The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has warned that the blockade of the Emporium construction site in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) could resume if the talks between Grocon and construction unionists fail.

The developer of the project and CFMEU had agreed to return to negotiations on Thursday but disagreements could result in return to the strike by union members. The agreement on Thursday helped parties start talking to each other after a 16-day blockade of the site.

Grocon CEO Daniel Grollo praised the unconditional end to the blockade. However, the CFMEU warned that the blockade could resume if the talks be address the issues fail. CFMEU state secretary Bill Oliver expressed disappointment that the negotiations had started in this way. He pointed out that the workers have the right to return to peaceful demonstrations if the talks fail to being results.

Mr Grollo said, “The illegal activity has stopped and stopped for good. The facts are that the blockades are down. What we agreed last night was that the union would clarify their issues next week and we'll discuss those issues.”