TRANSCRIPT
In nearly every state and territory tradies walked off the job and took to the streets.
Thousands of Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union members, supported by several other unions, all rallying in solidarity against the federal government's move to takeover the Union.
The CFMEU's national secretary Christy Cain says they are determined to see their claims approved by the government.
"And to Murray Watt. To Murray Watt who? To Murray Watt who? Well, let me f*****g tell you Murray Watt. We aren't going nowhere. We are staying. We are here for the fight. We are here for the struggle. And we will be here when you are f*****g gone. Murray Watt, we will be here."
Vik Sharma from the Rail, Tram and Bus Union addressed the crowds in Melbourne.
"The Federal government with this shakedown, they think they're bigger than everyone, they keep forgetting the Labor Party was made by the workers and for the workers."
Up to 8,000 unionists gathered outside Melbourne's Trades Hall as a rally got underway in the union's hometown on Tuesday.
Wielding signs such as "Hands off the CFMEU" while dressed in hi-vis and work gear, protesters waved union flags as they shut down parts of the C-B-D.
In Canberra the National secretary of the CFMEU, Zach Smith told the crowd, the union wouldn't be going anywhere.
"All the members of the community and from other trade unions, they have come out here and stood in solidarity with the CFMEU and our members today. That solidarity is so important at a time like this. It's that solidarity that will see this union stand for always. Administration will come and go, politicians will come and go, but this union will stand long after they're gone."
The protesters risked being fined by the industrial watchdog if they abandoned work to take part in rallies, as their action was unprotected.
The Melbourne Union members have taken their fight to the steps of the Fair Work Commission.
Ralph Edwards is the president of the CFMEU's Victorian branch.
"We have been accused of illegal industrial action. Make no mistake, I plead guilty. (Applause) Because today, everything is illegal. The Fair Work act was introduced by a Labor government and the only time it is legal to take industrial action is when you get a piece of paper from the commission saying it's protected action."
The Fair Work Ombudsman is encouraging any employers to contact them if workers failed to turn up or walked off the job, as it could be in contravention of workplace laws.
And even though he stepped down as Victorian State Secretary, John Setka, one of the union's most controversial figures, clearly still has the support of union members.
Many also expressing their support for former New South Wales secretary Darren Greenfield who is currently facing corruption charges.
The Federal government made the move to call in administrators, after allegations of corruption and criminal conduct were revealed in an investigation by the Nine network.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says they want to ensure the union is operating without treating its workers unfairly.
"What we want to do though is to make sure that their union is free of corruption. That is in the interest of all trade unionists. Trade unionists do a great job. Defending occupational health and safety, campaigning for better wages and conditions for their members. What they shouldn't be engaged in is the sort of activity that John Setka and others have been."
He says the government does not plan to back down from their decision, which he believes will eventually be for the benefit of the entire industry.
"The government is not for turning and nor is the Australian public. They want to see this industry cleaned up. They want to see good unions and good businesses getting on with their job on a day to day basis. So the administrators are in place and they're in place for some period of time. That will leave an industry that is better off."
What was clear for all to see to today is that many of the union's members disagree with the Prime Minister's assessment, leading to an inevitable deadlock.
