The demise of trade unions

We need unions; a balance of power in any series of negotiations relies on equal representation between parties. Instead we have these old dinosaurs in charge of trade unions holding power at all costs, never cross these guys - unless you want to learn lessons the hard way.

 

There are many forms of unionism, from the professional associations of the Australian Medical Association, Airline Pilots Association, Certified Practicing Accountants, Engineers Australia and numerous other professional registration bodies. The professional associations, unlike the trade unions are run for the benefit of their members.

The leadership of trade unions is sadly lacking, fundamentally criminal in nature and grossly deficient in structure and implementation whilst feeding their suffering membership propaganda and outright lies. The lack of criminal charges laid against union leaders who misappropriate union funds for their own personal gain is a sad indictment on the power and reach of trade unions.

The Craig Thompson corruption scandal is a case in point, former Australian Council of Trade Unions president Sharran Burrow investigated Thompson and hindered police efforts preventing Thompson from losing his seat allowing Labor to relinquish their grip on power - this is a terrible conflict of interest, former union leaders investigating union leaders with public funds.

Criminal organisations such as the former Painters and Dockers Federation, the deregistered Builders Labourers Federation, CFMEU, Electrical Trades Union and Plumbers & Gasfitters Union.

Self serving unions are well funded by gullible members, Kevin Rudd was assisted by 30 million dollars of member's funds to assist his 2007 election. Even former Prime Minister Julia Gillard is facing probable fraud charges over her slush fund for the AWU, it would appear the corruption is endemic.

Once upon a time, it was no ticket - no start, fortunately the days of compulsory unionism are over, although Joe McDonald still yearns for the 1970s and 1980s when union power was at its peak. The days of striking over ice cream flavour, bottom of the harbour schemes and stand over tactics are hopefully consigned to the history books.