The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union has come out in support of the CFMEU and voted to split from the ACTU. Photo: CFMEU.
Plumbers and sparkies are quitting the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) over the treatment of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).
The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU), which represents more than 100,000 blue-collar workers, has voted to split from the ACTU and establish a separate umbrella group in direct competition.
The vote took place on Thursday (5 September) afternoon and the union moved quickly once the result was decided.
The CEPU now plans to hold a summit in the next few months to test the appetite for an organisation similar to the ACTU but solely for blue-collar unionists.
It is already attempting to recruit other ACTU-affiliated unions and is reportedly having some initial success, while at the same time other unions have publicly disagreed with the action.
The CEPU has taken the step in response to the ACTU’s support of the construction division of the CFMEU being forced into administration.
The Federal Government recently rushed through laws to force the construction arm of all branches of the CFMEU in administration, following media reports alleging bullying, intimidation and criminal behaviour by some of the union’s officials.
Rallies attracting tens of thousands of protestors against the government’s decision have subsequently been staged around the country, and the sacked CFMEU bosses have taken their plight to the High Court.
They have lodged a challenge to the union’s forced administration, saying it is unconstitutional.
The ACTU, however, has supported the Federal Government’s decision.
ACTU national president Michele O’Neil expressed her disappointment with the CEPU’s move, but said criminal activity could not be tolerated in the union movement.
The ACTU was taking a stand about its values and “who we are”, she said.
“We’re disappointed about the decision of the CEPU. We think what’s in the best interests of workers is having a united union movement…” Ms O’Neil told the ABC.
“I would hope the CEPU comes back to a united union movement…”
“The ACTU have at all times urged the CFMEU Construction division leaders to act decisively to ensure their union was free of criminal elements.
“Unfortunately, those who had the power to act failed to do so. ACTU decisions are made at our executive where all unions are represented.”
Ms O’Neil also noted that the union movement has changed a number of times over the decades, from many smaller unions to amalgamations, splits and reunions.
She was hopeful that the CEPU would return to its affiliation with the ACTU.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Mining and Energy Union have already publicly stated their support for the ACTU and disappointment with the CEPU.
But many unionists are in agreement with the CEPU’s decision, setting the scene for a bitter split across the movement.
When lodging the High Court challenge on 3 September, former CFMEU national president Jade Ingham also announced a crowdfunding campaign to help fund it.
“Members are furious about their union being taken away from them. Their union has been stolen from them,” he said.
“This is active treachery and class warfare against the working class in this country from the state and federal governments.
“Union bashing never worked for the Tories, so why did Labor think it would work for them? CFMEU members will have their voices heard.”
But Anthony Albanese has been firm in defending the position his government has taken against the CFMEU.
“We know that trade unionists do a great job when they look after the wages and conditions of their members, but there’s no place for corruption or intimidation in the building industry,” the Prime Minister said.
“To have a corrupt union, you need a corrupt employer to be paying them money and there’s no place for it.”
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