CFMEU 'divorce law' welcomed by Manufacturing Division

THE Manufacturing Division of the CFMEU has welcomed the Australian Parliament’s passage of a new law which provides our members a vote on the future of their union.

This key legislation, passed by the Senate this afternoon, empowers members to decide if their union, the Manufacturing Division, stays amalgamated with or withdraws from the CFMEU.

The Manufacturing Division will now act to facilitate proceedings providing members with a vote by secret ballot conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission.

National secretary Michael O’Connor expressed the Manufacturing Division’s appreciation to Senator Jacquie Lambie, Minister Tony Burke and other supportive Parliamentarians.

“We are pleased that the parliament has passed this crucial legislation,” Mr O’Connor said,

“We thank Senator Lambie, Minister Burke and all of the Members of Parliament who did the right thing by our members.”

A notable and disappointing absence from the large parliamentary consensus which supported the legislation was the Australian Greens.

“The Greens oddly seem to think they are better placed than our members to determine what is best for them, their families and their communities,” Mr O'Connor said.

The Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Withdrawal from Amalgamation) Bill 2024 is largely modelled on an amendment moved by Senator Lambie earlier this year.

The bill was introduced and passed the House of Representatives last week and passed the Senate this afternoon with bi-partisan support.

The Manufacturing Division has sought to put the question of whether to withdraw from the CFMEU to its members for some years but was frustrated by the Construction Division’s opposition.

Manufacturing Division members work in vital industries in the economy including floor covering, cabinetry, joinery, glass and glazing, installation and shopfitting, forestry, timber and wood products, pulp and paper, furniture, textile clothing and footwear, and building products and materials manufacturing.

“Our members are now on a pathway to a more active and respected role in the labour movement which they can achieve by formally dissociating themselves with the CFMEU and its ever-deteriorating reputation,” Mr  O’Connor said.

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