OUR DAY: Labour Day 2022
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 2, 11 March 2022, page no.22
I wish I had a photo of my first Labour Day. When I look back through all the pictures I have taken at the marches I have been to over the years, I think: “Why didn’t I take one that first year?” Perhaps I just didn’t know then it was the first time in what would become an annual pilgrimage?
Back then I was merely interested in learning a bit about Labour Day and hanging out with friends. Now I know that this is the day when I feel most connected with my fellow unionists, near and far.
The first time I went, my friends from Chapel Hill SS took me to the march in Brisbane. I was a beginning teacher and a newly-minted Rep. Years later, after a stint in Charters Towers and marches along the Strand in Townsville, I was back marching with those same friends here in Brisbane .
That’s the thing about Labour Day: it connects us to one another.
Perhaps you go to Labour Day every year – why don’t you invite someone who has never been? Perhaps you are like I was, mildly curious and keen for connection – why not come join us?
This year, we march for public education and the pride we all have in our profession.You will find us in a sea of purple shirts as we demand that every state school is funded properly and fairly to ensure that every child gets the best education, regardless of their background or circumstances. In fact, less than half of all state schools will even reach 95 per cent of the schooling resource standard (SRS) by 2023, denying our schools the vital resources our students need and entrenching school funding inequality across Australia. Fair funding for every school, every child – that is our call.
We will also be marching to say that now more than ever Australians need TAFE – our strong, trusted and public vocational education system. TAFE belongs to all of us. Millions of us got our start or changed the course of our lives thanks to TAFE. I know I did. We must protect TAFE.
And let’s remember that this year we are negotiating our pay and conditions through enterprise bargaining. We want what is best for our profession, because we are proud of it. Labour Day is a chance to turn up and show that we are united, not divided.
Whatever the theme, whatever the struggle, one thing never changes: we march for each other. We march to honour the work and the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. We march to demonstrate that the strength of the union movement is unrivalled. When we turn out in our thousands, we are a symbol of the working people of Australia.
This year, when we march, please join us.
This year, Labour Day weekend is Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May, and we want you, your family and friends to join us right across the state, with marches being organised from Weipa to the Gold Coast.
The details of local celebrations will be communicated to members closer to the date. In Brisbane, QTU members will gather on the Monday public holiday (2 May) for the march from the city to the RNA Showgrounds, where there will be food, drinks, free family rides and a celebration of the union movement. See you there!