The Marketing of Mr Rudd - Unions

Recent figures suggest that there is a start or trend upwards in union membership, obviously there has been a drop and a number of factors are involved.

Importantly the Australian Union Movement has had a proud history in the social equity of workers.

You may not have felt its value, but I bet you have a family member or friend that is still alive today because safe working practices instigated by the unions.

You may have a family or friend that has received pay increases, better conditions, even won respect from employee's because of the Unions work.

Today we understand that political parties on the whole subscribe to the economic imperative argument, we cannot afford old fashioned values in today’s global economy

The Australian Labor Party was born from the union movement, but today’s world dictates that the Australian Labor Party must adopt the economic argument.

Creating labor, an organization which is half in and half out especially to issues of values and social policy .

The failure by both parties to develop their own unique brand has lead to confusion in its own minds and the minds of the public and union members as to where they stand and what is the relationship between Labor and Unions.

The future for the Australian Union Movement, is not linked to a political party, it is linked by the core values of the union movement.

Its roles are recognizing the dignity and equity of workers, and lobbying a progressive social platform to the Government of the day.

Reassuringly, no matter what party is in power federally, there will always be an Australian Union Movement, relevant in all concerns of workers.

Like them or not, they are relevant.