THE UnionsACT secretary, Alex White, has stepped down as leader of the peak union council after five years in the role. He will finish in the role on April 23. 

During his time Mr White has focused on championing workers’ rights, improving safety and tackling the wage-theft crisis.

UnionsACT president Madeline Northam says Mr White has led UnionsACT from strength to strength over the last five years.

“He has worked with affiliates to build union power in Canberra that has seen big wins for workers including the Secure Local Jobs Code and the introduction of the Labour Hire Licencing Bill, which puts dodgy bosses on notice,” she says.

“Alex leaves UnionsACT in a great position to campaign for a pro worker government in October.”

Mr White says it’s been an absolute honour to serve as secretary of UnionsACT, and to help lead the fight for a better future for Canberra’s workers.

“I have been privileged to work with an amazing group of union leaders, officials, activists and volunteers, and my passionate team at UnionsACT who have been instrumental in getting our wins,” he says.

“In particular, I am proud of the work we have done to advance the rights of young workers in Canberra through launching the Young Workers Centre, and to support leadership development of future young women leaders in the union movement through our Anna Stewart Project.”

Mr White will take up a new role at the Australian Council of Traders Union (ACTU) in May.

The UnionsACT Executive has commenced a process to appoint an acting secretary.