CFMEU rally descends on Brisbane as court challenge looms

Hundreds of unionists have gathered in a major Australian city amid continued pressure on the embattled CFMEU.

Hundreds of people have gathered in Brisbane to rally in support of the embattled CFMEU following allegations it was infiltrated by organised crime.

The powerful union was placed into administration by the federal government after allegations were aired of links within the ranks to bikie gangs.

More than 270 CFMEU officials were dismissed as a result, including former QLD state secretary Michael Ravbar and 20 others in the state.

Members of the Queensland Electrical Trades Union and other Unions rallied in Brisbane to defend the CFMEU. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Marchers blasted ACTU secretary Sally McManus as a ‘class traitor’. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mr Ravbar joined marchers at Miller Place on Tuesday for the “Your Union, Your Choice” rally, part of a campaign by former union bosses.

Marchers were seen carrying flags and placards calling the Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus a “class traitor”.

Other signs likened Ms McManus to Margaret Thatcher, the former UK Tory prime minister who famously smashed that country’s coal mining union.

Former CFMEU national president and Queensland assistant secretary Jade Ingham. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Further marches are expected in Sydney and Melbourne over coming days. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The event was organised by the Electrical Trades Union Queensland and Northern Territory, and included sacked national secretary Jade Ingham.

The Your Union, Your Choice campaign was launched in Brisbane last month and is aimed at challenging the union’s forced administration.

A team of barristers lead by Bret Walker SC will run a challenge in the high court to laws allowing the union to be placed in forced administration.

Further rallies are expected in coming days in Sydney as well as Melbourne.