Construction union boss steps down

Victorian construction union boss John Setka has resigned following allegations about misconduct within the union.

Mr Setka said his decision to immediately step down as CFMEU Victorian state secretary is in direct response to “ongoing and relentless stories written with multiple allegations” against union.

Mr Setka was due to step down from the position at the end of the year but called it quits in a statement on Friday evening in an effort to stop “malicious attacks” on the union.

“These stories have been constant, and while I’ve been the target of many of them, enough is enough, the ongoing false allegations continually do nothing but harm the work this great union does for its members,” he said.

“If my stepping down can stop these malicious attacks on our members and officials and allow this great union to continue to fight for our members, for their wages and conditions, so that they go home safely to their families each day, then I’m happy.

Mr Setka thanked the members of the CFMEU, saying they made him “incredibly proud” during his four decades with the union.

Union members were notified of Mr Setka’s resignation in a short text message shortly after 6pm on Friday.

“Brothers and sisters, John Setka steps down as Secretary of the CFMEU Victorian Branch effective immediately,” the message read.

In 2019, Mr Setka was forced out of the Labor Party for comments he made about domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty and his conviction for harassing his estranged wife.

Three years later, the federal government killed off the Australian Building and Construction Commission, which led to a number of legal cases against the CFMEU.

Mr Setka recently sparked controversy when he demanded the sacking of AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney, with the union boss stating he would impede AFL projects unless Mr McBurney was fired.