It comprises 22 affiliated trade unions and represents over 33,000 unionised workers in the ACT.

UnionsACT was founded on the 16th of April 1931 as the Trades and Labour Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

This includes through activities such as coordinating union activity and campaigns involving multiple affiliates, providing assistance with political advocacy and acting as a general public point of contact with the trade union movement in the ACT.

UnionsACT also operates public facing outreach activities that aim to improve the general status of workers in the ACT.

[4] It also undertakes research and advocacy on issues impacting young workers, such as the 2020 report into wage theft of young workers who were employed by businesses located on the Australian National University Acton campus.