CFMEU members vote in EBA, 21 per cent pay hike in packed meeting in Festival Hall

Hundreds of CFMEU members have spilled out of Melbourne’s Festival Hall to vote in a hefty pay rise, with one worker quipping the result means “there aren’t enough Ford Rangers in the country”.

The CFMEU has voted for a new pay deal that will see their wages rise by more than 20 per cent.

Festival Hall was at capacity on Monday as CFMEU members voted on a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

The venue, which can hold more than 1,700 punters, had to close its doors and hundreds of members spilled across Rosslyn St.

The CFMEU’s EBA delivers workers a 21 per cent pay rise over four years.

It also contains a funeral clause that will provide members’ families $9000 upon their death.

John Setka outside Festival Hall. Picture: Aaron Francis

CFMEU members outside Festival Hall during the vote. Picture: Aaron Francis

Addressing the meeting, union secretary John Setka avoided going into details about his threat to target AFL projects unless it sacks its head of umpiring Stephen McBurney.

Mr McBurney led the nation’s now disbanded construction watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission, when it fined the CFMEU millions of dollars over industrial action.

“My mother had an old saying — the more you touch sh*t the more it stinks, so I’m not even going to dignify that,” he told the meeting.

Speakers called for questions to stay respectful, noting speeches were in earshot of media.

While the meeting was largely peaceful, a loud disagreement took place following question time.

“I’m not a dog who can be screamed at — have some f***ing respect,” one speaker said.

Hundreds of members stood outside after the venue filled up. Picture: Aaron Francis

Other union members were eager to swiftly vote through the agreement and “get to the pub.”

“Twenty per cent pay rise over four years — there aren’t enough ford Rangers in the country,” one member quipped.

“The apprentices will have (Ford) Raptors.”

The crowd voted overwhelmingly in favour of the agreement with rapturous applause following the result.

Mr Setka, who announced in February he would not renominate to remain state leader of the powerful union, told the meeting it had been an honour serving in the role.

“This is my last year,” he said.

“It’s been my honour and privilege — you make me proud, thank you.”

Speaking to media following the vote, Mr Setka said the meeting was a “pretty big highlight”.

“It’s good to have the support of the members and to have so many members outside,” he said.

Originally published as CFMEU members vote in EBA, 21 per cent pay hike in packed meeting in Festival Hall