Analysis: Feds take sting out of CFMEU’s threats of war

The CFMEU pledged to wage war on the state gov, but it couldn’t even reach the front line before the sacking of 280 office holders, decimated its ability to advance its political cause.

The CFMEU pledged to wage war on the state government, but it hasn’t been able to even reach the front line.

For a decade the militant union and Labor state government have been reluctantly locked in a twisted tango.

The sacking of 280 office holders, including some 21 in Queensland/NT branch, and complete takeover by a federal administrator has decimated the union’s ability to advance its political cause.

The CFMEU was white hot with anger after the United Workers’ Union and Australian Workers Union struck a deal to make Steven Miles premier in December.

They threatened to rally blue-collar unions to wage a war against the government heading into the state election – a threat which prompted ministers to accuse the LNP of cosying up to state secretary Michael Ravbar.

CFMEU signage near the Star Casino in George Street, Brisbane. Picture David Clark

Rare criticism of the CFMEU by a minister always came with a caveat – there are good people in the union doing good things.

In appointing Mark Irving and purging the union of its highest-ranked leaders, the federal government has allowed the cowering state to breathe easy.

For years any hint of unrest on construction sites or concerns about productivity was met with silence.

A few ministers quietly acknowledged the sight of CFMEU sympathisers punching-on with people they didn’t agree with, and tales of workers being threatened, might hurt the Labor brand.

While the state government could barely manage to criticise the conduct of the union, their federal colleagues had no trouble cutting the head off the snake.

Mr Miles is right in saying any accusation of criminality must go through proper channels. But major builders and workers repeatedly insisted the government’s relationship with the union made them reluctant to start a public fight. They knew they wouldn’t have the government’s support.