The union representing some 100,000 electricians, posties and plumbers has resolved to disaffiliate from the ACTU over its support for the CFMEU administration laws, resulting in a historic split in the union movement’s peak body.

The Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union national council voted on Thursday to break from the ACTU over anger at its leadership for not fighting the Albanese government’s legislation to force the CFMEU into administration, which it argues opens a path for governments to take over other unions.