12th Sep 2012 – Senate Motions - Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union - CFMEU Blockade

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal Senator Eric Abetz, which was:

That the Senate-

(a)   notes that the Supreme Court of Victoria issued interim injunctions against the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in relation to Grocon sites in Melbourne, and that contempt proceedings in relation to certain injunctions remain before the court;(Read more about the lawsuit on the Financial Review here. )

(b)   condemns the CFMEU's blockade of the Myer Emporium site, which involved violent attacks on police and police horses and posters issued by CFMEU bosses labelling workers as 'scabs';(Read more about the blockade on ABC News here.)

(c)   notes that Grocon workers, who are members of the CFMEU, have expressed disappointment at abuse, threats and intimidation by CFMEU bosses and at the CFMEU's failure to adhere to the law;

(d)   affirms that violence, unlawful activity, bullying, harassment and thuggery have no place in any workplace; and

(e)   calls on the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Greens to refuse to accept any further donations from the CFMEU until it desists from unlawful activity, thuggery and violence in the workplace.

References