TRADE UNIONS:

Controversial building industry union leader John Setka has allowed The Bug exclusive access to some of his most private activities in a bid to recast his public image.

The Victorian secretary of the CFMMEU welcomed a reporter and photographer from The Bug into his Melbourne home saying he had been wrongly portrayed as a “union thug” and that his media image was far from the truth.

“In reality I enjoy a lot of activities people may not associate with union leaders,” Mr Setka said.

“In my spare time I love nothing more than cake decorating (pictured left). It’s such a challenge and brings out my artistic side.

“I also have  a passion for expressive dance, and I go to dance classes at least once a week (pictured below).

“I’ve been working on a free form dance work charting the struggle of workers under the global patriarchal hegemony and I hope to premiere it at next year’s ACTU Congress.

“I also love ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement (main picture). It is so relaxing and has a deep philosophical aspect to it which most people don’t appreciate.”

Unfortunately the exclusive interview with Mr Setka ended abruptly when The Bug asked him about his recent comments about anti-violence campaigner Rosie Batty and he threatened to insert lengthy bird of paradise stalks into our reporter and photographer, causing them to flee.