Mining and Energy Division members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of withdrawing from the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) and forming an independent Mining and Energy Union.
The results of a ballot conducted over the past month have been declared today and provided to the Fair Work Commission. A majority of eligible members (53%) voted and 98% of formal ballots cast voted ‘yes’ to the proposed withdrawal.
Total votes: 11,501
Votes in favour: 10,975
Votes against: 197
Informal votes: 329
General President Tony Maher said the results clearly confirmed the will of Mining and Energy Division members to pursue a future independent of the CFMMEU.
“We pursued this path because members told us they no longer felt at home in the CFMMEU,” said Mr Maher.
“Our members want a union that focuses on the considerable needs and challenges of mining and energy workers; while also working constructively and collaboratively within the broader trade union movement.
“We will continue to work through the process ahead of us knowing that we have the overwhelming support of our membership.”
General Secretary Grahame Kelly said the conduct and participation in the ballot reflected the union’s proud democratic tradition.
“I thank all our members who took the opportunity to vote, our delegates who have conducted workplace attendance ballots and our staff and officials who have managed the complex logistics with efficiency and professionalism.”
Now that the member ballot is complete, the Mining and Energy Division will make an application to the Federal Court of Australia seeking orders to fix a withdrawal date. The Federal Court application may be made after 30 days from today’s declaration of the ballot results.
