Hundreds of CFMEU members marched through Brisbane this morning in a last-minute protest against the forced administration of the union.
It caught peak hour commuters off guard, with police forced to step in to quickly shut down roads so the action could take place safely.
The group was protesting yesterday’s High Court rejection of the CFMEU’s attempt to appeal the union’s forced administration.
Members argued the Queensland branch never had any allegations made against it and shouldn’t be included in the federal government takeover.
The construction division’s administrator Mark Irving told 9News the High Court decision is final.
“I have advised staff and members that any action this morning is likely to be unlawful industrial action, and I have directed them to return to work,” he said.
“I urge everyone to stay calm and focus on getting on with the job.
“It is time for all members, delegates and staff to work together to return the union to membership control.”
Today’s protest was more than four hours long, as multiple speakers addressed the crowd.
Union members are now threatening to walk off the job for 48 hours until administrators meet with the Queensland branch.
