Union rebels to make pre-election log of claims

The Canberra summit did not discuss setting up a new workers party.

Blue-collar unions are fighting back over the federal government’s decision to force the CFMEU’s construction division into administration. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NewsWire

Dissident blue-collar unions will devise a pre-election log of claims to serve on political candidates ahead of next year’s federal election, but their much-hyped summit in Canberra did not discuss setting up a new workers party or running CFMEU-aligned candidates.

Electrical Trades Union national secretary Michael Wright said the summit, held on the eve of the High Court hearing a challenge to federal legislation forcing the CFMEU’s construction division into administration, was a “turning point for Australia’s unions”.

About 80 representatives at the summit passed a motion condemning the administration. They also adopted a charter of “shared values”, set up an organising committee, and agreed to meet again in February to debate a log of claims to be served on candidates before the election.

Sources said there was no discussion about registering a new political party to contest seats at the next election, nor was there any mention of supporting independent candidates, although that could still happen.

They said the unions were likely to make campaign donations to the Greens.

Plumbers union national secretary Earl Setches said “by uniting under a shared vision and strategy, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more democratic future for Australian workers united with real national representation”.

ETU president Peter Ong said: “For years, Australian workers have failed to get the outcomes at a national level they deserve. This is more than just the draconian forced administration of the CFMEU, which we rightly oppose; it’s about building a strong, powerful voice for working people and union principles.”

Blue-collar union members will rally outside Parliament House on Tuesday to coincide with the start of a two-day High Court hearing in Canberra to consider a legal challenge to the administration legislation.

The ETU’s NSW/ACT secretary, Allen Hicks, said the legislation was “not just an attack on the CFMEU, it threatens the rights of all union members and the principles we stand for”.

“These laws will set a legal precedent that will result in reduced safety standards, lower wages, conditions and rights for workers not just in the construction industry, but across the board,” he said, adding the government had gone down a dangerous path.

“If the federal government thinks we’ll sit back quietly and allow politicians to systemically undermine everything democratic unions have fought for over the decades, they’re sadly mistaken,” he said.

“Everyone agrees that there is no place in the union movement for criminal activity or corruption. If there is found to be corruption or criminal activity it needs to be stamped out immediately. But in Australia we have independent courts and systems set up to decide that – we don’t engage in trial by parliament.”