Thousands of union workers took to the streets on Sept. 18 in the second protest rally against the CFMEU reforms passed last month.
Reports indicate that over 10,000 people gathered at Trades Hall in Melbourne before marching down LaTrobe Street, closing the major thoroughfare and causing tram disruptions.
In Sydney, an estimated 8,000 protesters assembled at Belmore Park at 11 a.m., and another 4,000 were reported in Brisbane.
A similar rally was organised across Australia on Aug. 27 in opposition to the new bill that put the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) under administration
Protestors chanted slogans like “union strong” and wore merchandise displaying messages such as “God forgives, but the CFMEU doesn’t.”
Victorian Workplace Relations Minister Gabrielle Williams urged protestors to act responsibly.
“While we respect your right to protest, we urge you to do so legally and peacefully. We all enjoy the right to protest but not to put others at risk,” she said, asking protestors to ensure their actions were lawful and safe.
The CFMEU is under investigation following allegations of ties to bikie gang and organised crime members. The administrator, Mark Irving, has vowed to conduct thorough investigations to determine how much control gangs and criminal networks held over the union’s construction sector.
After a concerning report on the Victorian branch revealed a culture of violence and intimidation, Irving committed to establishing an integrity unit in Victoria. This unit will investigate various allegations and scrutinise relationships between suppliers and former senior union officials in the state.
Branches in New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia will also be investigated for bikie and organised crime involvement within their construction industries.
The probes will focus on whether union officials violated conflict-of-interest rules by accepting unlawful kickbacks, secret benefits, or improperly transferring funds, including those involving charity trusts.
Last week, following threats from CFMEU members, police were stationed outside Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt’s home. Watt is expected to address the issue with the media later today.
At the previous protest, Zach Smith, national secretary of the CFMEU’s local division, declared that the union remains strong.
“This union is as strong as ever and it will continue to be as strong as ever. After administration ends, there will still be a tough, strong CFMEU if you stick by the union, defend the union, stick by your workmates, don’t walk away, and hold your values and principles true. This union, the CFMEU, is here to stay,” he told protestors on Aug. 27.
