‘They hate each other’s guts’: CFMEU split unlikely to end Qld protests

The construction division of Queensland’s militant CFMEU would be emboldened by major changes that would make it easier for the union’s manufacturing division to break away, insiders say.

The construction division of Queensland’s militant CFMEU would be emboldened by major changes that would make it easier for the union’s manufacturing division to break away, insiders say.

Federal Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke will introduce legislation next week to allow the manufacturing division of the CFMEU quit the amalgamated union.

It would provide for a secret ballot where members could vote to demerge the manufacturing division from the CFMEU.

“We will provide the opportunity for members of the manufacturing division to vote on their future, because the status quo is dysfunctional and cannot continue,” he said.

If the split is successful, the CFMEU would be left with just two divisions – construction and maritime.

CFMEU at the Brisbane Labour Day March. Picture: Liam Kidston

The mining and energy division voted to split from the CFMEU, effective December 2023, following a breakdown in relations with the union’s Victorian secretary John Setka.

In Queensland, the union is unaligned and has repeatedly criticised the state Labor government’s track record on worker safety and rights.

Industry insiders told The Courier-Mail any breakaway from the manufacturing division would be unlikely to end the union’s vocal protests and questionable behaviour in Queensland.

They said, in Queensland, the CFMEU’s focus was squarely on the controversial construction division above the manufacturing and maritime branches.

“Internally they hate each other’s guts – it’s pathological,” they said.

“As far as militancy goes, it won’t change anything, they’ll just continue as is.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has faced criticism from the LNP for a failure to condemn the actions of the CFMEU.

CFMEU members walk during the Labour Day march in Brisbane. Picture: Tertius Pickard

On Wednesday, without mentioning the CFMEU by name, he refused to be drawn on whether the split would affect its militancy.

Instead, Mr Miles declared it was a matter for the members of the union to decide its future.

“I support union democracy. I support the rights of members of unions to make decisions about what unions they were amalgamated with or not amalgamated with,” he said.

“They’re ultimately though regulated largely at a federal level.”

In 2022 the CFMEU stormed the Department of Transport and Main Roads building, disrupting a planned event and forcing staff to hide in a server room.