Inside Victorian Labor’s trade unions’ push against federal control
Leaders from some of the biggest trade unions within Victorian Labor will push back against federal control of the party when they meet with Premier Daniel Andrews this week. Here’s why.
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Leaders from some of the biggest trade unions within Victorian Labor will push back against federal control of the party when they meet this week with Premier Daniel Andrews.
Union bosses making up the alliance between the Industrial left and Right of Labor met in Brunswick on Tuesday to confirm their allegiance and discuss the future of the party in the wake of last week’s branch stacking scandal.
It’s understood the group, which included CFMEU head John Setka and TWU state secretary John Berger, agreed to support a planned review of Victorian Labor led by Steve Bracks and Jenny Macklin.
But they will argue against the National Executive seizing total control of the branch and will instead propose re-elections for leadership roles, the administration committee and national conference delegates.
Ballots could potentially be decided by the 300 delegates shared across the unions affiliated with the party, with the alliance between the Industrial Left and right-aligned unions controlling about two thirds of these votes.
If they are unable to reach a compromise with Mr Andrews and other factions, the CFMEU will consider leading a push with other groups for legal action to prevent the intervention.
In the past week, unions within Labor have moved to distance themselves from the Somyurek scandal because of stricter rules around their representation in the party compared to rank-and file members.
Members of Mr Andrews Socialist Left faction will also meet with the party’s Right on Wednesday.
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