Australia will soon have a new trade union after members of the CFMEU Manufacturing Division voted overwhelmingly to leave the CFMEU.
National Secretary of the soon-to-be-established Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU) Michael O’Connor said in an Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) ballot ordered by the Fair Work Commission, 91.6 percent of participating members voted for the split.
Mr O’Connor said the union would now begin formal steps to complete the demerger and “establish Australia’s newest trade union”.
“This is about building a better union – worker-led, transparent, and free from the influence of the CFMEU’s construction division,” he said.
Mr O’Connor said in an extremely high turnout for a non-compulsory union ballot, almost 50 percent of members voted.
He said the vote was made possible by legislation passed last year in Federal Parliament, championed by Senator Jacqui Lambie and Minister Tony Burke, and supported by all MPs, with the exception of the Greens.
“This result follows a years-long campaign led by delegates and members who demanded a clean break and a stronger union,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This isn’t just a name change. It’s a structural and cultural shift towards more independence, integrity, and member control.
“The TFTU will carry forward the proud traditions of the Manufacturing Division and its predecessor timber, furnishing trade, pulp and paper, and textile, clothing and footwear unions.”
