Why Maroon Monday matters
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 3, 22 May 2026, page no.18&19
Every Monday, QTU members across the state wear maroon in a powerful show of solidarity. Maroon Monday is more than a colour theme — it is a statewide symbol of our unity, pride, and resolve. Each maroon shirt is a reminder that we are strongest when we stand together, and that our collective voice carries further than any one of us alone.
But what do we mean when we talk about solidarity?
Solidarity is the shared commitment of workers to support one another. It is the belief that together we are unstoppable. It’s the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all, and the understanding that workers have far more power when we act collectively than when we act alone.
Solidarity is what gives the Union its strength. Employers and governments may have more resources, but unions have something more powerful — people. When we stand shoulder to shoulder with clarity and purpose, our collective voice becomes impossible to ignore. Solidarity becomes not just a principle but a force that shows the world we are united, determined, and unwilling to accept less than what is fair.
Solidarity means backing each other publicly and privately, even when we face different challenges and pressures. It means acting as a collective so employers cannot divide or isolate us.
Maroon Monday makes this solidarity visible. It shows that unresolved issues remain, highlights the scale of member engagement, and reinforces that QTU members are united, organised, and determined. It is a weekly reminder of our collective strength.
Over time, Maroon Monday has also become a celebration of the profession itself. From cities to towns to remote communities, QTU members participate, creating a shared identity that transcends geography. Our Maroon Monday social media posts showcase the “energy, pride and unity” members bring to their schools, making maroon more than a colour — it becomes a representation of Union strength.
This shared identity helps us stay connected across a vast state like Queensland — whether you are in Far North Queensland, Central Queensland or Ipswich and Brisbane. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and strengthens our sense of belonging within the profession.
At its core, Maroon Monday represents:
- respect for the profession
- commitment to safe and supportive schools
- a belief that the future of education is worth fighting for.
Maroon Monday matters because it transforms a simple act — wearing maroon — into a powerful expression of unity, pride, and collective purpose. It reinforces our belief that, as a profession, we deserve more: safe workplaces, fair conditions, and respect.
Maroon Monday is a visible reminder that across Queensland, educators are united in purpose and unwavering in determination. Every maroon shirt sends a clear message: we stand together, and our collective voice cannot be ignored.
During a meeting of the QTU Logan Redlands Area Council, Louise made a simple but powerful statement: “Maroon Monday matters.” The room fell quiet for a moment as everyone took it in, then heads started nodding. She was right. That phrase captured something everyone had been feeling but hadn’t yet put into words.
Here LRAC delegates explain why it matters to them.
Jodi: “Maroon Monday matters because it is keeping our EB fight and solidarity in members’ minds - reminding us that even though it seems like not much is happening right now, the Union is working behind the scenes.”
Joanne: “Maroon Mondays increase visibility in our schools and communities, and spark conversations about the ongoing fight for better and fairer working conditions for teachers and school leaders across the state”
Louise: "Maroon Monday matters because it reminds us that WE are the Union. It raises the profile of what our Union stands for in every workplace, in every context, across the state. It encourages membership and a feeling of being connected to our colleagues — to each other.”
Kirsty: “Maroon Monday matters to me, as seeing the sea of maroon shirts makes me feel a part of a community. We are all in this Union together and can support each other through the various wins and challenges that come our way.”
Sarah: “Maroon Monday matters because it provides a continuous opportunity to spark conversation with not only colleagues, but the general public too. These conversations raise and share the issues that teachers face on daily basis and show how we and the community can stand up to fight for safe, supported and resourced workplaces and learning environments.”
Natalie, Logan Redlands Organiser: "Maroon Monday matters as it reminds us, as members, that we are not alone – there are around 50,000 of us across the state with the same or similar challenges, under the same employer, with the same entitlements. Maroon Monday matters because our members matter.”
