BY ANDREW HALL
CANBERRA — Rank-and-file militants in Members First have done well in the Community and Public Sector Union national office election. The results indicate that large numbers of public sector workers do want a union that once again takes industrial campaigning, militant struggle and solidarity seriously. The Members First team won around a third of the vote, despite having vastly less resources than the ALP-aligned Progressive Caucus that won the election.
The election was marred by a low turn out: just 12,000 of around 60,000 members voted, down from 16,500 in the 2000 elections.
Members First candidate for national secretary, Centrelink activist Jonathon Sherlock, won 28.2% of the vote against Adrian O'Connell, who had been acting secretary. FaCS section secretary Judy McVey received 29.0% for assistant national secretary, and Andrew Hall received 33.4% challenging national president Matthew Reynolds, who died on the eve of the election results. Members First candidates Mick Burnside and Paul Oboohov and independent Robert Chapman, who was running on a similar platform to Members First, achieved 36% for deputy national presidents. Phillip Hilton received 25.0% for professional officers' secretary.
Oboohov told Green Left Weekly that Members First would continue to campaign for the union to take real action to defend its members interests — including supporting community campaigns and pursuing pattern bargaining.
To get in touch with Members First, phone Andrew on 0438 624744 or Judy on 0418 347 374, or email <membersfirst@bigpond.com>.
From Green Left Weekly, May 28, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.