Building industry leaders hope a potential break-up of the CFMEU will push the militant construction arm to have a more "productive conversation" to resolve workplace issues, especially relating to culture on-site and mental health concerns.

Legislation passed last week that allows for disgruntled wings of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union to part ways with the combative construction division was not the end but the start of a change, building industry veteran Martin Monro said.