- by Marcus Browning
- The Guardian
- Issue #2142
May Day is taking place this year in the midst of a global economic crisis. Workers around the world are being reminded that capitalism is an unplanned and crisis-ridden economic system. Employers always chase maximum profits. They use new technology to cut the cost of labour and increase output. They slash wages, abolish benefits and cut working conditions.
It is in this context that, in August last year the Albanese government introduced new laws that undermine the democratic rights of union members to control their own future. The action by the government to put the Construction Division of the CFMEU into administration reflects an opportunism born of an entrenched class political anti-trade unionism, characterised by the mass media’s vilification of ordinary Australian working men and women and the trade union they choose to belong to.
The Albanese government’s move is an extension of the political objectives of its Liberal-National Coalition predecessor and their building and construction police, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). The real issues of criminality and corruption – most of which arise from the employers and their ruthless pursuit of profits – affect all workers in the industry.
Employer graft and corruption is not dealt with while unsubstantiated allegations against unionists are broadcast across the media. The tough game played by the building and construction unions is in response to ruthless treatment of employees over many years: the Albanese government’s attack is a political campaign to destroy the building unions, discredit the whole union movement, and undermine organised labour’s collective strength.
The Construction and General Division of the CFMEU and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) have made clear that they remain united in exposing this offensive to undermine and threaten the rights of construction workers.
In an industry where abuse and the exploitation of power is already weaponised by employers against workers, and where health and safety run a distant second to their profits and schedules, the government’s takeover on behalf of the employers increases the workplace health and safety dangers faced by construction workers daily. It will also leave them exposed to the criminality and corruption the legislation purports to stamp out. “Our strength as genuine trade unionists is in our unity,” stated the unions.
“Both Construction and General and the MUA will do everything within our collective power to secure an outcome in the best interests of CFMEU members. A forced administration through the terms of the legislation, devoid of any real consultation with actual construction workers and the forced isolation from their elected representatives, does nothing to improve the lives and safety of CFMEU members.
“In fact, it further entrenches the systemic imbalance of power between construction bosses and construction workers. It is worth remembering that this legislation (for the administration) was lobbed into the Parliament as discussions between the CFMEU and the Fair Work Commission about its proposal for administration were taking place in a properly consultative and transparent process.”
This attack on the Construction Division of the CFMEU is a blunt-force, open attack on workers, their physical, material and social wellbeing, and their right to organise and defend their rights at work. As such it is a threat to all working people and impacts all areas of their daily lives.
CRISIS
Working people did not create the economic crisis, but they bear the weight of the hardship it causes. Responses by governments and employers to the crisis, like slashing government spending on public services and infrastructure, sackings, and wage cuts only add to people’s suffering.
The priority of governments should address the needs of people:
- End restrictions on trade union rights so workers can fully defend themselves.
- Immediately raise pensions, wages, unemployment and other social welfare benefits.
- Increase spending on the public sector and infrastructure.
- Governments build and manage public housing.
- Create public sector jobs and stop privatising essential services.
- Establish a government-run national superannuation scheme paying defined benefits. Investment from this scheme should go to social projects and to build public infrastructure.
- No evictions. Substantially increase the available public housing and impose rental controls.
- Full entitlements, retraining and a living wage for laid-off workers.
- Cancel AUKUS and slash military spending.
- Establish a government-owned people’s bank.
- Re-regulate the financial sector.
While these policies will not fundamentally change capitalism, they will benefit working people and must be struggled for, to put the needs of people before the profits of big business.
