Premier criticises union protest at Hawthorn East work site
The Premier has criticised hundreds of union protesters gathered outside a construction site in Melbourne's inner east for forgoing social distancing guidelines.
About 250 CFMMEU members gathered on Wednesday morning at a building site on Toorak Road in Hawthorn East a day after two union officials were allegedly assaulted during a visit.
Hundreds of CFMMEU workers protesting outside a building site on Wednesday morning. Credit:Penny Stephens
One of the men was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his upper body, while the other man did not need to go to hospital.
Police, who have not yet charged anyone over the alleged assault, remained at the site throughout Tuesday to ensure public order after dozens of union members turned up at the site.
Police at the building site on Wednesday morning. Credit:Penny Stephens
They helped to escort workers off the site and by 4pm all parties had dispersed.
Hundreds of union members gathered again on Wednesday morning, with police returning to the site to ensure public safety.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the protest could "potentially spread the virus".
"I want to be very clear that no gathering that size is appropriate no matter what the cause, no matter what the issue, no matter what the reason, because all those sorts of gatherings do is potentially spread that virus so police and public health officials will deal with that matter," he told radio station 3AW.
"But I just urge anyone, there's ways to make your point, there are ways to be heard. Spreading the virus is in no one's interest, no one".
The protest comes after two union officials were allegedly assaulted at the site on Tuesday morning. Credit:Penny Stephens
Police Minister Lisa Neville told the radio station she understood that police would fine those not abiding by the rules unless they cooperate with social distancing guidelines.
On Tuesday night, CFMMEU Victorian state secretary John Setka said the two union officials were "just doing their job when attacked by a bunch of cowards".
"Members' safety is our main priority. This is unacceptable," he tweeted.
The left lane of Toorak Road is closed in both directions between Auburn Road and Tooronga Road, and the speed limit decreased to 40km/h.
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