March 26, 2021
Mining and Energy Division has today applied to the Fair Work Commission for a member ballot to leave the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) and form an independent union.
The application was unanimously approved by the Mining and Energy Division’s Central Council yesterday.
The Fair Work Commission will now determine the process and timing for a member ballot.
The application proposes that if a majority of members vote ‘yes’ to separating from the CFMMEU, all members would be transferred to a new, standalone Mining and Energy Union.
General President Tony Maher said mining and energy members alone should determine the future of their union.
“This application is all about letting our members decide on our future direction as a union for mining and energy workers.
“Along with all our national and district leaders, I will be encouraging all members to participate in the ballot and I’m sure they will relish the opportunity.
“This application has the full support of the democratic structures of the Mining and Energy Division. I look forward to a process that is fair, timely and without interference.”
About the Application The applicant is Mining and Energy Division General Secretary Grahame Kelly, as appointed by Central Council.
The application proposes the following question for a member ballot:
“Do you approve the proposed withdrawal of the Mining and Energy Division from the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union and its registration as a separate organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (Cth)?”
The application proposes new rules for a standalone Mining and Energy Union that reflect existing rules of the Division. They are designed to create minimal change beyond excising the Mining and Energy Division from the CFMMEU.
If a majority of Mining and Energy Division members vote ‘yes’, the Division will make an application to the Federal Court of Australia seeking orders to fix a withdrawal date and transfer assets to the newly registered union.