Former ETU leader Dean Mighell plays down union influence over Daniel Andrews

A former Trade Union leader denies the CFMEU has any great influence over the ALP, despite having an affiliation.

It follows the weekend arrests of senior officials John Setka and Shaun Reardon over the alleged blackmail of concrete company Boral.

They’ll face court on Tuesday.

There have been calls for Premier Daniel Andrews to cut ties with the CFMEU on the basis of these arrests.

But Dean Mighell – who once led the Electrical Trade Union –  told Neil Mitchell he didn’t believe the CFMEU was powerful in influencing government.

‘I don’t think John has ever met Daniel (Andrews),’ he said on 3AW Mornings.

‘I don’t think there’s any great power trip from the CFMEU, they’re just not like that.

‘They hope for a better outcome than the Liberals will (give) and they generally get that, obviously, with Labor.

‘But I don’t think there’s any great overt influence.’

Click PLAY below to hear Dean Mighell speak with Neil Mitchell.