CFMEU State Secretary Michael Ravbar who is due to give evidence today entered the building via a construction workers’ guard of honour.
CFMEU National Construction Secretary Dave Noonan told the crowd the focus of the Royal Commission revealed its real agenda: to provide cover for the Abbott Government to wind back work rights.
“Make no mistake, this is an enquiry into workers’ wages and conditions,” said Mr Noonan.
“Tony Abbott knows the only thing standing between workers and servitude and downward pressure on wages and conditions in the construction industry is the CFMEU.
“That’s the reason he has included the CFMEU in this sham Royal Commission.”
Workers also held a minute’s silence to honour two construction workers killed at work in the past week.
One of them was killed on a Hindmarsh site, the company giving evidence in the Commission today.
“This Royal Commission has no interest in the lives and safety of construction workers and won’t examine the circumstances around this tragic death,” said Mr Noonan.
“That’s why construction workers know they need a strong union in their corner, and why they are here to support their union today.”
The CFMEU thanked the broader Queensland union movement for its support, with union members from United Voice, National Union of Workers, the Services Union, the MUA, NTEU, AMWU, ETU, Nurses and Meatworkers among others, as well as representatives from peak body the Queensland Council of Unions.
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