CFMEU

2024 - 9 - 18

CFMEU vs. Bikies: The Ultimate Showdown! Who Will Win?

Bikies - CFMEU - Construction Industry - Corruption - Government Relations - Labor Politics - Protests - Unions - Worker Rights

Unions, bikies and construction workers collide in an epic battle for a cleaner industry – see who’s marching for change!

In recent weeks, the CFMEU has found itself at the center of a whirlwind of controversy, with accusations of lawlessness and bikie infiltration shaking the foundations of the once-feared union. What's more, the federal government, determined to clean up the sector, is orchestrating a high-level meeting between unions, businesses, and government officials in an effort to reboot relationships and eradicate corruption. This unprecedented step is igniting discussions around the potential for a transformed construction industry, free from the grips of criminal influence, and a united front to support honest laborers.

The CFMEU administrator, Mark Irving, has set out a robust plan to tackle corruption head-on. With a clear intention to banish biker influence from the construction site, Irving is working alongside corruption buster Geoffrey Watson SC, who has recommended investigating the notorious ties between motorcycle gangs and the union. As they lay down the law, we can expect to see a serious crackdown on intimidation tactics often used by those who haven’t quite allowed the *law* to dictate their actions.

At the same time, while administrators plot the path to clean up CFMEU, construction workers across Sydney and Melbourne have taken to the streets in massive rallies, showcasing an unwavering support for the union leadership – led notably by John Setka. With thousands marching in solidarity, it seems that the workers are not just fighting for the integrity of their union but are also throwing their weight behind the administrators' clean-up efforts. In the face of potential crises, it’s a bright moment of unity among tradies and a genuine desire to restore pride in the construction sector.

As we watch this unfolding drama, it’s crucial to highlight an important outcome that could arise from this scandal: a cleaner, more transparent construction industry that prioritises safety and fair labour practices. With about 1.5 million construction workers in Australia, any positive changes here can have a significant ripple effect on the economy. Walking away from this saga, whether the union regains its reputation, or its power is diluted remains at stake; the question is, will they be able to oust the bikies and emerge stronger than ever?

Post cover — Image courtesy of "ABC News"

'Reset' meeting to be held between unions, business and ... (ABC News)

After findings of "lawlessness" and bikie infiltration within the CFMEU, the federal government will seek to reset relations with a high-level meeting ...

Administrator vows to get bikies out as CFMEU corruption probe ... (The Age)

The CFMEU administrator has detailed how he will combat corruption in the building sector, revealing he would seek to force bikies out who hold influential ...

CFMEU faces fresh investigations into alleged corruption in ... (The Guardian)

Union's administrator accepts all seven of Geoffrey Watson SC's recommendations, including looking into alleged links to motorcycle gangs.

Bikies targeted in administrator's CFMEU clean-up (The North West Star)

Bikies and criminals using threats, intimidation and violence to wield power in the construction industry will be targeted by CFMEU administrators. The union's ...

CFMEU administrator Mark Irving takes on labour hire as industry ... (The Australian Financial Review)

The CFMEU administrator will continue to engage corruption buster Geoffrey Watson, SC, in his investigation of organised crime's relationship with the union ...

CFMEU scandal 'once in a generation' chance to clean up construction (The Australian)

The government has called a national meeting of key construction industry leaders to address lawlessness and misconduct plaguing the sector after a string ...

CFMEU rally LIVE updates: Union members march in Sydney ... (The Age)

Workplace Minister Murray Watt has not committed to intervene over the Victorian branch of the Electrical Trade Union (ETU) threatening a wildcat strike.

Thousands of construction workers rally in Melbourne and Sydney ... (ABC News)

The federal government is planning a meeting next month between unions, government and businesses, in a bid to reset in the wake of the CFMEU scandal. abc.net ...

Workers marching again in support of the CFMEU (The North West Star)

Thousands of constructions workers have gathered in mass rallies to support the CFMEU as the construction section's administrator promises to crack down on ...

'No better union official than John Setka': Tradies rally for CFMEU (Herald Sun)

Thousands of tradies have taken to Melbourne CBD streets in support of the CFMEU as a key union leader declared “there has never been a better union boss ...

Thousands walk off the job in Melbourne and Sydney in support of ... (Sky News Australia)

CFMEU protesters have begun flooding the streets of Melbourne and Sydney, with tens of thousands expected to walk of the job to protest the government's ...

Workers set to march again in support of the CFMEU - Michael West (Michael West News)

Construction workers and their supporters are set to stage mass rallies across the nation for a second time as the CFMEU'S administrator promises to crack ...

Australia politics live: electrical union threatens more action as ... (The Guardian)

At the Melbourne rally the Victorian Electrical Trade Union secretary, Troy Gray, reportedly threatened a 3-day strike from next Wednesday if employers don't ...

As it happened: Union members march in Sydney, Melbourne as ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

As it happened: Union members march in Sydney, Melbourne as CFMEU administrator vows to expel bikies · 'Governments come and go' but the CFMEU won't, union boss ...

Melbourne and Sydney streets flooded with tens of thousands of ... (9News)

Sacked union leaders marched across Roma Street Parkland in a rally organised by Your Union, Your Choice. Construction workers strike across Sydney, Melbourne ...

Put new 'cop on beat' to stop CFMEU construction division menace ... (The Australian Financial Review)

We need a new national body with the right powers and accountability to fairly police the threat-filled no-go, police-free zone of Australian life.

Thousands of tradies down tools, march in CFMEU support (The North West Star)

Members and fellow workers including from the electrical trades, maritime and manufacturing unions marched through major cities on Wednesday to express their ...

CFMEU issues warning to companies, whistleblowers over ... (The Australian Financial Review)

About 60,000 construction workers protested against the administration in Sydney and Melbourne on Wednesday – the second rally in two months – and threatened a ...

Workers marching again in support of the CFMEU - Michael West (Michael West News)

Workers and their comrades, including from electrical trades, maritime and manufacturing unions, downed tools on Wednesday and marched through major cities to ...

Unionists continue to vent their anger at Labor, ACTU over anti ... (Green Left)

Tens of thousands of construction unionists marched in Magan-djin/Brisbane on September 17 and in Melbourne and Sydney the next day, to demand their elected ...

CFMEU rally LIVE updates: Union members set to march again across Australia as administrator vows to expel bikies (The Sydney Morning Herald)

NSW Greens MP Abigail Boyd joined CFMEU protesters outside state parliament, as union delegates warned of a looming “war” over deposed leaders. As the thousands-strong crowd thinned under the stern midday sun in Sydney, CFMEU delegate Denis McNamara ...