A demerger application was lodged today with the Fair Work Commission by CFMEU Manufacturing Division National Secretary Mr. Michael O'Connor.
The application seeks the holding of a secret ballot of Manufacturing Division members to decide whether the Division leaves the CFMEU and becomes a new standalone union.
If members vote to leave, the Manufacturing Division will be called the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU) and no longer be affiliated with the CFMEU.
"This is an opportunity for our members to have their say on their future," said Mr. O'Connor
"There is absolutely no benefit to our members of the Manufacturing Division remaining within the CFMEU"
"We are a union of honest, hardworking unionists who deserve better than being associated with the CFMEU Construction Division"
The lodging of the demerger application comes after years of growing dissatisfaction within the CFMEU by its smaller divisions which saw the Mining and Energy Union leave it last year.
A recent survey of Manufacturing Division members found that:
- 96% of members are aware of the recent allegations of corruption and criminality within the Construction Division of the CFMEU
- 93% of members support a member vote of the Manufacturing Division leaving the CFMEU and that
- 84% of members voting "Yes" to the Manufacturing Division leaving the CFMEU would be the result of a vote held today.
The secret ballot will be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission, giving Manufacturing Division members a democratic say in the future direction of their union.
The new union, the TFTU, will continue to represent workers in the Manufacturing Division's coverage which includes floorcovering, cabinetry and joinery, glass and glazing, installation and shopfitting, timber and wood products, pulp and paper, furniture, bedding and mattress manufacturing and upholstery, textile, clothing, and footwear and building products and materials manufacturing.
