Tradie protest ‘hijacked’ by ‘extreme organisations’: CFMEU boss

Construction union boss John Setka has blamed “extremists” for manipulating CFMEU members during a violent protest in Melbourne.

A chaotic brawl erupted on Monday after hundreds of people descended on union headquarters to protest mandatory vaccinations for construction workers.

Mr Setka, who tried to calm the angry crowds before retreating inside when ugly scenes erupted, claimed outside forces were at play.

“I think it’s been hijacked by a few of these extreme organisations,” Mr Setka told 3AW Radio.

“There are some of our members out there … it’s not all construction workers.

“It’s a bit disappointing that sometimes you get extremists that sort of hijack events.”

More to come.

rhiannon.tuffield@news.com.au