Key Points
- Tens of thousands of workers have walked off work sites to protest the government’s action against the CFMEU.
- Rallies are being held, days after the union’s construction arm was placed into administration by the attorney-general.
- The CFMEU national secretary has criticised the government for bypassing the union to appoint an external administrator.
More than 60,000 workers have downed tools across Australia to march through capital cities in protest over the federal takeover of the construction division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).
Unionists gathered outside Melbourne’s Trades Hall as a rally got underway in the union’s hometown on Tuesday.
Wielding signs such as “Hands off the CFMEU” while dressed in hi-vis and work gear, protesters waved union flags as they shut down parts of the CBD.
“When I say union, you say power,” they chanted.
The protesters risk being fined by the industrial watchdog if they abandon work to take part in rallies, as the action is unprotected.
Victorian Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas said he hadn’t tried to caution workers against going ahead, saying that was an employer’s responsibility.
“We would urge people to get back to work as soon as possible,” he told reporters at the state parliament on Tuesday.
“What they shouldn’t do is take action that is unlawful.”
In Sydney, union members shut down parts of the city, as well as entry to the NSW Parliament, shouting “union power” and “f— Albo”.
In Brisbane, protesters flooded the CBD’s Queen’s Gardens forcing authorities to shut down nearby Elizabeth, George and William streets.
Thousands gathered in Sydney, shutting down the entry to NSW Parliament. Source: AAP / Bianca de Marchi
The action comes days after the CFMEU’s construction division was placed into administration by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, amid allegations of links to organised crime and corruption in the construction arm.
A Fair Work Ombudsman spokesperson said if a site worker failed to turn up or walked off the job without permission on Tuesday, it could be a contravention of workplace laws.
Earlier on Tuesday, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers urged protesters to be peaceful despite their opposition to how the past week has unfolded.
CFMEU fighting back against new legislation
Last week, legislation giving the relevant minister the power to appoint an administrator passed the Senate with support from the Opposition.
The union has criticised the law, saying it stripped members of the right to a fair process and has flagged a legal fight.
“What else is new?” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on ABC Radio on Monday when asked about a court challenge.
“That’s business as usual from the CFMEU,” he said.
Opposition workplace relations spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said any alleged deal needed to be investigated and was “highly alarming”.
“Mr Albanese has serious questions to answer,” she said.
CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith has criticised the government for bypassing the union to appoint an external administrator, saying it stripped members of their right to due process.
“It is a sad indictment on the federal government and all sides of politics that have succumbed to anti-CFMEU rhetoric spouted by big business and amplified by conservative media outlets,” he said in a video message to members.
The union is in administration for a minimum of three years and up to five, and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty fines and jail time.
