00:00A call to arms heard throughout the city. Thousands of tradies descended upon Sydney's
00:14CBD, their presence shutting down Macquarie Street.
00:19We're just trying to go to work safe, go home to our families, see if we can use the only
00:23organisation that looks after you when you're at work.
00:26The protest was in response to the federal government placing the construction branch
00:30into administration. It was sparked by allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration within
00:37inner ranks.
00:38I think it's a dangerous precedent that will befall all unions if we let this happen.
00:45In Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Cairns, the message was clear.
00:49We built this city!
00:52But it wasn't just tradies, other unions were out in force.
00:56I don't even belong to the CMFEU to tell you the truth, but I believe in the right to speak
01:02up.
01:03Construction workers have travelled from across NSW to be here today. Many of them are frustrated
01:09and they're calling on the federal government to put the CFMEU back into union hands.
01:14In Sydney, two prominent union figures had their matter heard in court. Darren Greenfield
01:21and Michael Greenfield accused of corruption within NSW ranks.
01:26I'd like to see them get a fair trial. I think it's only fair. I don't think it should just
01:32be pushed into it like this.
01:33Protesters were warned striking today was illegal.
01:37If there is unprotected industrial action, then there are consequences for that.
01:42But many were undeterred.
01:44We're not thugs. We are workers. We have families. Now we're fighting for our genuine rights.
01:52Are we going to win? Are we going to fight? Are we going to win?
01:59A sign of what may be to come.
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