The CFMEU and Charities "While the CFMEU is a not-for-profit organisation, it raises funds for the ACTU overseas humanitarian aid organisation APHEDA. However, most of our fundraising is focused on workers in need, who other charities cannot help."

The CFMEU and Charities The CFMEU (the Union) is a not for profit organisation. Our income overwhelmingly comes from voluntary subscriptions from members. Our principal aim is to maintain and improve the wages and conditions of employment of our members and workers more generally. We are more broadly committed to campaigning for social justice and equity. Our aims are virtually identical to most charities, i.e. helping people in need. For a better understanding of our role, please read our Mission Statement.

The Union does not have vast reserves of members’ funds to donate to others. The trade union movement is under unprecedented attack from the Howard Government. The aim of the government is to destroy the CFMEU and strong unions. The majority of Union fundraising is to assist workers who are ripped off, underpaid and injured. We, like charities, often help people suffering hardship. However despite the attacks on the CFMEU, members (with the encouragement of union delegates) are involved in agreed fundraising. Our principal additional ‘charity’ is the Building Trades Group of Unions Drug and Alcohol Foundation. This project involves funding trainers to educate new entrants into the construction industry, and in particular apprentices, in respect to the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Union members also fund a drug, alcohol and gambling service, and a residential facility. The Union also raises funds on a regular basis for the ACTU overseas humanitarian aid organisation, APHEDA. Our Union officials and members sponsor many APHEDA projects overseas in poor countries. Additionally, on some construction sites members instigate other fund-raising initiatives. The CFMEU highly respects and encourages these programmes. However, there are limits to our ability to raise additional funds. Most of our fundraising is focused on workers in need, who other charities cannot help. If you have any further enquiries in respect of this matter you should correspond with the NSW President of the CFMEU, Peter McClelland.