Members of the CFMEU’s Manufacturing Division have voted decisively to break away from the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union and form a new, independent union—the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU).
In a ballot run by the Australian Electoral Commission and ordered by the Fair Work Commission, 91.6 per cent of participating members voted in favour of the split.
Of the nearly 8,000 eligible members, almost 50 per cent turned out to vote, with 3,553 casting ballots in favour and 324 against.
Michael O’Connor, National Secretary of the soon-to-be-established TFTU, said the outcome reflected the will of the membership to forge a new path.
“Our members have voted for change—for a union that is theirs. One that reflects their industries, their values, and their future,” O’Connor said.
The decision comes after years of internal campaigning by delegates and members who sought greater independence from the CFMEU’s construction arm.
“This isn’t just a name change. It’s a structural and cultural shift—towards more independence, integrity, and member control,” O’Connor said.
The result was made possible by legislation passed last year in Federal Parliament, which allowed union divisions to pursue demergers under certain conditions.
The bill was supported by most MPs, with the exception of Adam Bandt and the Greens.
“Members won’t forget how all MPs voted with integrity to give workers a say on their future—except Adam Bandt and the Greens, who disgracefully backed John Setka ahead of workers,” O’Connor said.
“We thank Senator [Jacqui] Lambie, Minister [Tony] Burke, and all MPs who backed our members’ right to choose their future.”
The TFTU says it will maintain the legacy of the CFMEU Manufacturing Division and its predecessor unions while building a more member-led organisation.
“Delegates and members drove this campaign from the ground up. They’ll be central to what comes next,” O’Connor said.
“The TFTU will carry forward the proud traditions of the Manufacturing Division and its predecessor timber, furnishing trade, pulp and paper, and textile, clothing and footwear unions—while forging a bold new path for its members as a proud part of Australia’s trade union movement.”
The union is now expected to begin the formal steps required to complete the demerger and register the TFTU as a separate entity.
