Thousands of CFMEU members march on Parliament

ABOUT 1000 unionists have downed tools on construction sites and marched on Queensland Parliament to protest over saftey issues, and they promise it is “only the beginning”.

Construction workers across the city walked off the job for a CFMEU-organised protest marchind to Parliament from Queen's Park in Elizabeth Street - Photo Steve Pohlner

ABOUT 1000 unionists have downed tools on construction sites and marched on Queensland Parliament, promising it is “only the beginning” as the unofficial Federal election campaign begins.

There were some minor traffic delays in the CBD this morning as workers waving CFMEU flags marched down George Street, chanting slogans while police watched on.

Construction workers across the city walked off the job for a CFMEU-organised protest marching to Parliament from Queen's Park in Elizabeth Street. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The rally was said to be protesting the recurrence of black lung disease in miners and the Federal Government’s attempt to restart the construction watchdog Australian Building and Construction Commission.

CFMEU national secretary Michael O’Connor said the Federal Government was targeting unions and using the ABCC as an excuse to call an election.

“He is going to call this (double dissolution) on a phony issue about the ABCC because he’s got nothing else,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This guy is the biggest loser I’ve seen in a long time.”

CFMEU assistant secretary Jade Ingham said the protest was “just the beginning”.

“We’ve got to keep this fired up. This is not going to be the last one of these rallies, whether it’s black lung or leading up to the Federal election,” he said.

Originally published as Thousands of CFMEU members march on Parliament