May Day

May Day, or the International Workers’ Day, is a global celebration of the labour movement and the hard-won rights of working people. It is observed in many countries on 1 May.

In Australia, milestones such as the 8-hour workday, paid parental leave, and many of the workplace protections we value today were achieved through the collective efforts of workers and the union movement.

At Working Women’s Centre Australia, we recognise that these rights were not easily won — and they won’t be upheld without continued advocacy.

May Day is a powerful reminder that workers’ lives matter, and that justice at work is only possible when we come together and take action.

📍 Events are happening across Australia throughout April and May — including rallies, dinners, and community workshops.

📣 Show your solidarity:
• Join a rally or march

• Support worker-led campaigns

• Speak up for safe, respectful workplaces

• Back union values in your community

TASMANIA

Monday, 28 April 2025

Small Steps | Around the State: International Workers Memorial Day 2025

FREE thought-provoking and empowering workshop, honouring International Workers Memorial Day.

 When: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

 Where: Invermay Bowls Club, Tasmania

 Lunch Included

Our inspiring guest speakers include:

• Jodie Lee, Principal Solicitor, Working Women's Centre Tasmania
• Sharon King, Social Worker, Working Women's Centre Tasmania
• Verity Quill, Financial Literacy Officer, Women’s Legal Service Tasmania

What’s on the agenda?

Awkward Conversations About Being Safe at Work

Managing Sexual Harassment from a Gendered Lens

To register: https://events.humanitix.com/small-steps-or-safe-workplaces-international-workers-memorial-day-2025

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Thursday, 1 May 2025

May Day Rally

Join workers from across South Australia as we take to the streets to celebrate solidarity and working-class power.

 When: 12:00 PM

 Where: Light Square, Adelaide

Bring your flags, banners, your family and your workmates, and let’s rally together for a better future!

May Day Dinner

This is an opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about fighting for a more equitable and just world, celebrating the power of collective action.

When: 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM

Where: The Cypriot Club, Welland

Get tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-sa-may-day-dinner?hxchl=mkt-loc&hxref=australia%2Ffulham

NORTHERN TERRITORY

03-05 May 2025

Key events across the weekend

This year’s AEU NT Branch Conference marks the 50th anniversary of the union, celebrating five decades of advocacy for fair pay, improved working conditions, and a stronger public education system in the Northern Territory.

For more info, visit: https://aeunt.org.au/coming-up-in-may-aeu-nt-branch-conference-50-year-anniversary-celebrations

QUEENSLAND

03-23 May 2025

Labour Day Events across the State

The Queensland Council of Unions and its regional branches will again organise events across the state in 2025 to mark Labour Day, with workers, their families and supporters celebrating the achievements of working people through marches, events and family fun days.

The largest march is held in Brisbane, with events also occurring across regional Queensland.

For more info, visit: https://www.labourday.org.au/

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Sunday, 4 May 2025

May Day Rally

The May Day Festival is a family-friendly event held at the Fremantle Esplanade Park. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun event, which includes free ice cream, coffee, sausage sizzle, and free entertainment for kids and the family dog.

An organised union march through the streets of Fremantle will occur at midday, with road closures taking place from 12noon to approximately 12:45pm.

 When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

 Where: Fremantle Esplanade- Marine Terrace, Fremantle

For more info, visit: https://www.unionswa.com.au/event/may-day-2025/

VICTORIA

Friday, 16 May 2025

Labour Day Dinner Dance

Enjoy an evening in solidarity with working Victorians. The Victorian Trades Hall Council’s Annual Labour Day Dinner Dance, open to all unionists, activists and supporters, is held to celebrate the progress of the labour movement in Australia and the world.

 When: 5:30 PM - 12:30 AM

 Where: ETU Ballroom, 54 Victoria St Carlton

Get tickets: https://www.weareunion.org.au/lddd2025

TASMANIA

Friday, 23 May 2025

May Day Toast

Join us for a night of solidarity, entertainment, delicious food and drinks, as the Tasmanian Awards are presented.

 When: 7:00 PM

 Where: Hobart Town Hall

Get tickets: https://www.unionstas.com.au/news-and-events/events/may-day-toast-2025/