Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union
Name	Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union
Abbreviation	CFMMEU
Founded	2018 (merger)
Headquarters	Australia
Members	~100,000 (approx.)
Key people	See Leadership and Governance

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union is a major Australian trade union representing workers across construction, forestry, maritime, mining and energy sectors. It formed from the amalgamation of several historical unions and operates across federal and state jurisdictions, engaging in enterprise bargaining, industrial advocacy and political activity. The union is active in workplace campaigns, occupational health and safety disputes, and national policy debates involving infrastructure, resource development and maritime regulation.

History

The union traces its origins through antecedent organizations such as Australian Workers' Union, Builders Labourers Federation, CFMEU (construction) predecessor bodies, Federated Engine Drivers and Firemens Association of Australasia, and state-based entities active in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Key events include amalgamations influenced by rulings of the Fair Work Commission and legal contests in the High Court of Australia and industrial tribunals. The union's antecedents were prominent in disputes during the 1980s, 1990s and early 21st century involving employers such as Leighton Holdings and John Holland Group, and in campaigns connected to infrastructure projects like the WestConnex and the Melbourne Metro Tunnel. Industrial actions intersected with political episodes involving the Australian Labor Party, Australian Council of Trade Unions, and inquiries by parliamentary committees.

Structure and Membership

The union is organized into divisions and state branches reflecting historical coverage in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Governance arrangements reference rules registered with the Registered Organisations Commission and dealings with the Australian Electoral Commission for internal ballots. Membership categories include industrial, retired and associate members drawn from worksites such as construction sites for Laing O'Rourke and Multiplex, shipyards connected to ASC Pty Ltd, coalfields in the Bowen Basin, and timber operations in regions like South West Queensland. The union interfaces with employer associations including the Master Builders Association, Australian Constructors Association and resource companies like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Anglo American.

Industrial Coverage and Sectors

Coverage spans trades and occupations such as carpentry represented on projects linked to Victorian Trades Hall Council, concreting and scaffolding used in projects funded by the National Broadband Network, heavy plant operation in mines associated with Glencore, maritime stevedoring at ports like Port Botany and Port of Brisbane, forestry logging in the Tasmanian Wilderness context, and energy sector work on coal-fired plants and renewable installations like Snowy Hydro and wind farms developed by Acciona. The union engages with regulatory frameworks including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and industry awards administered by the Fair Work Commission.

Political Activity and Industrial Relations

The union participates in campaign funding, policy advocacy and electoral engagement with parties such as the Australian Labor Party and stakeholders including the Australian Council of Trade Unions and NGOs like Amnesty International on migrant worker issues. It has been involved in enterprise bargaining with corporate groups like CIMIC Group and state transport agencies including Sydney Trains and Public Transport Victoria. Industrial relations actions have invoked provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 and engagements with the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman concerning compliance and bargaining disputes. The union's political strategy has intersected with federal ministers and shadow portfolios, parliamentary inquiries and state premiers.

Major Campaigns and Disputes

The union has led high-profile campaigns and disputes involving workplace safety prosecutions following incidents on projects such as major tunnel and high-rise developments, contested bans and blockades at sites linked to companies such as Probuild and John Holland Group, and industrial stoppages in coalfields associated with disputes against operators like QCoal. Campaigns have addressed casualisation and labour hire practices, including cases involving Spotless Group and contract chains used by multinational contractors. Public protests and pickets have occurred in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, drawing attention from media outlets like Australian Broadcasting Corporation and legal challenges adjudicated in tribunals and courts.

Leadership and Governance

Leadership comprises national and state officials elected under rules subject to oversight by the Registered Organisations Commission and internal ballots run by the Australian Electoral Commission. Notable figures from predecessor unions have included leaders who engaged with federal ministers, parliamentary debates and commissions of inquiry. Governance controversies in the past prompted regulatory reviews and reforms aligned with recommendations from institutions like the Commonwealth Parliament and judicial determinations by the Federal Court of Australia.

Affiliations and International Links

The union affiliates with national bodies including the Australian Council of Trade Unions and maintains links with international federations such as the International Trade Union Confederation and regional networks engaging with unions in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asian labour organizations. It participates in global campaigns on supply chain standards that involve corporations like BHP and Rio Tinto and intergovernmental forums where actors include the International Labour Organization and trade delegations.

Category:Trade unions in Australia Category:Construction trade unions