Tens of thousands of workers, including members from the CFMEU, Rail, Tram, and Bus Union, and others, gathered in Melbourne’s CBD to protest against the Commonwealth’s takeover of their union. The protest was described as peaceful, with workers marching through the city holding flags and wearing black hoodies with messages of defiance. The crowd chanted slogans such as “The workers united, we will never be defeated” and expressed their anger towards the government with explicit language directed at the ALP. Vik Sharma from the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union addressed the protesters, declaring their right to be angry and vowing to continue fighting until their union is returned to the workers.
Sharma’s passionate speech was met with cheers from the crowd, who showed their solidarity and determination to stand up against the government’s actions. Retired union official Christy Cain accused the federal government of betraying workers and taking control of the CFMEU, which he described as the greatest union in the country. The crowd reacted by booing and chanting in support of their union officials, including Johnny Setka, who was said to be with the workers in spirit. The protesters expressed their commitment to continuing the fight and not backing down until their union is returned to them.
The mood at the protest was one of focus as thousands of workers rallied together to march towards the city. Organizers directed the crowd to start marching, emphasizing the importance of sticking together and showing unity in the face of adversity. The protesters made their way towards the government building, determined to make their voices heard and send a message to those in power about their dissatisfaction with the current situation. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and determination as workers from various unions came together to support the CFMEU and stand up for their rights.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the workers made it clear that they were not backing down and were prepared to continue fighting for their union. The crowd’s energy and commitment to the cause were evident in their chants and messages of defiance. Union members were adamant that they would not rest until their union was returned to them and vowed to keep up the fight. The protesters believed that this moment would go down in history as a symbolic stand against government interference and a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.
The protesters’ determination to see their union returned to the workers was unwavering, as they continued to voice their anger and frustration towards the government’s actions. The united front presented by the workers from various unions was a powerful display of solidarity and determination in the face of adversity. The mood at the protest remained focused and resolute, with the workers marching together towards the government building to make their voices heard. The protest served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the union movement, as workers came together to stand up for their rights and demand justice. The workers’ commitment to the cause was clear, and they vowed to keep fighting until their union was returned to them.
