Two big hitters are in the running to lead the country’s biggest union grouping, the FNV federation.

Ton Heerts, 46, is current acting chairman and was involved in drawing up the recent social agreement with employers which led to some planned austerity measures being delayed.

Corrie van Brenk, 52, heads the civil service union Abvakabo. She was at the centre of recent talks to reach a deal on reforming healthcare, pulling the FNV-affiliated union out of the deal because of the impact on home nursing jobs.

The FNV’s 1.2 million members can vote for their preferred candidate online over the next two weeks. This is the first time there has been a direct vote for the FNV leadership.