The Master Builder’ Association says CFMEU members tore up their membership cards at a protest in Dickson today.

According to the Executive Director of the MBA ACT Kirk Coningham more than 50 construction workers, including eight formwork companies and their employees, protested outside of the ACT CFMEU’s offices against union attempts to force them out of work.

“Our members reported that union officials had been on sites over the past two weeks telling these small businesses that they were no longer allowed to work in the ACT and that their workers had to apply for jobs with larger formwork operators with union EBA’s,” Kirk said.

“You have to admire the courage of these hard working people. It takes great strength to stand up to such a powerful and wealthy organisation knowing full well they will be attacked and further bullied for making a stand.

“But fundamental rights are at stake here. A law-abiding business should be left to succeed or fail based on the value it brings to clients. It should never be dependent on the whims of an outside entity with its own commercial interests.

“Even more importantly, these workers should be allowed to choose who they want to work for, not be told who they must work for. The union is removing this fundamental choice from the very people they are supposed to support. Little wonder union cards are being torn up in response.

“We hope that the proud example set by these small businesses and workers will encourage others in the industry to break their silence and stand up against the bullying and intimidation that has become part of the construction industry here in Canberra.

“We also hope that the rest of the union movement stands with us in supporting the rights of these workers and the good name of the union movement that does such excellent work particularly here in the Territory.”