By Lookman MirajiAustralian cities experienced significant disruptions as tens of thousands of workers marched in protest against the federal government’s decision to place the construction arm of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) into administration.
According to an ABC News report, the demonstrations, which began at 11 a.m., involved not only construction workers but also members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, Electrical Trades Union, and the Plumbers' Union.
In Melbourne’s CBD, hundreds of protesters held a banner reading “CFMEU HERE TO STAY!” They voiced concerns that the CFMEU was being unfairly targeted.
A group of protesters, with one holding a sign that read “Right to Strike,” gathered to express their discontent after the federal government placed the CFMEU’s construction branches into administration. Police in Sydney’s CBD urged the public to avoid the area due to the protests.
In Perth’s CBD, hundreds of workers waving Southern Cross and union-branded flags took to the streets. Similar demonstrations occurred nationwide, including in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, and Perth, bringing many building projects to a standstill.
The federal government’s action against the CFMEU was announced on Friday when Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus revealed that all branches of the union’s construction division were being placed into administration in response to allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption.
The Prime Minister warned that those participating in the nationwide strike could face serious consequences.
Thousands gathered at Martin Place in Sydney, where one man, who traveled from Newcastle and preferred to remain anonymous, said the journey was "well worth it."
“I believe the CFMEU is being treated very unfairly,” he said. “I’d like to see them get a fair trial.”
Another protester, representing the meatworkers' union, told the ABC that he had voted Labor his entire life but would not do so in the next election.
“It’s appalling. The government should be ashamed. All workers, all unions are under fire,” he said.
Some in the crowd stated that they were not directly connected to the union movement but felt compelled to show their support.
“The CFMEU has always supported the community, and today I am here to support them,” one woman said. “I think this sets a dangerous precedent for all unions if we allow it to happen.”
In Brisbane, union members gathered at Queens Garden Park in the CBD, close to the unfinished Star Casino on the northern bank of the river. Electrical Trades Union organizer Rob Hill led the protest in Cairns, where thousands also gathered outside Trades Hall in Melbourne. Hundreds marched from Perth’s Forrest Place, and another 200 rallied in Cairns outside the office of Labor Senator Nita Green.
“I have never felt more betrayed as a worker in my life,” Rob Hill said in a speech to the crowd in Cairns. “They must be held accountable forever.”
More than 1,000 union members and supporters marched in Perth in support of the CFMEU. The Western Australian branch of the construction division was placed into administration along with other state branches, despite not being the focus of the same level of allegations.
From Perth to the east coast, protesters voiced their anger over the forced administration of the CFMEU’s construction arm. CFMEU State Secretary Mick Buchan told reporters he was overwhelmed by the turnout in Perth.
“Our members have been saying, ‘We’ve got to rally, we’ve got to rally,’” he said. “We must let the government and the public know that we are the CFMEU. They can’t believe it was a federal Labor government that did this.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that construction workers involved in the unprotected industrial action could face consequences.
“The government is not going to back down, and neither is the Australian public. They want this industry cleaned up. They want to see good unions and good businesses getting on with their jobs,” he said.
Unprotected industrial actions are unlawful and can lead to penalties, including disciplinary measures by employers and potential lawsuits from businesses that incur financial losses due to the action.
In a statement issued after the protests, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) encouraged employers to report “any potential unlawful industrial action at their workplace.”
“As part of its functions under the Fair Work Act, the FWO monitors and investigates potential non-compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws,” the workplace regulator said. This includes allegations of engaging in or organizing unprotected industrial action in violation of section 417 of the Act.
Unlawful industrial action can involve conduct by an employee, employee organization, officer of an organization, or an employer.
