Kathmandu, Nepal — September 2025

At the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (APRECON) hosted by Public Services International in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 8-11 September, the USU delivered a powerful presentation advocating for the ratification of a key international labour standard, Convention 151 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

USU Official Luke Hutchinson addressed delegates from across the region, sharing his personal and professional commitment to advancing the rights of public sector workers.

A Convention Worth Fighting For

Convention 151, formally known as the Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, protects the rights of public employees to:

  • Freedom of association
  • Protection from anti-union discrimination
  • Collective bargaining

These principles are already upheld in 59 countries, including Finland, Brazil, Zambia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. The USU emphasised that these are not abstract ideals, they are essential safeguards that allow public sector workers to advocate for fair wages, safe conditions and respect in the workplace.

Ratifying Convention 151 would help restore fairness and dignity to public employment and support broader wage growth across the economy.

Leadership and Momentum

The campaign has been led by the United Services Union in partnership with the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association. USU General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM has played a central role, engaging directly with government ministers and international bodies.

The USU reminded delegates that this campaign is not new; it is a long-standing effort to correct a decades-old failure to uphold international labour standards.

A Regional Call for Solidarity

The federal government ministers have responded positively to the USU’s requests for engagement, confirming that a Law and Practice Assessment is underway and

Graeme, who sits on the Administrative Committees of both the New South Wales and Federal Labor Party, is well-positioned to lead these important discussions and continue pressing the case for ratification.

In the APRECON presentation, the USU also noted that Australia has the opportunity to lead by example across the Pacific, empowering public sector unions in neighbouring nations to pursue similar protections for their workers.

With renewed momentum and growing international support, the USU’s campaign is poised to enter its next phase. The path to ratification is clearer than ever, and the message from Nepal was unmistakable: the time for action is now.