The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has announced it will not support the Labor party in the upcoming Victorian state election, citing significant concerns over public service job cuts and substantial government spending on external consultants.
The union, representing public servants in Victoria, condemned the current administration for reducing workforce numbers while allocating $1.2 billion to consultant contracts. This decision marks a notable shift in the political landscape, as the CPSU joins a growing number of other unions that have either refused to back Labor or are actively campaigning against the government ahead of the 28 November poll.
The union’s leadership described the government’s actions as “privatisation by stealth,” arguing that the reliance on external contractors undermines the integrity of public service delivery. The announcement is set to be made official on Wednesday, signaling a broader coalition of labor groups opposing the Carroll government’s policies.
This development adds to the pressure on the Labor government, which faces a critical test in the state election. The refusal of a major public sector union to issue a recommendation for Labor is seen as a significant blow to the party’s traditional support base among government employees.
As the election approaches, the CPSU’s stance highlights deepening tensions between the government and public sector workers over budget priorities and employment practices. Other unions have similarly expressed dissatisfaction, contributing to a fragmented labor landscape in the final weeks of the campaign.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>
