s3- Amalgamations  Sec 3 in pdf format  Full History in pdf format

back history next SECTION 3 - CFMEU AMALGAMATION - 1990s

At its 1989 biennial congress the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) determined a policy for the future structure of trade unions in Australia. Broadly, the new policy encouraged unions to amalgamate, with the intention of consolidating their human and financial resources to form better resourced, larger, industrial unions. The CFMEU is the result of a series of amalgamations during the early 1990s. Prior to amalgamation there were numerous unions spread across the construction, forestry, mining and energy industries. Those unions amalgamated along industry lines to form each of the divisions of the CFMEU. Each division operates autonomously, with its own membership, executive, resources, industry policies and campaigns. What did amalgamation mean for the CFMEU, Construction Division? The construction division was made up of a number of craft based unions representing smaller numbers of members. These included: OPDU (painters) BWIU (building workers, especially carpenters and bricklayers) OPPWF (plasterers) BLF (labourers) OSSA (stonemasons) FEDFA (engine drivers, mobile crane drivers, plant operators) FBTPIU (brick, tile & pottery workers) The union's move away from a craft base to an industry base was designed to benefit construction workers and for many it has. Relationships between the old unions were often antagonistic, characterised by demarcation disputes and intense rivalry for members. Amalgamation has reduced demarcation disputes. With fewer unions on site, workers have the opportunity for a strengthened bargaining position and can negotiate with a single voice. The amalgamation process is currently still under way for the FEDFA Division in Victoria and the Construction Labourers Division in Queensland.