Violence has erupted between union and non-union workers at the site of Queensland's largest infrastructure project, the $6.3 billion Cross River Rail. 

The dispute turned physical when union members from the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) clashed with non-union workers attempting to cross the picket line.

This incident occurred after CFMEU members, who had been negotiating with CPB contractors for several months, initiated a strike. 

The union has put forth demands including a $2,000 weekly pay rise for certain workers, an additional 20 days of leave per year, and new policies for work stoppages on extremely hot days. 

If these demands are met, entry-level tradies could see their annual income rise to $240,000 in some cases.

On the day of the clash, negotiations had stalled, and CFMEU members not only ceased work but also tried to block access to the site for non-union workers. 

Footage from the scene shows physical altercations, with individuals grabbing each other's collars and throwing punches. 

The violence and tactics used by the unionists have drawn sharp criticism. 

“I think it’s absolutely disgusting that the CFMEU [is] preventing workers going in and doing their job and earning a living for their families,” said Queensland’s Deputy Opposition Leader, Jarrod Bleijie.

In response to the union's actions, CPB contractors sought and obtained an urgent injunction from the Federal Court to prevent the union from further obstructing the work site. 

The company has accused the union of employing unlawful tactics like locking gates and physically barring workers.

Despite the criticism, CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith has staunchly defended the union's actions, attributing the escalation to CPB's alleged intimidation tactics and describing them as “disgraceful corporate thugs”.

The Queensland Council of Unions has condemned the violence, saying that all workers have the right to advocate for better safety, wages, and conditions without resorting to physicality.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has reportedly launched an investigation into the CFMEU's conduct at government project sites across Queensland.

It comes just a day after a total of $51,280 in penalties were handed to the CFMEU and one of its officials for unlawful conduct at a construction site in Melbourne.