Thousands of angry CFMEU workers shut down Macquarie Street

Thousands of CFMEU members have vented their anger on the PM, flooding the CBD as part of a nationwide protest at the federal government plunging the union into administration.

Members of the CFMEU have screamed “f–ck Albo” and labelled members of the Labor party “rats” and traitors”, as part of nationwide rallies protesting against the federal government’s move to plunge the union into administration.

Thousands of CFMEU members downed tools on Tuesday morning, descending on Macquarie Street after more than 270 union officials were axed from their roles on Friday morning.

Crowds chanted “Darren Greenfield here to stay” and “touch one, touch all” - after the NSW state secretary was ordered to vacate his role.

Standing in the back of a ute right outside NSW Parliament, Greenfield was met with cheers of support after telling the crowd he “wasn’t going anywhere” and urged members to vote against the “rotten Labor party” at the upcoming elections.

Furious union members pictured marching on NSW Parliament. Picture:NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Darren Greenfield addresses a crowd of thousands of striking workers. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Thousands of CFMEU members marched on Macquarie. Picture:NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

The protesters booded the Labor Party and hurled abuse at the PM. Picture:NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

“They have made legislation to burn us,” he told the crowd.

“We got sacked on Friday, we got told by the media.

“It’s the dirty rotten Labor party and it’s dirty rotten politics, that’s what it is.”

The federal government last week passed a Bill giving it powers to force the union, which has been dogged by allegations of widespread corruption and links to organised crime, into administration after securing a deal with the Coalition.

As he spoke to the crowd, Greenfield’s court battle following allegations of corruption was heard at the nearby Downing Centre.

Greenfield and his son Michael, who only recently resigned as the CFMEU’s NSW assistant secretary, were charged with corruption offences in 2021 over allegations they received bribes from a construction company’s director.

Maritime Union of Australia Sydney secretary Paul Keating also addressed the crowd, calling for Greenfield - and other officials’ - reinstatement - which was met by cheers and screams of “union power” from the crowd.

The city came to a standstill around 10.30am, after members of the CFMEU and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) joined in marches to NSW Parliament.

Crowds screamed ‘touch one, touch all’ outside NSW Parliament House. Picture:NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Members were seen drinking cans of beer and pre-mixed drinks during the rally, with one man screaming “I hope the pubs are ready for us” - which was met by cheers and laughter from his mates.

Despite the Prime Minister warning the unauthorised protests and work stoppages could result in “consequences” - tradies at the rally said they had no plans to get back on their job sites this afternoon.

“Not today we’re not,” one CFMEU member told the Telegraph.

Dozens of police lined Macquarie Street on Friday, however confirmed no arrests were made during the rally.

Tradies at the rally said they had no plans to get back on their job sites on Tuesday. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

While not a member of the CFMEU, Jim McElroy said while the allegations of corruption concerned him - he strongly supported the CFMEU and the rights of construction workers.

“I believe in unions, I believe CFMEU has been the main organisation in the building industry that’s gotten these workers the conditions they have and safety on the job,” he said.

“The supposed corruption - there’s no proof - what is going on, it’s all rumours. The administration procedures need to be withdrawn.”

CFMEU member Andrew Spencer said the union was “under-attack” by the Labor government.

“Our officials have been removed by this f**king shit bill,” he said.

“This is against our justice. We are the working men and women of Australia.”

During the speeches NSW Legalise Cannabis MLC Jeremy Buckingham waved a union flag from the state parliament’s front balcony, cheering for the union protesters.