The CPSU election has been an important opportunity for SA members to help build a bigger and more national militant network in this union. Alliance members have been raising the questions of how to build a democratic and activist culture within the CPSU, how to win a single public service-wide agreement, how to stop the rampant job cuts (up to 10% in some departments and widespread in Centrelink) and outsourcing, and how to best defend vital community services such as Medicare and public education.
Andrew is challenging incumbent Mark Gepp, who has a history of sellouts and stifling campaigns, from the 1996 CES closure crisis and 13,000 jobs given up to the last Centrelink certified agreement campaign. Members First is also supporting Robert Chapman for the position of Public Sector and Policy Division Secretary.
The Members First leaflet for Andrew’s candidacy lists Members First’s campaign commitments, including: hand decision-making back to CPSU members through members’ meetings move towards pattern bargaining across agencies as a first step towards industry-wide bargaining actively oppose AWAs to end individual bargaining publish full details of the salaries of all paid officials, staff and “lobbyists” build campaigns that contrast cuts to the public sector with unlimited funding for war actively campaign for a 35-hour week campaign to bring privatised and outsourced companies carrying out public services back into the public sector.
All Socialist Alliance members in the CPSU are encouraged to join the Alliance’s CPSU e-group by emailing: andrew-hall@bigpond.com or phoning Andrew on 0438 624 744. For more information about Members First, visit: www.users.bigpond.com/membersfirst/ The ballot closes on November 27. If you can help with leafleting or other campaign work in your city, please contact your local SA branch.