Violence descends on Melbourne’s CBD as tradies protest outside union
Riot police have been forced to step in to disperse hundreds of riled up construction workers who gathered outside the CFMEU Melbourne office, protesting COVID-19 restrictions.
In response, the union declared it won’t be intimated by “extremists”.
Heavily-armoured police approached the crowd about 4pm after the workers were seen kicking in the glass entrance to the Elizabeth Street building in Melbourne’s CBD and brawling, almost seven hours since the protest began.
Videos on social media show the workers, many of which are unmasked, gathered around the entrance to the office throughout the day while chanting, yelling and throwing items.
READ MORE: Tradies block off Melbourne roads for smoko breaks
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Heavily armed police were called in to disperse the crowd.
The crowd was protesting against the government’s decision that construction workers will be forced to have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to be allowed to work from Friday.
In a statement, the CFMEU said it had fought hard to keep its members safe.
“We have always supported freedom of choice regarding vaccination and have been consistent with this message,” the spokeswoman said.
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Police broke up the protest last this afternoon.
“Many members within our industry have decided to get the vaccine through their own personal choice, and we will represent members if their employment is affected.
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“We call on members who are not supporting the protest, not to congregate at the site.
“We are not going to be intimidated by outside extremists attempting to intimidate the union, by spreading misinformation and lies about the union’s position.”
The CFMEU said it would “always advocate for safety, jobs, and freedom of choice”.
CFMEU secretary John Setka used a loudspeaker to ask the group to “calm down,” but his attempt to speak was drowned out by calls verbally abusing and swearing at him.
Videos being streamed online show Mr Setka, who was wearing a mask, holding his hands up and pushing back angry workers encroaching on the entrance to the building.
READ MORE: 235 arrested and 10 police officers injured in Melbourne anti-lockdown protests
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Police move in on the protest.
Footage also shows workers chanted “F— the jab” and “freedom” while fist pumping.
Video: Hundreds fined after protesters gather in Sydney and Melbourne (ABC NEWS)
Bottles and other items were thrown at the doors to the office and workers were seen angrily pushing and shoving.
A loudspeaker and an office window were smashed in the chaos.
Mr Setka was forced to take shelter back inside the building.
The group has continued to grow throughout the afternoon, with estimates of at least 500 and up to 1000 workers by mid-afternoon.
A video has emerged online of a member of the crowd kicking a dog, while others show workers turning up to the protest with boxes of beer.
While still inside the surrounded union office, Mr Setka has told 3AW he has been “pretty disappointed” by the scenes.
“I can be yelled at,” he said. “But some of that violence and throwing projectiles and all that was absolutely totally unacceptable, absolutely disgusting.”
Mr Setka said he did not back vaccinations being mandated, despite protesters claiming the union was wrongfully supporting the government’s decision.
“We were blind sighted by some of the Department of Health’s recommendations last week,” he said.
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Workers gathering outside the CFMEU office around noon.
“How all of a sudden it’s our fault is beyond me.
“We’re virtually being blamed for everything.”
Mr Setka confirmed some union employees were among the protesters, and that the crowd was chanting “shut it down” in reference to his question did they want the construction industry to be shutdown.
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The protest early this afternoon.
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Tradies gathered to protests – at the CFMEU office late this morning. Photo: Facebook
Construction workers state-wide must show proof to their employer that they have had at least one vaccine dose by 11.59pm on September 23 in order to be allowed to work.
A message sent to a group titled ‘Vic Freedom Movement Event’ on a social messaging app calls for to get to the office to “support freedom of choice”.
“Send a message that your unions will lose your support if they comply with these measures that defy personal choices for medical decisions,” the message reads.
The protest comes after more than 100 workers across several Melbourne suburbs and CBD streets stopped traffic on Friday to protest being banned from their tea rooms.
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Many of the workers are unmasked.
When asked about his response to tradies protesting this morning, Premier Daniel Andrews said protests were futile when it came to COVID-19.
“Protest doesn’t work against this virus,” he said.
“There’d been a whole bunch of people sitting at home scratching their heads about why anyone would be protesting about being open”.
Source: Thanks msn.com