When COVID hit Victoria, the building industry was in danger of being wiped out. Thousands of jobs were at risk during the prolonged lockdown. Then the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) stepped in with a plan to keep construction going while safeguarding workers from the deadly virus. The industry was kept on life-support and is now ramping up to power the state's recovery. CFMMEU Victorian State Secretary John Setka proudly explains how his union helped steer the construction industry through its worst crisis in a hundred years.
The firebrand trade unionist's style has made him a target for the left and right alike. But behind the headlines is a man with a near-messianic focus on workplace safety - the legacy of almost losing his father in the West Gate Bridge collapse.
Watch Stephen and John discuss all of this in the context of the enduring strength of the union, the role of women in the industry, the problem with the Federal ALP and much more.
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Hit subscribe! Future episodes include Mick Gatto, Gary Foley, Alison Pennington, Tom Ballard, Tim Gurner, Alex Bhathal, to name just a few.
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Links to resources:
Dare to struggle, dare to win! Builders Labourers fight deregistration 1981-94:
Tales of the BLF… Rolling the Right! The battle of the Builders Labourers Rank and File in New South Wales 1951-1964:
John Cummins & the fight for the right to organise:
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