Comrades,
Welcome to the latest edition of the rank and file bulletin!
As our Victorian Branch Council nominees prepare to campaign alongside you ahead of the ballot opening on 10 June, we want to reflect on why union elections are crucial for democracy.
Keep reading to learn more, and meet one of our dedicated members along the way.
Join our online campaign briefing: 6:30PM Monday 14 April
We’ve also included updates about the campaign below. We invite you – and encourage your comrades, friends, and colleagues – to join our online campaign briefing this Monday.
Mitch, Assistant Branch Secretary candidate (DE), will be presenting our ground game plan, along with essential resources to help you get involved.
- 6:30PM Monday 14 April on Zoom
Rank and file bulletin: The importance of democratic elections in trade unions
Every fortnight, this newsletter will feature our latest Rank and File bulletin from members.
Democratic elections are the backbone of any healthy trade union. They make sure leadership remains accountable to the workers they represent and that every member has a voice in shaping the future of their union. Without proper elections, unions risk becoming self-serving organisations that operate for the benefit of a few, rather than the many.
Unfortunately, in our union, there have been significant challenges in ensuring that democratic processes are fully upheld.
Election notices, while a legal requirement of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act, are often buried on the union’s website, or not advertised in enough time.
The process can feel opaque or inaccessible to many members. Election ads are inconsistently shared, and access to membership lists is limited. Meetings where important discussions should take place are not regularly organised, if at all.
When members attempt to self-organise or push for more transparency, they sometimes face resistance.
This lack of openness and engagement makes it difficult for members to be fully involved, undermining the democratic principles that unions are meant to stand for.
Tenure
Union leadership should not be a lifelong position. Holding on to power indefinitely damages the union and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. A good leader understands the importance of stepping aside when it’s time, allowing new ideas and perspectives to shape the direction of the union.
Fresh leadership isn’t just healthy for the union—it’s essential. Long tenures in leadership can lead to stagnation, with incumbents more concerned about their own positions than the needs of the members they are supposed to serve.
The current leadership’s actions reflect a deep insecurity, using “loyalty” to manipulate and guilt members into silence. Any challenge to the leadership is treated as a personal affront, rather than an opportunity for growth or constructive criticism.
This creates an unhealthy environment where the leadership’s priorities take precedence over the well-being and concerns of the membership.
At its core, a union is meant to be a democratic space where members’ voices are heard, where leadership is constantly held accountable, and where power is regularly renewed.
Elections are the cornerstone of that democracy. If we are going to protect the power of the workers, we need to ensure that elections are open, transparent, and accessible to all members.
Members should know when elections are taking place, how they can participate, and how they can hold leadership accountable.
Our pitch
A Voice For Members is committed to restoring this democratic process.
We believe in transparency—membership lists should be shared at the very least with delegates and specific work areas, election ads should be widely publicised, and meetings should be organised regularly to discuss the issues that matter most to the members.
If we are elected to a leadership position, we’ll work hard every day to earn your trust and support. But if the members decide it’s time for us to go, we won’t hesitate to step aside.
Union leadership isn’t a career—it’s about serving the members and fighting for their interests. If we’re not doing that, then we’re not doing our job. And if the members choose to move us out of office, we’ll simply get back on the tools, just as any union leader should.
This isn’t about holding onto power; it’s about making sure the union is in the hands of those who best represent the membership at all times.
We deserve a union that is truly democratic, where members are empowered to speak up, organise, and lead. The current leadership has shown time and again that they are more interested in protecting their own positions than in protecting the interests of the members.
It’s time for change. It’s time for a union where every member has a voice, where elections are fair, and where leadership is accountable. A Voice for Members is ready to make that happen.
Rank and File member profile – Jordi
What’s your name?
Jordi Gilmour.
How long have you been in the union?
6 months.
Where do you work and what do you do?
Project officer at the Office of TAFE Coordination and Delivery (DJSIR).
Why did you join A Voice for Members?
When I joined the VPS I was surprised and disappointed at the lack of opportunity for members to engage in the union or with each other. I joined A Voice for Members because I’m inspired by rank and file members taking initiative to build the union they want to see, with each other, for each other.
What’s your vision for the CPSU?
I want a democratic, member-led union – not just because that is what we deserve, but because I know that’s what is required to build a united and confident membership that can take collective action and win for all workers.
Call to action
The action you can’t miss this week.
Help grow our movement: Connect us with supporters
Encourage your comrades, friends and colleagues to sign up to this weekly mailing list.
New supporters: Get involved with these easy steps
- Vote with us: Update your details with the CPSU by 5 PM Tuesday 22 April to get on the electoral roll.
- Campaign with us: Join our next online campaign briefing at 6:30 PM Monday 14 April on Zoom
We’re building
This is where we share A Voice For Members movement progress and successes. Get in touch if you have something to share!
Confirming our slate of candidates
On Monday 7 April, 50 members met to:
- vote in our candidate for President (see below! And welcome, Kimberly Johnston – Labour Hire Authority)
- confirm the slate of candidates for Victorian Branch Council
- share books and puzzles to raise much needed funds for our campaign
- enjoy a drink and a burger to wash down all that democracy.
It was a great event, where members could question our Presidential candidate, get to know each other, and get excited for the campaign! We ran out of time on the night, but we have also created some resources to help everyone take part in this campaign. Take a look at:
- the CPSU SPSF Victoria Branch structure (now with election timeline)
- CPSU electorates information, by employer
If you would like to get involved, reach out to us by email at cpsuavoiceformembers@gmail.com. There is a job for everyone.
Elevating member issues and voices
Every fortnight, this newsletter features our latest Rank and File bulletin from members. You can access previous editions of the bulletin here. If you have an idea for a bulletin, would like to be profiled in a bulletin, or would like to share your story through our social media – reach out. Your voice will make a difference.
Let’s strengthen our union, take action, and win – together.