Key Takeaways
- The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) have been involved in a heated dispute, with the CFMEU allegedly trying to "take down" the AWU.
- AWU secretary Stacey Schinnerl delivered a joke at a Labor Party conference in 2022 that sparked a loud walkout by the CFMEU delegation, led by then-secretary Michael Ravbar.
- The dispute escalated with incidents of intimidation and violence, including an AWU organiser being blocked from entering a site, shown a weapon, and having his car tyres deflated.
- Schinnerl received a threat that "if I stick my head up it will get knocked off", which she took as a threat on her life.
- The CFMEU has been accused of aggressive behavior, including an incident at a Labour Day event in Brisbane where Schinnerl was confronted by a man in a CFMEU shirt who insulted her and her child.
Introduction to the Dispute
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) have been embroiled in a bitter dispute, with the CFMEU allegedly trying to "take down" the AWU. The conflict began when AWU secretary Stacey Schinnerl delivered a joke at a Labor Party conference in 2022 that sparked a loud walkout by the CFMEU delegation, led by then-secretary Michael Ravbar. Schinnerl said she was told by multiple sources that Ravbar viewed her comments as her "starting a war", with the CFMEU then instructing staff to "take down the AWU". This incident marked the beginning of a series of escalating events that would lead to a heated and violent confrontation between the two unions.
Escalation of the Dispute
The dispute escalated further when a worker was critically injured in a fall from height on a Cross River Rail site in July 2023, prompting a "safety reset" in which the AWU was at one stage excluded by CFMEU-led motions. In the aftermath, an AWU organiser was blocked from entering one site by CFMEU members who surrounded his car, showed him a weapon, and deflated his car tyres. Another AWU delegate was later prevented from entering by masked CFMEU members. Schinnerl said her officials were told to pass on a message that "if I stick my head up it will get knocked off". She took this to be a threat on her life and was unsure if CPB or police were made aware of the incidents. These incidents demonstrate the increasingly aggressive and violent tactics employed by the CFMEU in their dispute with the AWU.
Meetings and Demands
Later that week, Schinnerl met with managing director Jason Spears, chief operating officer Don Johnson, then-CFMEU leaders Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham, along with other relevant unions at CPB’s offices. During the meeting, Schinnerl said the contractor "acceded to almost all of the demands" formulated by the CFMEU at an earlier public rally, which amounted to a "free for all" of the union’s organisers to enter the site without permits and did not seem to relate to the relevant safety issues. When asked how he could help AWU access sites, Johnson responded that "what happens outside the gate is not my problem, I’m not getting involved". Ravbar and Ingham smirked after Johnson’s response, indicating a clear lack of concern for the AWU’s well-being or safety. This meeting highlights the CFMEU’s aggressive tactics and the lack of support from CPB management.
Personal Attacks and Intimidation
In her written witness statement, Schinnerl revealed herself to be the union official described in CFMEU administration investigator Geoffrey Watson’s report as having experienced aggressive behavior at a 2023 Labour Day event in Brisbane. While setting up, Schinnerl was confronted by a man in a CFMEU shirt with his face painted with the words "Australia’s Worst Union". The man tried to provoke a response and Schinnerl’s efforts to get him to leave left the pair "chest to chest". He then turned to one of her 13-year-old sons standing beside her and said: "How does it feel to know that your mum is a f—in’ grub who sells out workers?" Schinnerl said she pleaded with the man, saying: "This is my child. Do not do this here. Leave." Ingham was "standing about 30 meters away watching the confrontation" and "made no attempt to call him away" before security arrived soon after. This incident demonstrates the personal and vicious nature of the attacks on Schinnerl and her family.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The dispute between the AWU and CFMEU has been marked by escalating violence, intimidation, and personal attacks. Schinnerl’s testimony highlights the aggressive tactics employed by the CFMEU and the lack of support from CPB management. The inquiry hearings will continue on Thursday, and it remains to be seen what further evidence will be revealed. The safety and well-being of AWU members and officials, including Schinnerl and her family, remain a major concern. The cumulative effect of these incidents has had a significant impact on Schinnerl’s children, and she has expressed particular concern about their safety and well-being. As the investigation continues, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals involved and to hold those responsible for the aggressive and violent behavior accountable.