CFMEU protesters flock Melbourne CBD over wage dispute

Frustrated tradies have walked off the job in Melbourne demanding for a pay rise, days after major home builder Porter Davis was forced into liquidation.

Frustrated tradies have walked off the job in Melbourne, protesting for better wages amid a cost-of-living crisis.

The construction workers flocked Trades Hall on Victoria St and marched to the Fair Work Commission on Exhibition St about 11am on Wednesday.

Protesters demanded a pay rise of at least seven per cent and for the Fair Work Ombudsman to be replaced.

In a statement, CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith said workers deserved a “watchdog with teeth”.

“The Fair Work Ombudsman has been a dismal failure on wage theft, sham contracting and corporate insolvencies – three of the biggest issues in the construction industry,” he said.

“Australian workers deserve a watchdog with teeth, not one that tickles the tummy of corporations who do the wrong thing while pursuing anti-union ideological fights left over from the Coalition government.”

Colourful signs demanding for pay rises are held while marching. Picture: David Crosling

CFMEU protesters gathering in the CBD. Picture: David Crosling

Protesters waving flags in support of the union. Picture: David Crosling

Union boss John Setka speaking to the crowd. Picture: David Crosling

The mass demonstration comes five days after major home builder Porter Davis was forced into liquidation.

Out-of-pocket tradies were accused of vandalising properties including intentionally flooding homes and smashing windows and cabinetry.

Protesters wore CFMEU shirts and waved flags as union boss John Setka spoke to the crowd.

“We are constantly under attack … forget me personally,” he said.

“We have a Labor government but we have a lot of s--- laws remaining from Howard, Abbott, Turnbull, Morrison and scumbags like that.”

Victoria Police surrounded the CBD streets but no incidents were reported.

The protest was part of a national day of action by the union with rallies taking place across the state.

Brisbane’s protest became violent when a glass door was smashed and a building graffitied.

The wild scenes occurred outside of Waterfront Place, where federal government offices were located.

A union official said the glass breaking was “just a mistake, absolutely not malicious at all” but described it as a “happy accident”.