Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil have been courageous and effective leaders of Australia’s trade union movement whose legacy will be felt by workers for decades to come, the Mining and Energy Union said today.
MEU General President Grahame Kelly thanked the outgoing ACTU leadership team for their unwavering commitment to mining and energy workers.
“Sally and Michele have stood alongside MEU members on picket lines, at rallies and in the halls of Parliament.
“They have backed our members through lockouts, fought alongside us for Same Job Same Pay, and supported us on the difficult journey towards securing a fair energy transition.
“Together, they led the campaign for the most significant package of workplace reforms in a generation – changes that will improve the lives of working people for decades to come.
“Their principled, intelligent and enthusiastic leadership has inspired trade unionists across the country and strengthened our movement at a critical time.
“I especially want to acknowledge their courage in steering the union movement through the CFMEU crisis and their support for the MEU as we established our independence.
“Sally and Michele will be missed in their leadership roles, but they will always remain part of our union family.”
