"THE position of the trades unions in Melbourne has long been one to excite envy, and a spirit of emulation in the brethren all over the continent of Australia and in Great Britain. Nowhere... have greater results or a more compact or powerful organisation been achieved. The central body, which forms a kind of parliament of all these trade unions, is called the Trades Hall Council."

-The Barrier miner. Broken Hill, NSW. Thursday 2 January 1890

WHAT TRADES HALL DOES

The Victorian Trades Hall Council helps organise activities and campaigns with and on behalf of affiliated unions. Some of the work Trades Hall is regularly involved in includes: Lobbying State parliament on legislation that affects the lives of working Victorians Coordinating Victorian campaigns on industrial, political and social issues Organising large rallies, marches, protests and other public events Providing strategic advice and support for unions on individual campaigns Communicating with the public and media about trade union issues.

HOW WE’RE STRUCTURED

Trades Hall is comprised of 40 affiliated unions, representing approximately 430,000 members in Victoria. We’re supported by 8 Regional Trades and Labour Councils around Victoria, which represent workers in regional areas and organise around local issues.

HOW WE MAKE DECISIONS

The Council of Trades Hall meets monthly with delegates from affiliated organisations, and is the major industrial, political and social forum for Victorian unionists. It can consider and make policy on any matter - political, industrial and otherwise. The Executive Council is the administrative body of the council, comprised of the President, 2 Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Industrial/Campaigns Officer and delegates from affiliated organisations. It makes policy and manages the affairs of the Victorian Trades Hall Council between Council meetings, considers administrative matters and matters of urgency, and acts in accordance with resolutions of Annual Conference and Council. At the Annual Conference delegates representing all affiliated organisations determine policy, strategy, the general direction of the Trades Hall and priorities for the allocation of resources.