Massive union protest shuts down Melbourne CBD

UNION workers have traded in their flags and banners for beer and cigarettes after a disruptive morning protest that caused the closure of major roads and tram routes across the CBD.

UNION workers have traded in their flags and banners for beer and cigarettes as they sign off a day of protest in Melbourne’s CBD at the pub.

Some have spilled out on to the streets surrounding licensed venues, blocking the path to pedestrians.

A crowd of union workers has gathered outside Young and Jackson opposite Flinders St station.

Some were seen holding beer despite signage at the front of the pub prohibiting patrons from drinking outside.

Dozens of union workers have also gathered to drink at the Asian Beer Cafe above Melbourne Central Station.

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Earlier this morning, up to 100,000 fired-up union workers marched through the streets of Melbourne in protest of workplace conditions.

The disruptive rally caused the closure of major roads and tram routes across the CBD.

A sea of chanting high-vis workers began their march from Trades Hall to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

A heavy police presence followed the rally as it made its way through the CBD.

Some officers carried video cameras to record those involved in the rally and their behaviour.

Union workers outside Young and Jacksons on Flinders St after the rally.

Protesters make their way along Spring St. Picture: David Crosling

The protest shut down city streets. Picture: David Crosling

Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari speaks with the media. Picture: David Crosling

Preparing for today’s rally. Picture: David Crosling

The protest will cause disruption for people visiting the city this morning. Picture: David Crosling

The protest started at 10am at Trades Hall. Picture: David Crosling

Pretty large ACTU protest currently underway in #Melbourne CBD. pic.twitter.com/ltDzPWFmiJ

— Andrew Reid (@andrewincairo) May 9, 2018

They’re chanting “union power”, “power to the union”, “change the rules” and “*unintelligible*”
Front of the protest is nearly at King Street. La Trobe Street is full and they’re still streaming down Russell. This is an amazing show of unity! pic.twitter.com/CQap1XHGhM

— Alice Clarke (@Alicedkc) May 9, 2018

Early estimates 100K union workers taking part in Change the Rules rally. Major sections of CBD shut down and will remain so for hours @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/c5fnSWgXO2

— Aneeka Simonis (@AneekaSimonis) May 9, 2018

Thousands of unionists are packing out Melb Town Hall right now to demand major industrial overhaul of workplace laws.#ChangeTheRules pic.twitter.com/jorCGAPnUV

— Lauren Kate Kelly (@laurenkatekelly) April 17, 2018

#ChangeTheRules 🚩@CFMEU @ASUVicTas @UnitedVoiceVic @unionsaustralia @VicUnions @ETUVIC pic.twitter.com/NPBFig2CJF

— Lauren Kate Kelly (@laurenkatekelly) May 9, 2018

The rally kicked off the ACTU’s “Change the Rules” campaign, which is pushing for a complete overhaul of Australia’s workplace laws.

Community Public Services Union Secretary Karen Batt spoke during the protest, telling those gathered now was the time to “fight” for fairer conditions.

“The rules must change. Our workers are fighting for respect and dignity taken away from them by these unfair rules,” she said.

“Ignore us, or think we are fools, but we are mobilising in millions to change the rules.”

ACTU secretary Sally McManus revved up the crowd, campaigning for better pay and job security for Victoria’s blue collar workers.

United Voice Assistant National Secretary Helen Gibbons also addressed the crowd.

“The system has never worked for early childhood educators. The award is going backwards and bargaining at the enterprise level, with almost 7000 separate employers, is impossible,” she said.

“Educators need a real seat at the table and the right to get the sector together to win equal pay for everyone, regardless of where they work.”

As many as 100,000 workers, armed with flags and banners, took part in the protest and called for the end of “broken rules”.

The protest caused major disruptions across the public transport network, with angry passengers being booted from trams suspended at Flinders St.

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@edjgardiner