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5 November, 2025After four years, IndustriALL proudly opened its 4th Congress in Sydney, hosted by our great Australian and New Zealand affiliates, in a spirit of unity, strength and deep cultural connection.
Delegates from across the world filled the hall with anticipation and pride as the Congress began with a Welcome to Country, honouring the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Congress takes place. The opening paid respect to Elders past and present and was followed by an extraordinary Aboriginal performance of traditional song, dance and didgeridoo.
The deep resonance of the didgeridoo and the dancers’ powerful movements filled the room with emotion. Performers shared stories of how the instrument works and the different sounds it creates, echoing through the hall like the heartbeat of the land itself.
The welcome was followed by a sharing of Māori culture from Aotearoa/New Zealand, with a stirring sequence of Kaigaranga, Mihi, Waiata and Haka that embodied the values of respect, courage and solidarity. Together, these performances reminded everyone that our movement stands on the shared ground of history, struggle and humanity.
Stories on fabric: the Congress t-shirt
Every delegate at the Congress carried a piece of that connection with them, quite literally, through the Congress T-shirt.
Coal miner and artist Chris Dodd from Queensland created Connection, the painting reproduced on the shirts given to all delegates. Chris belongs to the Wulli Wulli Wakka Wakka tribe and his artwork tells the rich stories passed down to him by his father and grandparents. Importantly, it also represents the bond between him and his daughter, who helped create the piece.
A gift to all Congress participants, Connection symbolizes the links between generations, communities and cultures. Chris hopes that those who wear or view the artwork “can see the storyline, understand the meaning of the symbols and places and leave with pride and a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture.”
Words that inspire action
IndustriALL and IF Metall president Marie Nilsson officially opened the Congress, setting the tone for the days ahead:
“We live in a time of rapid change; emerging technologies, democratic rights being questioned, authoritarian forces challenging freedom and climate change posing a threat. But when I look out over the Congress hall, I feel hopeful. I see our joint strength to face these challenges, I see power, solidarity. I see a global trade union movement refusing to accept injustice. We are determined to build a more sustainable future, mirrored in the Congress slogan, Organizing for a Just Future.
Let’s make this Congress a celebration of solidarity, equality and bravery!”
The sense of unity in the room grew as Michele O’Neil, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, took the stage:
“We know that there’s only one response to organized capital and that is organized labour. Now more than ever, international solidarity is essential. When we act with unity and determination, when we leave nobody behind, we show the power of organized labour.”
Representing the host unions, Tony Maher, general president of the Mining and Energy Union, brought warmth and pride from Australia’s labour movement:
“On behalf of the Mining and Energy Union and all the Australian and New Zealand host unions, I say G’day and welcome to the 4th Global Congress of IndustriALL. My union has been actively involved with IndustriALL since its formation and before that, with ICEM, the global confederation for mining unions. Big global companies run the show in Australia’s mining industry and we’ve always known that standing shoulder to shoulder with workers around the world is the best way to take on whatever challenges they throw at us.”
He reminded delegates that Australia’s prosperity and democracy are built on solidarity, not isolation:
“Our members are proud to contribute internationally, supporting mining unions in the Global South to improve safety for miners working in tough conditions. Raising standards and saving lives doesn’t stop at national borders.”
Maher closed with a warm welcome to Sydney, inviting delegates to enjoy its beauty and to take inspiration from Australia’s strong, active union movement, one that stands proudly with workers everywhere.
A Prime Minister who speaks for workers
The arrival of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was met with warmth and enthusiasm, not as a distant dignitary, but as one of us. He spoke to delegates as a friend of the labour movement, with sincerity and conviction:
“It is absolutely critical that no one is left behind as we go forward. We know that fairness, good working conditions and fair pay don’t undermine the labour market. Growth and fairness are stronger together. Our purpose is eternal and that is why solidarity is indeed forever.”
From the past, strength for the future
As vice president and co-chair of the region, Akihiro Kaneko reflected on the journey of workers in the Asia-Pacific region:
“In this region, workers have had to unite to make their voices heard. And we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder. I hope we will form an unbreakable bond between us, here at Congress.”
The opening session also featured a moving reflection on the roots of the labour movement through the Unshackled exhibition. Professor Tony Moore told delegates the story of Australia’s first coal miners, convicts who, against all odds, fought back through strikes, refusals to work and acts of resistance.
The exhibition traces how these 160,000 convict workers, brought to Australia as an unfree workforce, laid the foundation for collective action and solidarity. Their struggle is the labour movement’s story and it resonated powerfully in the room as workers everywhere fight for dignity and justice.
A Congress launched in spirit and solidarity
The opening of IndustriALL’s 4th Congress was not just a ceremony, it was a living expression of what binds us together. From the didgeridoo to the haka, from the voices of union leaders to the history of workers who came before us, it was a celebration of who we are and what we stand for.
The next three days will build on this foundation of courage, culture and collective strength, as delegates shape the future of IndustriALL, organizing for a just future where no one is left behind.