CPSU National Secretary Nadine Flood has today advised the Governing Council and members of the CPSU she will resign her position as National Secretary for health reasons. In an email to members, she said she had made the difficult decision to stand down.
In the email Ms Flood said, "At the moment, doing this job means I can't take care of my health the way I need to, and I've decided it's time to take the advice of my doctors and step back".
She went on to outline the union's plan for her replacement, a decision that will be made by the union's democratically elected Governing Council of workplace leaders most likely in early October.
Ms Flood said, "This job has been an extraordinary privilege and while this is not the circumstances under which anyone wants to leave a role, I am glad that it happened when I've had almost 10 years in the job and we have a strong clear succession plan in place so I leave knowing our union is in good hands.
"While many of the years I've done this job have been tough ones with brutal attacks on workers, jobs, rights and wages and extraordinary attacks on our public services, it is a job I love. It demands an enormous amount and I am honoured that CPSU members elected me to lead our incredible union.
"I'm hopeful that if I stop ignoring my doctors' advice I can look forward to getting well and going on to do work that helps working people and keep fighting for the values I hold dear."
Assistant National Secretary Michael Tull said, "Nadine is a phenomenal leader. Over the last nine years and six Prime Ministers, she has led the union as we fought for better wages, conditions, jobs, and for our community's services. Her defence of our members and the public service has always been fearless and forthright.
"She will leave behind her a united Executive and a union that is well-placed to continue the work of representing our members in their workplaces and in the community. While we are sad to see her go, it's important she place her health first and we respect her decision, which we know has not been an easy one."
