Australia's most powerful construction union will urge an elected Labor government to make it easier for workers to strike, as part of a radical proposal to the ALP's national conference.
The Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union asked former St Vincent de Paul Society chief executive John Falzon to write a discussion paper ahead of the triennial event which kicks off in Adelaide on Sunday.
Dr Falzon has made a raft of recommendations for Labor to change its policy platform ahead of next year's election, including restoring the right to strike and free entry to worksites for union officials.
The CFMEU wants the minimum wage to be raised to a living wage, on which a low-paid worker could support themselves and their family.
Casual employees who have worked on a regular basis should be allowed to convert to permanent positions after six months.
Industry assistance should be made conditional on having a unionised workforce, while government contracts should only be given to organisations with union agreements.
The report recommends giving tax incentives for unionised companies including varying corporate or payroll rates, eligibility for research and development concessions and fuel excise.
Under the proposal, international trade agreements would be subject to an inequality impact test.
The union is also calling for an urgent increase to inadequate welfare payments as well as reform of the social security system to recognise changes in the labour market and unpaid carers.
CFMEU national secretary Michael O'Connor said re-energising the collective voice for workers was more important than ever.
"This is not simply a call to action for the Labor Party, it is a starting point for a national conversation about the proper role of organised labour in a democratic society," Mr O'Connor said.
He said record low wage growth and inequality was hurting the economy and society.
"Wages will only improve if we improve the voice and bargaining power of workers through strengthening trade unions and increasing trade union membership," Mr O'Connor said.
