CFMEU Protests Not Representative of Wider Union Movement: Labor Minister

Despite 50,000 union members protesting, Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt insists the government still has the support of the ‘broader labour movement.’

Tens of thousands of workers march after walking off work sites in protest against the forced administration of the construction arm of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), in Melbourne, Australia on Aug. 27, 2024. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Within a week of the CFMEU going into administration, the government and union representatives continue to be at odds over which side has broader labour support.

While reports suggest that over 50,000 union members took to the streets on Aug. 27 to protest the new law, Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt said the government maintains the backing of the “broader labour movement.”