CFMEU move into Local Government a Disaster

May 28, 2024

Reports today that the Victorian CFMEU is making a play to cover Local Government workers is cause for serious alarm.

The move underlines the folly of the Albanese Government in abolishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission, the ABCC's inaugural Commissioner John Lloyd said. 

"Now the CFMEU no longer has to focus on its conduct across construction, it is seeking to expand its influence to other industries," Mr Lloyd, now a Senior Research Fellow with the H.R. Nicholls Society, said. 

"It would be disastrous to see the union thuggery that characterises construction suddenly materialise in Local Government. The CFMEU move clearly risks increased costs, reduced services, and ultimately challenges to management prerogatives.

"Ratepayers will suffer by paying more for less."

Mr Lloyd noted that local councils and the union that covers most of its workers, the Australian Services Union, have had a cosy relationship.

"Many unions, like the ASU, have experienced declining membership numbers, with only 12 per cent of Australian workers now joining a union. Officials are often more focused on their careers than servicing members."

Mr Lloyd said now was the time for councils to stand up and ensure their workers’ rights to freedom of association are upheld.

"Workers are free to choose whether or not to join a union. Any intimidation to influence this decision is unlawful."

The H.R. Nicholls Society calls for the ABCC to be reestablished as a matter of urgency.

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