Sharan Burrow

Sharan Leslie Burrow AC was born in Warren, New South Wales, Australia, and is widely recognised as one of the most influential voices in the global labour movement. Her career spans decades of advocacy for workers’ rights, gender equality and climate action, making her a transformative figure in both national and international arenas. 

Sharan grew up in a family deeply connected to the labour movement. This heritage shaped her values and commitment to social justice. After completing a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education at the University of New South Wales, she began her career as a teacher in rural New South Wales. Her teaching experience exposed her to the challenges faced by educators and workers, inspiring her to join the New South Wales Teachers Federation, where she quickly rose to leadership roles. 

Sharan’s leadership trajectory accelerated when she became President of the Australian Education Union (AEU) in 1992. Her work with the AEU brought her to the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Executive, and in 2000, she became the second woman elected President of the ACTU. During her decade-long tenure, Sharan spearheaded landmark campaigns, most notably “Your Rights at Work”, which mobilised millions against the Howard government’s Work Choices legislation. This campaign was instrumental in restoring fair workplace laws and contributed to the government’s defeat in the 2007 federal election. She also championed progressive policies such as Paid Parental Leave, reinforcing her commitment to gender equity and family-friendly workplaces. 

Her influence extended beyond Australia when she assumed leadership of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) - first as its inaugural President (2006–2010) and then as General Secretary from 2010 to 2022, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Representing over 200 million workers in 163 countries, Sharan led global campaigns for decent work, human rights, and climate justice. She was a driving force behind the concept of a “Just Transition”, advocating for policies that ensure workers are not left behind in the shift to a green economy. 

Her role placed her at the heart of international policymaking. She engaged with the United Nations, International Labour Organization, G7, G20, World Bank, and IMF, and twice co-chaired the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.  

After stepping down from ITUC leadership in 2022, Sharan continues her advocacy through academic and advisory roles. She is a Visiting Professor at Practice at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment (London School of Economics) and serves on boards such as the European Climate Foundation. She helped found and co-chaired the IEA Labour Council remaining a special advisor to IEA Commission for people-centered transitions. Sharan has also contributed to global commissions on Universal Health Coverage and Business and Sustainable Development, and is a B Team leader, a coalition promoting responsible business practices. 

In recognition of her contributions, Sharan was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This accolade reflects her eminent service to industrial relations, social justice, and climate action at both national and international levels. 

The status of Honorary Fellow was conferred upon Sharan Burrow AC on 20th March 2026.