The Manufacturing Division of the CFMEU has expressed its approval following the Australian Parliament’s passage of a new law that grants its members the right to vote on their union’s future.
This legislation, passed by the Senate today, allows members to decide whether the Manufacturing Division will remain part of the CFMEU or separate from it.
The Manufacturing Division will now organise a secret ballot, conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission, to enable members to cast their votes, the organisation said in a media release.
National Secretary Michael O’Connor thanked Senator Jacquie Lambie, Minister Tony Burke, and other supportive parliamentarians.
“We are pleased that the parliament has passed this crucial legislation,” said O’Connor. “We thank Senator Lambie, Minister Burke, and all Members of Parliament who supported our members.”
The Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Withdrawal from Amalgamation) Bill 2024 is based on an amendment proposed by Senator Lambie earlier this year.
The bill passed the House of Representatives last week and secured Senate approval today with bipartisan support.
The Manufacturing Division has long sought to put the question of disaffiliation from the CFMEU to its members, facing resistance from the Construction Division.
Manufacturing Division members work across various essential industries, 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 by formally dissociating from the CFMEU and its deteriorating reputation,” concluded O’Connor.
