Australian National Review – Union members protest CFMEU management in nationwide demonstrations

Thousands of union members took to the streets on September 18 for the second protest rally against the CFMEU reforms introduced last month.

Reports say more than 10,000 people gathered at Trades Hall in Melbourne and marched down LaTrobe Street, closing the main road and disrupting tram traffic.

In Sydney, an estimated 8,000 protesters gathered in Belmore Park by 11am, with another 4,000 people reported in Brisbane.

On August 27, a similar demonstration was held across Australia to protest against the new bill that would place the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) under administration.

The protesters chanted slogans such as “union strong” and carried merchandise with messages such as “God forgives, but the CFMEU does not.”

Victorian Employment Relations Minister Gabrielle Williams urged protesters to act responsibly.

“While we respect your right to protest, we urge you to do so legally and peacefully. We all have the right to protest, but we do not want to endanger others,” she said, asking protesters to ensure their actions were lawful and safe.

The CFMEU is being investigated after allegations of links to biker gangs and members of organised crime. Its administrator, Mark Irving, has promised a thorough investigation to determine how much control gangs and criminal networks had over the union’s construction sector.

After a disturbing report into the Victoria facility revealed a culture of violence and intimidation, Irving pledged to establish an integrity unit in Victoria, which will investigate allegations and scrutinise relationships between suppliers and former senior union officials in the state.

Sites in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia are also being investigated for involvement of motorcyclists and organised crime in their construction industries.

The investigation focuses on whether union officials violated conflict of interest rules by making illegal bribes, secret benefits or improper transfers of funds, including funds related to charities.

Last week, following threats from CFMEU members, police were stationed at the home of Industrial Relations Minister Murray Watt. Watt is expected to speak to the media about the matter later today.

During the previous protest, Zach Smith, national secretary of the CFMEU local branch, stated that the union is still strong.

“This union is stronger than ever and will remain stronger than ever. After the end of the government, there will still be a strong, strong CFMEU if you stay loyal to the union, defend the union, stay loyal to your colleagues, don’t walk away and stay loyal to your values ​​and principles. This union, the CFMEU, is here to stay,” he told protesters on August 27.

AAP contributed to this report.