Australian affiliate AMWU has set aside a special allocation to be used to fund projects to increase activism and organise women in the union.

The union has invited activists, women’s committees and state-based union officials to submit projects directed at increasing the membership of women and/or increasing the activism of women members. This is the first time that the union has targeted resources towards women and it is in recognition that unless specific strategies are put in place then the representation and participation of women in AMWU will not change.

The project aims to have a positive impact for women workers (members and potential members) in manufacturing, and to strengthen the focus on employment conditions and entitlements of particular relevance to women.

The AMWU hopes to send out a clear message that it is a union relevant to the interests of women workers in manufacturing. Currently women make up 14% of the workforce but only 5% of union members and 6% of union delegates. The AMWU Women’s Committee plays a key role in evaluating the project submissions.