Building sites across Australia are headed for strife, with union members preparing a wave of mass walkouts over the Turnbull government's hardline new laws.
"We are not going to be stampeded into selling out hard-won conditions by this legislation," construction union secretary Dave Noonan told a rally on Wednesday.
![Thousands of CFMEU members are warning of rallies and work stoppages.](/web/20170218212936im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/r/f/4/u/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gue2v2.png/1487221596088.jpg)
"We are going to the streets. This is the first rally. This is not the last rally."
The Senate on Wednesday night waved through a bill fast-tracking the controversial set of rules that limit union influence on Commonwealth-funded building sites such as schools, hospitals and roads.
![CFMEU construction division secretary Dave Noonan.](/web/20170218212936im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/r/0/m/4/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gue2v2.png/1487221596088.jpg)
As many as 3000 construction companies now have just several months to replace their union-friendly agreements before they can become eligible to win lucrative federal contracts again.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash on Thursday blasted the CFMEU's plans for nationwide strikes, saying the union's behaviour had "repeatedly proved" why tougher laws were needed across the industry.
"If these new laws were deemed by the CFMEU to be unnecessary it begs the question as to why they feel the need to engage in such behaviour," Ms Cash said.
"Ironically, the CFMEU is protesting the fact that they can no longer break the law with impunity."
![Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the reforms were a win for the construction industry's 1.1 million employees.](/web/20170218212936im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/1/o/j/p/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gue2v2.png/1487221596088.jpg)
Ms Cash said the government's reforms were a win for the construction industry's 1.1 million employees and 300,000 small businesses that relied on "co-operative, productive workplaces".
"All Australians pay a heavy price for union lawlessness and intimidation in Australia's third-largest industry through higher costs, taxes and lost economic opportunities," she said.
"The full benefit of these vital reforms will now be realised much sooner."
Most notably, the new federal building code outlaws a litany of union-friendly clauses – such as union consultation provisions, restrictions on the use of labour hire staff, and requirements for non-working site delegates
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union said workers would launch rallies and work stoppages that would bring the industry to a halt.
"Right across Australia, the industry will stop and workers will go to rallies and they will say, 'Enough is enough'," Mr Noonan said.
The Electrical Trades Union on Thursday blasted the government and the Senate crossbench, saying the new code made it harder for unions to enforce safety standards and preventing contractors from undercutting pay and conditions
Union secretary Allen Hicks said the legislation would "sow the seeds of industrial chaos and endanger lives".
Master Builders Australia chief executive Wilhelm Harnisch praised the Turnbull government and crossbench Senators for backing the bill.
"They have voted yes to the rule of law and no to union bullying on building sites. They have voted yes to supporting small business sub-contractors and no to intimidation and thuggery. They have voted yes to ensuring taxpayers get value for money and no to delay and cost blow-outs," Mr Harnisch said.
"After three royal commissions, dozens of reviews and inquiries, and countless court decisions, it is clear that the construction industry had unique problems and that tougher industry specific rules were needed."
In response to the CFMEU flagging national rallies and work stoppages, Australian Building and Construction Commissioner Nigel Hadgkiss said his office would work to "ensure that all industry participants respect the rule of law on Australian building sites".