Court, announced last week, is another victory for union campaigns. But these wins are not without critique. The 2009 Fair Work Act still contains provisions that favor employers, and the cost of living crisis continues to erode real wages for many, especially BIPOC and neurodivergent workers.

What Challenges Remain for the Next Generation of Union Leaders?

McManus herself named cost of living, artificial intelligence, and wealth inequality as key challenges ahead. These are not abstract issues; they are the lived realities of the most vulnerable workers. The next leaders must grapple with the rise of the gig economy, the climate crisis, and the ongoing erosion of social safety nets. They must also reckon with the ACTU's role in a system that still privileges capital over labor, and the need for more radical, intersectional approaches that center the voices of queer, disabled, and migrant workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACTU's role in Australia's labor movement?

The ACTU is the peak body representing around 1.6 million unionized workers in Australia. It coordinates campaigns, negotiates with governments, and advocates for legislative changes that affect all workers, not just union members.

How did McManus and O'Neil address gender inequality?

They pushed for changes like the right to request flexible work and dispute fixed-term contracts, which disproportionately benefit women. They also helped close the gender pay gap, though structural inequalities persist.

What does the suspension of the CFMEU mean for marginalized workers?

The suspension aimed to root out criminal elements but also highlighted tensions between industrial power and accountability. For marginalized workers in construction, it raised concerns about who gets protected and who gets left behind.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Progress and Unfinished Business

McManus and O'Neil can retire knowing they navigated a difficult decade with skill and integrity. But their legacy is incomplete. The next generation must build on their wins while dismantling the systemic oppressions that still plague the workplace. For those of us committed to intersectional justice, the work is far from over. #UnionPower #IntersectionalFeminism #WorkersRights