Miners vote to split from ‘chest-beating’ CFMEU

Updated March 2 - 3PM The mining and energy division of the CFMEU has resolved to break away from the broader union in a unanimous vote at their national convention. A statement supporting the resolution at the 2021 Mining and Energy Division National Convention noted there was 'there was nothing of substance' that remaining in the broader amalgamated union could offer. "Once it could offer serious political influence and a campaigning capacity that was used to benefit the position of all Australian workers, including mining and energy workers," the statement read. "Now there is just macho posturing and chest beating. It is a sad observation, but the amalgamated union has never been less respected." The move is the latest development in a conflict with the union's construction and maritime division. CFMEU mining and energy division general president Tony Maher. More than 300 delegates representing members at mines, power stations and coal ports participated in the Mining and Energy Division National Convention. It was held yesterday across hubs in Mackay, Perth and Cessnock. Division general president Tony Maher described the application to withdraw from the broader Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union as a tough decision. "But we are well placed to move into the future as a standalone mining and energy union," he said. He told members divisions had at times worked well together – especially under the leadership of former National Secretary Michael O’Connor. However, there was no longer a place for mining and energy in the CFMEU. Lengthy process to leave CFMEU Members were told that the application to leave the CFMEU would take time and be subject to a lengthy legal process. The National Convention resolved to recommend to Central Council that it take immediate steps to permit members of the mining and energy division to vote on leaving the CFMEU to form its own registered union. The resolution urged the CFMEU not to waste its members money in legal tactics designed to the frustrate the will of mining and energy workers. Mr Maher said once the application was lodged under the Fair Work Act to withdraw from the amalgamation, the Fair Work Commission would set a timetable and hearings would follow. Divisions have stood 'shoulder to shoulder' in past The construction and general division and maritime division of the union issued a statement noting the resolution of the mining and energy convention 'with disappointment'. Mining and energy division leadership had failed to declare its intention to seek a demerger in the democratic forums of the union, CFMEU construction and general national secretary Dave Noonan and Maritime Union of Australia national secretary Paddy Crumlin said in a joint statement. "Members in all the industries we cover have stood together through many tough times over many decades, particularly in recent years during constant political and industrial attacks on our members," they said. "We have stood shoulder to shoulder on major campaigns like at the Gordonstone mine, on the Patrick picket line, at Oaky Creek, against the destruction of mining communities by FIFO arrangements, for industrial manslaughter laws, and in the Your Rights At Work campaign. "We continue to support and will fight for mineworkers’ rights to safe and secure jobs, a future in the coal industry, and in mining communities everywhere. "We believe we need to make this unabridged and absolute commitment to mining and energy members as we can only conclude this was not communicated to the members at the convention."

Miners vote to split from ‘chest-beating’ CFMEU

Industry Queensland

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