Union support for Gillard shows signs of weakness

One of Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s key trump cards in fending off challenges to her Labor leadership ― namely that key unions would not support any move that would threaten an early election ― is fading, as trade unions suggest they would be open to the return of Kevin Rudd, according to The Australian Financial Review.

Meanwhile, independent MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oaksehott ― whose votes are necessary to prop-up Ms Gillard’s minority government ― have indicated that their formal agreement to support Labor in confidence votes would be rendered void by a change from Ms Gillard to Mr Rudd.

“A change of leaders would be a high-risk strategy that would open up the option to an early election,” Mr Windsor said, according to the AFR.

Mr Oakeshott threatened to support any push for an early election if the leadership issue continued to distract the Labor Party from other matters.

Trade union leaders assembled in Canberra for discussions over workplace issues and a dinner with Ms Gillard.

Unions have been primarily concerned that an early election would result in a Labor loss. Supporters of Mr Rudd have sought out support amongst union leaders, insisting that Labor could maintain the support of independent MPs even with a change in leadership, the AFR said.

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