Queensland Council of Unions

The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU), also known as "Queensland Unions" is the peak body representing trade union organisations in Queensland, Australia.

As of 2024, 28 unions and 13 regional branches are affiliated with the QCU. The QCU represents unions covering around 400,000 Queensland workers. Founded in 1885, the QCU’s stated aims are to achieve industrial, social and political justice for Queensland workers.

It is affiliated with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). Its offices are located in the suburb of South Brisbane, Queensland.

The management structure of the QCU is made up of a committee of management and an executive of representatives comprised from affiliated unions.

The history of the QCU is intertwined with the history of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Australian labour movement generally. The QCU was formed in 1885, but in 1889 it disbanded and all its roles and responsibilities were transferred to a newly formed peak body, the Australian Labor Federation (ALF) (which despite its name was restricted to Queensland). In 1902 the QCU reformed, but again, in 1911, all its delegates moved to the ALF. In 1914 the ALF itself dissolved, with its affiliates moving to the growing Australian Workers Union (AWU). At this time the roles of the QCU were shared by a number of labour organisations, including the Brisbane Industrial Council, the Eight Hour Union and the Brisbane Trades Hall Board. At the end of World War I in 1918 Queensland unions regrouped but it was another four years before 46 unions reformed the Queensland Trades and Labour Council, now known as the QCU.