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In another blow to the tarnished Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), members of the manufacturing division have overwhelmingly voted to split and establish their own trade union.
Recently labelled as a “modern-day mafia operation” by Coalition party leader Peter Dutton, the CFMEU – which have been subject to numerous allegations of corruption, violence, intimidation, and blatant thuggery – have seemingly lost its manufacturing division in a landslide vote plunging the union further into disarray.
In a Fair Work Commission orchestrated ballot, members of the CFMEU manufacturing division opted to leave the union and instead establish their own – the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU).
“Our members have voted for change – for a union that is theirs. One that reflects their industries, their values, and their future,” said Michael O’Connor, national secretary of the newly introduced TFTU.
“This isn’t just a name change. It’s a structural and cultural shift – towards more independence, integrity, and member control.”
The non-compulsory vote – which featured a very high turnout of almost 50 per cent of members – resulted in 3,553 voting in favour of the split, to just 324 voting no.
Back on 23 August 2024, the union’s construction arm was placed in administration. Mark Irving KC was tasked with investigating the allegations of corruption, bullying, and lawlessness at the union and, from there, re-establishing the union from the ground up.
Since then, the union has faced intense scrutiny, leading to legislation passed last year, allowing the manufacturing division members to vote on whether they wanted to leave or reside with the CFMEU.
O’Connor credited Senator Jacqui Lambie and Minister Tony Burke, who spearheaded the legislation that made the vote possible, while simultaneously accosting Greens Party member Adam Bandt for siding with CFMEU former Victorian secretary John Setka.
“Members won’t forget how all MPs voted with integrity to give workers a say on their future – except Adam Bandt and the Greens, who disgracefully backed John Setka ahead of workers,” said O’Connor.
“We thank Senator Lambie, Minister Burke, and all MPs who backed our members’ right to choose their future.”
“This is about building a better union – worker-led, transparent, and free from the influence of the CFMEU’s construction division.”
According to O’Connor, the vote is a result of a year-long push by union delegates who demanded a clean break from the CFMEU.
“Delegates and members drove this campaign from the ground up. They’ll be central to what comes next,” said O’Connor.
“The TFTU will carry forward the proud traditions of the manufacturing division and its predecessor timber, furnishing trade, pulp and paper, and textile, clothing and footwear unions – while forging a bold new path for its members as a proud part of Australia’s trade union movement.”
As far as allegations against the CFMEU go, a recent 60 Minutes piece uncovered new instances of violence against women, featuring acts of physical assault, intimidation, and the negligence of victims.
Within the episode, senior barrister Geoffrey Watson SC described the union’s dealings as a “cancer spread” across the Victorian construction sector.
Dutton continues to offer scathing remarks towards the CFMEU and what he deems a lack of action from the Albanese government – pushing for the deregistration of the trade union.
“The culture of criminality and corruption is so entrenched, and it will never change – especially under the weak and incompetent Albanese Labor government,” said Dutton.
“You cannot trust Anthony Albanese to stand up to his union mates. A Labor-Greens minority government will only embolden the CFMEU’s lawless behaviour. Our country just cannot afford three more years of Labor’s weakness and inaction.”
RELATED TERMS
Industrial relations is the management and evaluation of the interactions between employers, workers, and representative organisations like unions.
Kace O'Neill
Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.
