History page 8 of 9

The MUA’s national conference has late today endorsed a merger with the CFMEU, opening the way for the plan to be put to a plebiscite of maritime union members.

MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin has talked up the need for his union to merge with the CFMEU, arguing that economies of scale will deliver better services for members.

The AMWU and United Voice are discussing a merger that would create a powerful left-wing force within the broader labour movement and the ALP.

Unions are considering a push into new areas, offering online campaigning and basic services that would cost workers $1 to $2 a week, under a radical plan to rebuild membership density.

ACTU secretary Dave Oliver says unions need to adopt "radical thinking" when it comes to union mergers and alternative membership models, citing his AFL club's "seven different types of membership" as one potential template.

The AMWU is experiencing membership losses that threaten its future, according to a confidential review of the union led by former ACTU secretary Greg Combet.

Unions NSW secretary Mark Lennon is set to announce that he is stepping down, opening the way for generational change at a key peak union body.

ACTU secretary Dave Oliver has warned that unions have to adapt to the challenges thrown up by the digital economy to avoid a "Kodak moment".

The impact on public sector bargaining of the implied constitutional limitation on Commonwealth interference with state governments is still not well enough understood, according to long-serving CPSU Victoria secretary Karen Batt.

Federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten has today confirmed that he has asked ALP national secretary George Wright to work with Labor's national executive to remove union membership as a prerequisite for party membership.