Anthony Albanese spruiked Labor's changes to industrial relations laws in a speech to the Australian Council of Trade Unions congress.
These included implementing 10 days paid domestic violence leave, closing labour hire loopholes, changing the definition of casual employment and giving more rights to gig economy workers.
"Solidarity has always been about more than standing together against unfairness," he told the crowd in Adelaide on Wednesday.
"It's about working together to achieve progress."
Mr Albanese attacked the coalition for wanting to pair back some of the added protections and rights if they formed government.
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor has slammed the government for failing to boost productivity. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
Shadow attorney-general and opposition employment spokeswoman Michaelia Cash has chastised the government's changes for hampering small business.
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor slammed the government for failing to boost productivity.
"Australians are paying a very high price for a government that's had the wrong policies and the wrong priorities," he told reporters in Canberra.
He called for more to be done to boost small business investment.
ACTU president Michele O'Neil, secretary Sally McManus and assistant secretaries Liam O'Brien and Joseph Mitchell were all re-elected unopposed at the congress, which is held every three years.
It's described as the primary decision-making body of the union movement and was attended by over 1000 delegates representing 38 affiliated unions.
"In the trade union movement you stand up for working people, each and every day and you never stand still," Mr Albanese said.
"None of us joined the labour movement because we thought it would be the easy thing.
"We are a better government because of your ideas and your advocacy and Australia is a better country because of your commitment to a fair go for working people."
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