A union representing 100,000 workers has voted to split from the Australian Council of Trade Unions and set up a rival body, in an escalating response to the CFMEU being pushed into administration.
In short:
The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has voted to split from union peak body the ACTU over its support for forcing the CFMEU into administration.
The decision to split has been criticised by leaders of other blue collar unions the AMWU and the Mining and Energy Union.
What's next?
The CEPU says it wants to establish a blue-collar rival to the ACTU.