Construction Forestry Maritime Employees Union members and their supporters have rallied across the Hunter in protest at the Commonwealth's takeover of the union's construction division.
The local demonstrations were part of a national day of action that saw thousands of workers take to the streets in capital cities.
In Sydney, more than 5,000 union members shut down parts of the city, as well as entry to the NSW Parliament, shouting "union power" and "f--- Albo".
In addition to members of the CFMEU's construction division, other CFMEU members as well as members of the Electrical Trades Union and other unions.
The action comes days after the CFMEU's construction division was placed into administration by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, amid allegations of links to organised crime and corruption in the construction arm.
The CFMEU is an affiliate of Hunter Workers, formerly Newcastle Trades Hall.
Hunter Workers secretary Leigh Shears said Hunter union members would continue to support affiliated unions and members as they had for more than 150 years.
"Hunter Unions, our officials, workplace delegates and health and safety representatives work to represent the interest of our region's working communities in their workplaces," he said.
"Hunter Workers and all our affiliated unions are committed to advance the interest of the working class across all industries of the Hunter."
NSW Worksafe statistics show there were 51 workplace fatalities in NSW in 2023, the highest worker death rate of any state or territory in Australia.
Mr Shears said strong unions were essential to ensuring the effective representation of all workers and union members.
"The fair distribution of profits in wage increases, working conditions and the highest standards of safety," he said.
"Hunter Workers will continue to support all our affiliated Unions and their members as we have for over 150 years."
Environmental activist group Rising Tide was among the local organisations that rallied in support of the union.
"This is an outrageous attack on democracy and workers' rights," Shaun Murray said at the gathering outside the office of federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon.
The ALP needs to leave allegations of misconduct to the courts and not be interfering. We need to have due process because we live in a democratic system and the ALP needs to respect that."
Ms Claydon said Australian's had a right to protest within the bounds of the law.
Legislation giving the relevant minister the power to appoint an administrator passed the Senate with support from the Opposition last week.
The CFMEU has criticised the law, saying it stripped members of the right to a fair process and has flagged a legal fight.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned there could be consequences for construction workers taking part in the unprotected industrial action.
"The government is not for turning and nor is the Australian public - they want to see this industry cleaned up," he said.
"They want to see good unions and good businesses getting on with their job."
The Fair Work Commission said unprotected industrial actions were unlawful and can attract penalties including disciplinary action by employers and being sued by anyone affected by the action, such as businesses who have lost money as a result.
