CFMEU split widens as manufacturing division moves out

Tensions in the powerful CFMEU surrounding militant leader John Setka have deepened, with the union’s manufacturing division shifting out of the office they share with the construction group.

CFMMEU Victorian secretary John Sekta outside Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Julian Smith

A split within the militant CFMEU over the John Setka saga has widened, with the union’s manufacturing division shifting buildings amid a dispute over money.

Mr Setka leads the powerful Victorian construction division of the union, but has been sparring with national secretary and head of the manufacturing division, Michael O’Connor, over what he sees as a lack of solidarity.

Mr O’Connor, viewed as a shrewd political operator within the ALP, has refused to publicly back Mr Setka since he was convicted of harassing his wife via a carriage service.

Mr Setka was separately accused of undermining work done by family violence campaigner Rosie Batty, which he denies, and was told to quit the Labor Party by federal opposition leader Anthony Albanese and ACTU secretary Sally McManus.

CFMEU National Secretary Michael O'Connor. Picture: Kym Smith

One source said the dispute had escalated since Mr Setka claimed the manufacturing division “owed” the cashed-up construction division hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Another point of contention is how the CFMEU dishes out money to the ALP, with Mr Setka telling officials he wanted to cut off the construction division’s cash after the party called for his expulsion.

A separate brawl is also brewing over whether Mr Setka tried to poach manufacturing division officials.

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The latest drama is set to create new fault lines within the ALP and the industrial movement, with the Victorian construction division wielding significant power through its large membership base.

While Mr Setka has been slammed by many leading Labor figures, he has dug in and rallied his CFMEU troops who have backed him to remain state secretary.

The bid to expel Mr Setka from the party has stalled since he launched Supreme Court against the decision, although the court recently ruled the case was not within its jurisdiction.

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Originally published as CFMEU split widens as manufacturing division moves out