Unions want say in Labor reforms

Trade unions have called for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to ensure unions have a say in choosing Labor leaders as part of Mr Rudd's promised changes to the way the party chooses its leaders, according to The Australian Financial Review.

Unions have not ruled out trying to force a change after the election to ensure they maintain a role in the leadership process if Mr Rudd does not agree to their demands.

Union leaders are concerned Mr Rudd's pledged reforms are just the start of a process intended to diminish union influence within Labor.

Mr Rudd has proposed that the Labor party membership and Labor caucus should each have a 50 per cent say in choosing the party's leader. He also wants the rules reformed to ensure the leader can only be removed if at least 75 per cent of the caucus votes against the incumbent.

Transport Workers' Union Tony Sheldon, who is also the ALP's vice-president, said he supports a change to the British model that has the caucus, members and unions each holding a one-third say on choosing the leader.

“It's the three critical parts of the party that need to be involved and incorporated in making the party strong,” Mr Sheldon told the AFR.

Meanwhile, former New South Wales (NSW) premier Morris Iemma called on Mr Rudd to limit union influence within Labor to its representation in the workforce, which is about 13 per cent, according to The Australian.

Mr Rudd is seen as unlikely to agree to any changes to his proposal.