Thousands of tradies have marched in nationwide strikes over the Government’s decision to force one of Australia’s biggest unions – the CFMEU – into administration.
An administrator will take over operations of the Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) for at least three years, due to the union’s alleged criminal links.
Allied unions and workers joined CFMEU members in strike action today, with marches held in most capital cities.
CFMEU
The CFMEU is one of Australia’s biggest unions, representing more than 115,000 workers across construction, manufacturing, and shipping sectors.
Last month, Nine Newspapers uncovered alleged links between criminal figures and the CFMEU.
This included giving people with known criminal convictions positions of power to oversee government-funded construction projects.
The reports also aired accusations of bribery and intimidation.
Administration
The Federal Government passed legislation to force the CFMEU into administration.
After the law was passed, the Fair Work Commission appointed an independent administrator to take over operations at the union for at least three years.
Last week, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus confirmed all branches of the CFMEU around Australia would be placed into administration.
As a result, more than 270 officials were removed from their posts.
Protests
The CFMEU urged its members to protest the forced administration and dismissal of its officials across Australia.
The Fair Work Ombudsman warned workers they risked having their pay docked for taking part in unauthorised and “unprotected industrial action”.
It said under the Fair Work Act, employers would be required to deduct workers “a minimum of four hours wages… Even if the industrial action was less than four hours.”
Planned strikes went ahead in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Cairns on Tuesday.
Protesters blocked streets and marched through the cities’ CBDs.
CFMEU members were also joined by other affiliated unions, including the Electrical Trades Union.
Office buildings near the Queens Gardens Park in Brisbane were temporarily locked down due to concerns for workers’ safety.
CFMEU National Secretary, Zach Smith, attended the Canberra protest, where he stated the “union is here to stay”.
Government response
In response to queries about the CFMEU protests, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “we respect the work that construction workers do. It’s a tough job, and they do magnificent work.”
Albanese said the Government was taking steps to “make sure that their union is free of corruption.”
There have been no reports of arrests linked to the CFMEU protests around the country.
Opposition
Shadow Workplace Relations Minister, Michaelia Cash, blamed the protests on the Government’s decision to abolish the construction union watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), in 2023.
Cash has repeatedly called for the ABCC to be reinstated.
“Today’s nationwide unprotected industrial action by the CFMEU is a result of Mr Albanese’s disastrous decision to give his mates in the CFMEU effective control of the construction sector in Australia.”
