Australian Unions Turn on Labor Ahead of Victorian Election 2026

Two major Australian unions have turned their backs on the Labor government in Victoria, just a month before the state election. The Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) have both withdrawn support, with the ASU launching attack ads and the ETU pulling campaign funding.

ASU Launches Attack Ads and Withdraws Doorknocking Support

The ASU, which is affiliated with Labor, has launched a series of attack ads calling Premier Ben Carroll a liar. The union has also confirmed it will not participate in doorknocking for Labor in the coming weeks. This is a significant blow to Labor's campaign, as unions traditionally provide crucial grassroots support.

The ads are expected to target Carroll's record and credibility, potentially damaging his public image. The ASU's decision to publicly criticize a Labor premier is unusual and signals deep dissatisfaction with the current government.

ETU Pulls Campaign Funding and Redirects Resources

The ETU's state council resolved on Wednesday not to run a statewide campaign for Labor, despite having spent over $1.6 million supporting the party at the last election. Instead, the union plans to reallocate those resources to defend its members who may be called before the construction royal commission.

A copy of the resolution, seen by Guardian Australia, states that the ETU will "not run a third-party campaign at the 2026 state election." The funds will be used to "prepare and defend the ETU and its members in the royal commission" and to respond to the "impacts of the oncoming attack on blue-collar unions and their members from a majority Coalition government."

Polling Shows Labor Heading for Defeat

The ETU's resolution cites polling it commissioned and received at the start of October, which predicted Labor would win just 25 seats at the election. That is 10 fewer than forecast before the July leadership spill that saw Ben Carroll replace Jacinta Allan as premier.

The polling suggests that Labor's position has deteriorated significantly since the leadership change. The union's decision to withdraw support appears to be a strategic move to distance itself from a likely defeat and protect its members' interests.

Why This Matters for the Upcoming Election

The loss of union support is a major setback for Labor, which has historically relied on unions for funding, volunteers, and political backing. Without the ASU's doorknocking and the ETU's financial support, Labor's campaign will be significantly weakened.

Moreover, the attack ads from the ASU could damage Carroll's credibility and further erode public trust in the government. The unions' actions also signal a broader realignment of labor movement support, which could have long-term implications for the Labor Party in Victoria.

What to Watch Next

As the election approaches, keep an eye on how Labor responds to the unions' withdrawal. Will the government attempt to mend fences with the unions, or will it double down on its current strategy? Additionally, watch for other unions that may follow suit and withdraw their support.

The construction royal commission is also a key factor, as the ETU's decision to redirect funds to defend its members indicates that the union expects significant challenges from a potential Coalition government. This could lead to further tensions between unions and the government, regardless of the election outcome.

• ASU launches attack ads calling Premier Ben Carroll a liar and withdraws doorknocking support.
• ETU pulls campaign funding and redirects resources to defend members in royal commission.
• Polling predicts Labor will win only 25 seats, down from earlier forecasts.
• Union support is crucial for Labor's campaign, and the loss could be decisive.
• Watch for other unions potentially following suit and Labor's response.

FAQ

The broader labor movement is also watching closely. The Australian Services Union's decision to run attack ads against a Labor premier is unprecedented and could set a new precedent for union-political party relations. As AI drives tech workers to unionize, traditional unions are also reassessing their strategies and alliances.

The ETU's move to prioritize defending its members over campaign spending reflects a growing trend of unions putting member interests first. This shift is similar to how tech workers are turning to unions for protection against automation and other threats.

Historical parallels can be drawn from the Matewan film labor union lessons, which highlight the importance of solidarity and strategic decision-making in labor disputes. Today's unions face similar challenges in navigating political landscapes.

Political scrutiny of unions is also intensifying, as seen in the House Republicans' investigation into labor unions over political funding. This external pressure may influence how unions allocate resources and engage in politics.

The ETU's decision to divert funds to the royal commission defense mirrors the Matewan film lessons for the labor movement, emphasizing the need to protect workers from attacks. Similarly, clean energy jobs unions fight back against Trump attacks, showing that unions globally are mobilizing to defend their members.

Finally, the AutoZone union vote in New York demonstrates that workers are seeking union representation in new sectors. As AutoZone workers seek their first union in New York, it's clear that the labor movement is evolving and adapting to new challenges.