CFMEU protest

CFMEU Protest: When Construction Workers Unite, Chaos Ensues!

Catch the vibes from the streets as CFMEU members rally across Australia in a spectacular show of unity and defiance!

Tension in the air and steely resolve on the streets, thousands of construction workers have taken a stand across Australia to protest the federal government’s recent decisions impacting the industry. Spearheaded by the ousted CFMEU NSW secretary, Darren Greenfield, the protests erupted with a broadside directed at ACTU secretary Sally McManus, who was accused of treachery and allegedly selling out the union’s interests. As the chants echoed from Melbourne to Brisbane, the message was clear: the construction workforce isn't budging without a fight.

With major projects grinding to a halt in cities like Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth, up to 60,000 CFMEU members rallied outside Melbourne's Trades Hall, marking a historic moment in Union history. Workers united in solidarity, wielding their placards high and showing a strength that could rival an 80’s rock band mosh pit. The head-turning slogan, ‘Touch one, touch all’, reverberated through the downtown streets, solidifying their resistance against what they perceive to be an undermining political force. Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather also lent his voice to the protest in Brisbane, describing Labor's actions as a 'radical' attack on the union's rights, further fueling the fire of unrest.

In a surprising twist, not all members were there solely for the protest—many came with a dash of humor, donning hard hats adorned with outrageous slogans, making the scene more of a festival than a somber gathering. Festive or not, the stakes are undeniably high as sacked CFMEU leadership vow to take the fight to the Labor Party, calling for its “absolute destruction”, making it clear that no political party is safe if they continue down this path. Now, that’s some drama fit for a soap opera!

Did you know that the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union) is one of Australia’s largest and most influential unions? With numerous historical protests under its belt, their strong commitment to workers' rights has changed the landscape of union activism. Moreover, the recent protests reflect a broader trend where more workers are willing to step out onto the front lines for their rights—a true testament to the ever-evolving nature of unionism in Australia.