While I think I have an understanding of the issues it seems few do judging the posts in related threads.
Here is the proof unions will not control Rudd, in fact some are already declaring he is no ALP leader.
He retains the damaging building industry task group, you would need to be blind not to know why.
Some actions of some unions have been dreadful, and the wet cheeks of large building groups are on show in ALP meetings!
Both sides of politics wanted reform in IR Labor started it, workchoices went too far.
Soon even the most conservative press will say so, after the train wreck of Howard's election.
It is believe me! quite possible John Howard may table a near copy of the ALP policy's before the election.
Kevin Rudd may I say as a rank and file unionist and ALP member, as a hand on a polling booth on election day, as a bloke who will cry with joy on your election.
Do not go too far in your watering down , never forget lowering the living standards of low income workers is no good thing!
And mate yes we needed reform not bloody murder.
Reform? unions must learn new ways to serve its members be seen in the workplace much more often and at ALP conferences? value our votes far more, understand they too are not our votes they belong to our members.
What best serves our members first second and third.
Can we now bury the lie that unions will control Rudd?
Vote ALP but watch them too.

Hi Belly... well if Howard does come up with a carbon copy of Rudds IR policy, it is more like my own vision of the Left of the Coaltion, marrying the 'Right' of Labor :) i.e... a centrist party.

The basic fundamental problem of our system of government is that both sides ultimately represent specific and different interest groups.

This is why the

SOLUTION is... a SENATE which is not 'party' based.

I think Senate candidacy should be dependant on NOT being a member of a party, and should reflect a cross section of the communities interests.

"I recall we used to run the country, and it would not be a bad thing if we did again" - ACTU Secretary Greg Combet

Boaz your idea is undemocratic, it is you know Australia expects the party it places in the lower house to govern.
If we fill the senate with even more minority's we take control away from the party we elect to govern.
Rudd will govern well, he however is trying to balance the concerns of the trade unions and the bosses unions.
Stu read my post in will unions control Rudd ,it may help you in the battle to stay in touch will reality.
Rudd it is said by my faction has the balance right.
Unions remember started the ALP in, granted a far different world.
Did you ever hear that song? I want to be just like you dad?
Maybe unlike life this time the parent may one day remind its child of some facts.
Just a very few additions to Rudd's plan would make me happy, why 2010?is the right to arbitrate assured?
no strike action unless during EBA negotiations? not ever?
Kev mate ever been shot of a shilling 2 days out from pay day? had to make the choice a loaf of bread or sugar?
Do not get the economy right on the sweat of low income forever workers bloke.
And our numbers are handy on polling day and the months ahead but are our voices being drowned out by bosses unions?

hey Belly i know what you are saying

but greg combet is rudds lick boy

and greg combet said

"I recall we used to run the country, and it would not be a bad thing if we did again" - ACTU Secretary Greg Combet

Last i knew it was greg combet running for the alp for the house of labor not you.

So is greg combet full of himself.

On another matter isnt it good to see that the unions have problems with sacking their own people.
They do not even care about what they are standing for, hypocrites.

The unions say, Do as we say not as we do.

Stuart ulrich
Indepnedent for Charlton

Rudd has realised that we are between a rock and a hard place.IR reform is about keeping industry here because our balance of payments deficit is fast approaching $600 billion or about $120,000.00 per working family.Even with record sales of resources we are bleeding to death.

Either we increase tarrifs or learn to live like the Chinese and Indians.We cannot have it both ways.