Unions have claimed much of the credit for bolstering Labor's support in the federal election.
In the 22 key union-targeted seats, the average swing to Labor was 5.5 per cent.
This was higher than the national swing to Labor of two per cent and the 3.7 per cent swing against the coalition.
The ACTU campaign began a concerted effort on its "put the Liberals last" campaign over a year ago.
The multi-million dollar campaign has involved social media, television advertising, telephone calls, doorknocking, fundraising and rallies.
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One of the most effective parts of the campaign was hooking up with doctors' groups to put out a message about protecting Medicare.
One union source described it as the "defining moment" of the campaign.
ACTU president Ged Kearney said voters had rejected Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's "big business first" approach to government.
Mr Turnbull had no mandate to make significant changes to workers' rights, pay or job security, should the coalition win a majority at the close of counting.
"I'm proud of every single union member and volunteer who has been out in their community, tirelessly working to share their passion for a fairer, more inclusive Australia," she said.
Mentions of unions attracted cries of "shame" during Mr Turnbull's post-election speech early on Sunday morning.
The prime minister pledged a re-elected coalition government would push ahead with restoring the building industry watchdog, imposing tougher penalties for union corruption and changing the Fair Work Act to protect volunteers.
