Bloody chaos erupts at tradie protest
RIOT police pelted rubber bullets at protesters during a bloody, chaotic brawl when hundreds of people stormed the CFMEU headquarters protesting mandatory vaccinations for construction workers.
Several people were arrested during the violent demonstration where union officials were forced inside the building while angry protesters smashed up and graffitied property. Bottles, cans and pallets were launched at shop stewards during the chaos.
Union boss John Setka tried to calm down the crowd but retreated inside when things turned violent.
More than 100 people dressed in hi-vis gathered outside the Melbourne building on Monday, rallying against the state government’s requirement that all construction workers receive at least one Covid-19 jab by September 23. It’s believed the violent protest was infiltrated by rightwing extremists and antivaccination activists, with police now working to identify and fine those involved.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews slammed the violent demonstration, saying the rally “will not work”.
It comes just three days after tradies took to the streets to protest mandatory vaccines and bans on tea rooms.
“I have nothing but respect for the people who do the building of our city,” Mr Andrews said.
“But there would be a whole bunch of people at home because their industry is shut and they would be scratching their heads about why anyone would be protesting about being open.”
The state recorded 567 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases on Monday.