Trade unions have already scoped out key marginal seats they will target at the next federal election with a bigger campaign than the fight against Workchoices.
Before the ACTU's three-yearly congress at the end of May, its secretary Dave Oliver revealed 32 electorates were in the movement's sights.
A recruitment drive was also underway for 20 full-time organisers to co-ordinate on-the-ground activities, similar to those during the recent Victorian and Queensland state elections.
When asked whether the campaign will be as large as the 2007 Your Rights at Work fight, Mr Oliver told the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday: "It will be bigger than that."
The decline in living standards had been accelerated by the policies of the Abbott government, he said.
Warning next week's federal budget is the time for leadership, vision and growth, Mr Oliver criticised the prime minister's prediction that it would be "dull".
"Now is not the time for dull," he said.
Flagged sweeteners in the budget - including more childcare assistance - were like trying to put a "band-aid on an amputated limb".
In a direct plea to the business community, Mr Oliver said he was open to sitting down with its Business Council of Australia president Catherine Livingston - who addressed the club last week - to have a sensible discussion about productivity.
"I say to her today, you name the place and we'll be happy to talk to you," he said.
Now was also the time for unions and business to quit the "ritualistic dance" that happens every time there is a change of government.
"Let's get this country going forward," he said.
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