Thousands of tradies and union members rallied in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday in support of the CFMEU, with a key union leader praising John Setka as an exemplary leader. Thousands Rally in Melbourne for CFMEU Support Amidst Crackdown, Workers from various unions, including the Electrical Trades Union and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, marched through the city, protesting the Albanese government’s crackdown on the CFMEU.
The protest began outside the Trades Hall in Carlton at 10:30 a.m. and proceeded towards Flagstaff Gardens around 11:30 a.m. The rally disrupted traffic on a block of La Trobe Street between Russell and King Streets. Chants included “everywhere we go” and “when the CFMEU is under attack, fight back,” alongside more contentious slogans targeting political figures.
Electrical Trades Union’s Troy Gray expressed strong support for Setka, condemning politicians for undermining workers’ pay while giving themselves pay raises. He warned of a potential third multi-day strike if Enterprise Bargaining Agreements were altered, and threatened action against construction firms involved in major Big Build projects, promising to target the first employer that opposes the workers.
CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith emphasized the campaign’s focus on preventing employers from using the CFMEU’s administration to erode wages and conditions. This protest marks the second significant rally since the CFMEU was placed into administration due to alleged criminal infiltration. Protesters, some in high-vis Metro Tunnel gear, aimed to match the turnout of the previous major rally of 60,000 participants.
