Union Feud Escalates: AWU Leader Details Threats and Intimidation by CFMEU
A bitter dispute between the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) has been laid bare, with allegations of threats, intimidation, and obstruction of work on major infrastructure projects. Testimony before an ongoing inquiry reveals a pattern of escalating conflict stemming from a seemingly minor incident in 2022, ultimately leading to concerns for personal safety and the wellbeing of families.
A Joke Ignites a Conflict
The initial spark for the escalating tensions occurred when Stacey Schinnerl, Queensland secretary of the AWU, delivered a joke at the state Labor Party conference in 2022. The “quip” referenced the CFMEU’s controversial protest at the Department of Transport and Main Roads headquarters in Brisbane. According to reports, then-CFMEU secretary Michael Ravbar reacted strongly, staging a walkout with his union’s delegation.
Following the incident, Schinnerl stated she was informed by multiple sources that Ravbar perceived her comments as a declaration of war, prompting the CFMEU to allegedly initiate a campaign to “take down the AWU.” “I think the CFMEU probably always had those plans, but I provided them an excuse,” Schinnerl told the inquiry.
Safety Concerns and Site Access Blockades
The conflict intensified following a serious workplace incident in July 2023. After a worker suffered critical injuries in a fall on the Cross River Rail project, a “safety reset” was implemented. During this process, the AWU was, at one point, excluded from participation through CFMEU-led motions.
The aftermath saw direct attempts to obstruct the AWU’s work. An AWU organizer was reportedly blocked from entering a worksite by CFMEU members who surrounded his vehicle, brandished a weapon, and deflated his tires. A separate AWU delegate was later prevented from accessing a site by individuals wearing masks.
Schinnerl revealed her officials were warned that “if I stick my head up it will get knocked off,” a statement she interpreted as a direct threat to her life. She indicated uncertainty regarding whether these incidents were reported to CPB, the project contractor, or the police.
Contractor Accedes to Demands, Safety Concerns Ignored
Schinnerl’s testimony detailed a meeting with CPB leadership, including managing director Jason Spears and chief operating officer Don Johnson, alongside Ravbar and Jade Ingham of the CFMEU, and representatives from other unions. She alleged that CPB “acceded to almost all of the demands” presented by the CFMEU at a prior public rally, effectively granting the union’s organizers unrestricted access to the site without the necessary permits. This, she argued, did not address underlying safety issues.
A particularly concerning exchange occurred when Schinnerl inquired about facilitating AWU access to the sites. According to her account, Johnson responded “outrageously” by stating, “what happens outside the gate is not my problem, I’m not getting involved.” Schinnerl claims Ravbar and Ingham responded with smirks.
Personal Harassment and Threats to Family
Schinnerl further revealed she was the union official referenced in a report by CFMEU administration investigator Geoffrey Watson regarding aggressive behavior at a 2023 Labour Day event in Brisbane. While setting up for the event, she was confronted by a man wearing a CFMEU shirt with the words “Australia’s Worst Union” painted on his face.
The confrontation escalated to a “chest to chest” encounter, after which the man turned his attention to one of Schinnerl’s 13-year-old sons, asking, “How does it feel to know that your mum is a f—in’ grub who sells out workers?” Schinnerl pleaded with the man to stop, stating, “This is my child. Do not do this here. Leave.”
She testified that Ingham was nearby and “made no attempt to call him away” before security intervened. Schinnerl expressed deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of her children, citing the cumulative impact of this behavior.
Inquiry hearings will continue on Thursday.
