This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Fair Work Commission has approved the merger of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA), and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).
The approval paves the way for a super union, which will be renamed with an addition ‘M’, known as CFMMEU.
CFMEU national secretary Michael O’Connor welcomed the Commissions’ decision.
“We will hit the ground running immediately, with the first meeting of our senior national officials this Friday, March 9, in Melbourne,” O’Connor said.
“Big Business has too much power, we have record levels of inequality in our community, and working families are finding it hard to make ends meet. We will be fighting every day to restore the fair go.
“We are absolutely committed to a change of government, to changing the rules to restore balance and fairness into our communities, and to growing our movement. It’s time for big business to stop riding on the coattails of everyday working Australians, time the banks stopped ripping people off, and time for every business in this country to pay tax. Nearly 700 big corporations pay no tax, which is a national scandal.” He said.
TCFUA national secretary Michele O’Neil said the combined strength of the three unions will write a new chapter in Australia’s union movement.
“Big business and the federal government should now get out of the way so we can get on with winning better pay, conditions, rights, and secure jobs for our members.” O’Neil said.
International president of the new union, Paddy Crumlin, called the decision a proper recognition of trade union rights being directed towards the will of the membership.
“Today is an important part of the renewal of our union and of our movement,” he added.
However not everyone has welcomed the decision.
Master Builders Australia said the Commission’s decision will create a militant super-union.
Australian Property Journal