The Founding of the ACTU: The Origins of a Central Trade Union Federation

Abstract

The need for a central trade union federation was one of the most important problems facing the Australian Labor Movement prior to 1927. This article traces the events that led to the founding of the ACTU and then follows that body through its first year. Some issues raised by these events are examined, with special emphasis on the characteristics of the ACTU which enabled it to succeed where its predecessors had failed. The compromise structure of the ACTU and the personalities of its officers are found to be especially important.