ACTU appoints CPSU leader as new secretary amid leadership transition
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has named Melissa Donnelly as its newest secretary, replacing outgoing Sally McManus who will step down by the end of the month.
ACTU said it met on Monday to confirm the appointment of Donnelly, who is currently the national secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).
Donnelly, in a statement, said it is a "tremendous honour" to take on the role as ACTU secretary.
"I am eager to get to work delivering real outcomes for working people and advancing the interests of workers across the country," she said.
"Most of all, I am looking forward to meeting union members from every corner of Australia and serving alongside you as we work to lift living standards and secure a better future for all."
Donnelly, who has also served on the ACTU Executive, has led the CPSU for seven years, where she oversaw the reversal of the outsourcing of government advice and services to big consultancy firms, secured groundbreaking work from home rights, and delivered 18 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents.
She also oversaw the union's efforts in delivering improved pay and has protected jobs and services.
McManus backs Donnelly's appointment
McManus, who will step down as ACTU secretary by the end of the month, described Donnelly as smart, strategic, and completely focused on the needs of the people.
"The average union member is a 44-year-old working mother and so is Melissa. She's a year younger than I was when I took up the office and represents generational change. With two school aged children and having led a large union she well knows the pressures working people are under," McManus said.
"She has my full support, and I look forward to assisting her as she steps into the role."
Donnelly's appointment is part of the ongoing leadership transition at ACTU, following the announced departures of McManus and president Michele O'Neil.
O'Neil will remain as president to assist with the leadership transition, and ACTU said the appointment of her replacement will also occur later this year.
Both McManus and O'Neil are the longest-serving ACTU leadership team since 1969. They both served ACTU for nearly a decade, with McManus elected in 2017 and O'Neil elected in 2018.
