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A wild brawl between striking tradies and non-union workers who crossed a picket line in Brisbane has been condemned, as allegations of intimidation and threatening behaviour emerge.
Work on Queensland’s largest infrastructure project has ground to a halt after members of the CFMEU voted to strike on Tuesday in an escalation of a months-long negotiation with CPB Contractors, which oversees construction of the $6.3 billion Cross River Rail.
Among the union’s demands are a $2000 per week pay rise for some workers, an extra 20 rostered days off each year, and a heat policy that would shut down operations on especially hot days.
If the CFMEU’s demands are met, entry level tradies would bag an eye-watering annual salary of $240,000.
Tensions boiled over yesterday when non-union workers attempted to enter a Cross River Rail site at Annerley at about 7am.
Disturbing vision shows those crossing the picket being attacked by about dozens of striking CFMEU members, in an expletive-laden brawl that went on for several minutes and spilt out onto the road.
“Hold the line, lads,” a man high-vis workwear could be heard shouting.
When a man on site opened an entry point to allow non-striking workers outside to enter, he was called a “f***ing dog”.
Seven News reported that CFMEU officials were part of the fight. News.com.au has requested comment from the union.
Concerned passers-by called the police but by the time officers arrived at the scene, the mob had dispersed. An investigation is now underway but no charges have yet been laid.
“I think it’s absolutely disgusting that the CFMEU [is] preventing workers going in and doing their job and earning a living for their families,” Queensland’s Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie told Nine News.
The Queensland Council of Unions condemned the violence and called for “safe and respectful spaces” during the industrial action.
“Every worker has a right to advocate for safety, better wages and conditions, and to participate democratically in industrial action,” a QCU spokesperson said.
“Queensland Unions condemns any form of violence or aggression against any worker or person. Violence is the antithesis of core union values of solidarity, collectivism, cooperation, safety, respect, inclusion, and diversity.”
An estimated 60 tradies not part of the CFMEU are prevented from participating in strike action and risk discipline or dismissal if they don’t show up at work.
“We stand firm against any unlawful tactics used to intimidate workers and delivery partners supporting this essential infrastructure project for Queensland communities,” a CPB Contractors spokesperson said.
“As always, CPB Contractors will not tolerate acts of intimidation towards our people or any workers on our construction sites. The safety and wellbeing of all our workers on Cross River Rail and every CPB Contractors’ project is our highest priority.”
When a video of the wild scenes emerged yesterday, CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith defended the actions of striking workers and blamed CPB Contractors for sparking the malaise.
“We make no apology for standing firmly against corporate thuggery and using our democratic rights to achieve better outcomes for workers,” Mr Smith said in a statement.
The CFMEU claimed “hired muscle” from the company had been sent to strike sites to intimidate union members.
“CPB are nothing more than disgraceful corporate thugs trying to intimidate workers through strikebreaking tactics that belong to a bygone era,” Mr Smith said.
He said striking members would do “whatever it takes” to have their demands met.
CPB Contractors lodged an urgent claim in the Federal Court yesterday, seeking an injunction against the sanctioned industrial action.
It alleged the CFMEU had unlawfully padlocked gates at Cross River Rail work sites across the city, physically blocked non-union tradies from entering, and plastered the faces of those crossing picket lines on placards.
The Federal Court granted the injunction, which forbids the CFMEU from blocking access to worksites.
“The behaviour displayed at [the Annerley site] yesterday morning was unacceptable, and we expect all parties involved to assist police with their inquiries,” a Cross River Rail Delivery Authority spokesperson said.
“Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations have been ongoing for some time, and this is a matter between the major contractor and the unions representing employees.
“We encourage all parties involved to bargain in good faith and to reach a resolution, so we can continue to deliver this transformation project.”
Meanwhile, vision shot on Monday morning also showed CFMEU representatives jumping fences at another government infrastructure project, the $300 million Centenary Bridge upgrade.
News.com.au approached the Queensland Government and the CFMEU for comment for this story.
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