CFMEU members face pay cuts, job losses as strikes wreak havoc

Peak construction bodies have warned the CFMEU’s unlawful protests, expected to shutdown more of Brisbane today, will cause a “massive loss of momentum” on critical projects — including housing.

Hundreds of CFMEU members face being sacked or their pay docked as unlawful strikes across Brisbane send the city’s largest construction sites into near shutdown.

Queensland’s property and construction peak bodies have also warned the unlawful protests for political purposes would cause a “massive loss of momentum” on critical projects — including housing.

Members of the militant union are set to strike again on Friday, after bringing the CBD and surrounding suburbs like Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley to a standstill on Thursday.

The large protest came after the High Court’s decision this week to uphold the federal government’s administration of the CFMEU’s construction arm — a move sparked by reports the union had been infiltrated by bikies and underworld figures.

CFMEU protest at Bowen Hills at peak hour on Thursday morning.

It’s understood the hundreds of striking CFMEU workers had come from major jobs sites including the Cross River Rail project, the $800m 360 Queen St site, the mega $2.5bn Waterfront Brisbane development and already delayed state-government funded Performing Arts Centre.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg called the union a “national disgrace” and vowed to stamp out behaviour that impeded the state’s productivity rate.

“The CFMEU is a national disgrace which bullies workers and halts production by spreading fear on construction sites across Queensland,” he said.

“This government stands by Queenslanders first and will continue to stamp out the CFMEU to return productivity to the state.”

The protests will continue on Friday.

Property Council Queensland executive director Jess Caire said the unprotected strike action meant those workers would not be paid.

“Major projects and residential sites (will be brought) to a standstill, causing a massive loss of momentum and ultimately delaying getting roofs over Queenslanders’ heads at a time we can least afford it,” she said.

CFMEU delegates on Thursday passed a motion threatening a 48-hour walkout unless it secured a meeting with administrator Mark Irving KC and the federal government to “re-elect” former leaders Michael Ravbar, Jade Ingham, and Kane Lowth — who were ousted as part of the administration.

The CFMEU protesting out the front of their Bowen Hills Office after the lose in the High Court. Picture: David Clark

CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC on Thursday warned members the strike was unlawful under the Fair Work Act.

“The High Court decision is final,” he said.

“This morning’s protests likely constitute unlawful action. I’ve directed everyone to return to work.”

Enterprise agreements brokered by the CFMEU allow limited surprise strikes, but not without the administrator’s approval — meaning members now face potential pay deductions and other employer-driven penalties, including job loss.

CFMEU protest at peak hour on Thursday morning.

Civil Contractors Federation Queensland chief executive Damian Long described the strikes as “painfully unhelpful”.

“The CFMEU continues to operate as a registered organisation under the oversight of an independent administrator appointed by the federal government and endorsed by the High Court,” he said.

“What’s needed now is respect, stability, and accountability. Protests that seek to undermine the administrator’s work only serve to distract from the real job at hand — getting infrastructure built.”

Originally published as CFMEU members face pay cuts, job losses as strikes wreak havoc