This article examines the claim that “union bosses” are running the Australian Labor Party by examining their industrial relations policy implementation plan presented in the lead-up to the 2007 Australian Federal Election.

The article reveals the dwindling influence of union leaders on workplace policy formulation under Kevin Rudd's leadership. Not so long ago, the adoption of such policies would have been unthinkable for Labor. Now they appear to be the price Labor is willing to pay to unseat the Howard government. The question is, to what extent are the unions willing to pay the same price?