Andrews claims protests are "illegal"

Federal Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews said the action taken by workers - including the estimated 100,000 who amassed in the centre of Melbourne - was in breach of the Workplace Relations Act.

"Today is a political action rather than industrial action ... most of today's action would be unprotected in relation to the Workplace Relations Act."

Mr Andrews' department is reportedly threatening fines of up to $6,600 against workers of packaging giant Visy who marched in a rally last year for asbestos victims in breach of an order from the Industrial Relations Commission.

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