Melbourne’s protest has so far been peaceful, with workers marching through the city’s CBD – some holding CFMEU flags and others wearing black hoodies with “stand and fight” scrawled on the back.
The crowd moved down Exhibition Street where drums sounded and protesters chanted, “The workers united, we will never be defeated”, and, “F--- the ALP”.
Tens of thousands of workers at Melbourne’s CFMEU rally.Credit: Nine
Vik Sharma from the Rail, Tram and Bus Union addressed protesters as a police chopper flew overhead, and the crowd cheered outside the Fair Work Commission.
“Brothers and sisters, we are here today because we are angry,” Sharma shouted.
“We have every right to be angry, and we still stay angry until they sort out this mess.”
Union members have converged on Melbourne’s CBD to protest against the Commonwealth’s takeover.Credit: Jason South
Sharma demanded the CFMEU be given back to the workers, vowing “this fight will not be over ’til we get our union back”.
“This crowd is going to be symbolic in the pages of history,” he said to roars of applause.
“Nothing has ever been given to us – we have always fought for it. We will keep fighting.”
Retired union official Christy Cain accused the federal government of betraying workers and taking control of the “greatest union in the country: the CFMEU”, as the crowd booed.
“They are saying they will permanently ban officials from working in other unions.”
Other unions joined the CFMEU rally.Credit: Joe Armao
Cain told the crowd his friend, John Setka, was with the workers in spirit.
The crowd chanted: “Johnny Setka, here to stay!”
Earlier, the mood at the protest was one of focus as thousands walked towards the city.
“Righto, start marching,” shouted an organiser as the crowd cheered.
“We stick together. We show the world, we stay together. We walk down to the government building and let them know what we think.”