Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has slammed union boss John Setka’s attacks on the AFL’s chief umpire as bullying, thuggery and a personal vendetta and said they motivated the government’s decision to fast-track laws to break up the CFMEU.

The CFMEU demanded the government back down on its demerger laws – which would allow its manufacturing division to vote to exit – warning they would set a dangerous precedent for “anti-worker” governments to weaken unions.