The term 'Union Bosses' is a derogatory term used by anti-union elements in our society who fail to understand Union function and history in Australia.
As a lifelong Unionist,( now retired ) I am proud to have been a part of the Union Movement and as a rank-and-file activist who has participated through the ranks in every aspect of the Movement,including the highest levels of leadership.. I find the definition offensive in it's inference that Unions are controlled by 'bosses'

Bosses are not elected by their employees.

Union Leaders on the other hand are elected by their Membership from the 'shop floor' in court controlled ballots. Union Leaders who do not carry out the decisions of their membership are defeated in elections.

The Union Movement is only as strong as it's membership which explains why Conservative Governments work so hard to render Unions impotent with the introduction of anti-union legislation and their pre-occupation with denying Unions a seat at the negotiations table and the introduction of Work Choices and AWA's.

Most Workers recognise the Rudds do not come from their side of the fence and the political future of the Rudds will be determined by their policies and whether or not they serve Workers interests.

What a load of nonsense Maraccas.

(a) If unions are so popular on the ‘shop floor’, why is that unions will not allow anonymous ballots? I would contend that it is because union membership is on the decline and the only way to ensure membership is to use thuggish behaviour to deter any dissenters. (for records of such behaviour there are quite a few royal commission reports floating around).
(b) The union movement DID have a proud history and important role in the Australian Workplace. Unfortunately, recent history has only proven unions to be outdated, self serving and completely detrimental to the future of the country.

Grace Collier has written an excellent article in The Australian today (she is an industrial relations expert so don’t go whinging about the paper being biased). Collier has referred to Rudd as the union movement’s trojan horse and pointed out some very interesting facts about where commissions for salary protection insurance actually end up.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21848247-601,00.html