CFMEU Worker Autumn 2015

BRAVE little Jesse

helps the CFMEU to launch our Good Friday Appeal

VOLUME 21 NO.1 Âť AUTUMN 2015

See page 26

Watch thedeltaailstpaesget31 CFMEU TV The CFMEU team conquers the kokoda trail fighting against the ice epidemic

26

Journal of the CFMEU Victorian and Tasmanian Branch, Construction & General Division

Our cover

Jesse Wiltshire joins us at the official launch of our Good Friday Appeal.

See page 26.

this issue 05

03-07 Executive Columns 08

13

CFMEU in the Community

09 Worksafe 10

ABCC not going to plan

11

100 days of DANIEL

CFMEU Training Unit now offers carpentry pre-apprentice training

Take the CFMEU quiz!

14

16

20 christy cain from the mua 22 members take on boral NSW 26 the CFmeu helps jesse/ good friday appeal 33

The Ice epidemic - how James killed the habit

March 4 Your Rights wrap-up

24

slater & gordon / ASBESTOS

32

34 big meeting ON RC 46

your wages

Kokoda 2015: supported by the CFMEU

All for a good cause

CFMEU Victorian and Tasmanian Branch, Construction & General Division Executive Secretary John Setka Assistant Secretaries Shaun Reardon Elias Spernovasilis President Ralph Edwards Senior Vice President Noel Washington

CFMEU 36848

Vice President Derek Christopher

Organisers and Specialist Staff Field Officers Gerry Benstead Nigel Davies John Duggan Paul Edwards Colin Flanagan Robert Graauwmans Steve Long Ian Markham Brendan Murphy Malcolm Smith Billy Beattie Gareth Stephenson Paul Sullivan Mark Tait (Fozzie) Theo Theodorou Mark Travers John Ayers Mick Powell Drew McDonald Adam Hall Toby Thornton Mark McMillan (EBAs) Joe Myles John Perkovic Peter Booth Richie Hassett (TAS)

Wage Claims Officer Frank Akbari Training Unit Coordinator Anne Duggan Teachers and Trainers Karen Odermatt Mark Devereaux Jackie Gamble Barry Kearney Jennifer Pignataro Rose Nechwatel Connie Hall Paul Allwood Chris Rees Sue Bull Lorella DiPietro Kimberley Stewart Tony Minchin Andy Duff Dan Phelan

OFFICES Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Unit Manager Gerry Ayers Safety Officers Alex Tadic Christine Thomas Peter Clark Steve Roach WorkCover Legal Officer Neil Browne Industrial/Legal Officers Amanda Swayn Jean Maloney Apprentice Liaison Officer Liam O’Hearn Research & Campaigns Officer Clancy Dobbyn

Melbourne 500 Swanston St Carlton South 3053 T: (03) 9341 3444 F: (03) 9341 3427 Morwell Wing 5, Lignite Court Morwell 3840 T: (03) 5134 3311 F: (03) 5133 7058 Geelong 78 Fyans St Geelong Sth 3220 T: (03) 5229 8921 F: (03) 5223 1845 Bendigo Bendigo TLC 40 View St Bendigo 3550 T: (03) 5443 5173 F: (03) 5442 5961

Wodonga Shop 3-4, 22 Stanley St Wodonga 3690 T: (02) 6024 1099 F: (02) 6056 5565 Portland South West TLC 31 Percy St Portland 3305 T: (03) 5523 4272 F: (03) 5523 3358 Hobart 33A New Town Rd New Town 7008 T: (03) 6228 9595 F: (03) 6228 9594

cfmeuvic.com.au CFMEU Worker is proudly designed by union members @ Publicity Works.

From the secretary

Royal Commission lies exposed John Setka Branch Secretary

In January 2014, I was front-page news in relation to stories about systemic bribery of union officials in the construction industry.

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he stories featured in these reports gave Abbott the rationale that he needed to call for a Royal Commission into union affairs.

A Royal Commission that has filled the coffers of law firm Minter Ellison with a handsome $17 million. And filled the pockets of Counsel Assisting, Jeremy Stoljar, with $3.6 million for a year’s work.

All taxpayers’ money.

The strange case of Andrew Zaf

Gerry Adams trip to Australia As for Zaf funding Gerry Adams’ trip, Adams wasn’t allowed into Australia until after the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998. His ticket to visit Australia was actually purchased by the Sinn Fein office in Belfast.

Under oath, John Little from Perth – who headed an Irish support group at the time of Adams’ visit – stated that the Adams trip was coordinated by Irish organisations throughout Australia, and that Mr Zaf had no involvement in the tour or his airfares.

And finally, an associate of Zaf came forward in November 2014 to say that Mr

For those of you who don’t recall the details, the report about me quoted a man called Andrew Zaf, who claimed that he had given me a free roof to buy industrial peace.

But as our mothers warned us when we were kids, lies will only get you so far.

Zaf also claimed that he had written a cheque for $10,000 (or perhaps $12,000) to pay for Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams to visit Australia – and that he had only done this under coercion from the CFMEU.

Zaf’s evidence was ‘bullshit’. He also said that Zaf stabbed himself and tried to pass it off to the police – who didn’t believe him – that someone else had attacked him.

All hell broke loose, and I was called unprintable things.

Royal Commissioner forced to discount ‘evidence’

Bull-nose bullshit Under cross-examination in the Royal Commission, Mr Zaf was forced to tell the truth. It was proven that both these stories had no foundation in truth.

He insisted that he ‘gave’ me a bull-nose roof. Problem was, though, that bull-nose roofs did not exist at the time the roof was installed. In addition, the man who installed the roof gave evidence that the roof which Zaf referred to is not the roof that he installed.

Due to the unreliability of Zaf, Commissioner Dyson Heydon agreed to leave out any reference to Zaf’s allegations in his interim report. No findings were made against me in relation to Zaf’s evidence.

In fact, the Royal Commission failed to make any findings in relation to CFMEU corruption – including those allegations made against me and also that NSW officials took cash bribes.

Actually, the Commission eventually showed that many of the claims made

AUTUMN 2015

by the ABC/Fairfax Media investigation (which sparked the Royal Commission) or claims made in the Herald Sun were either not true or unsubstantiated.

Abbott’s media stooges look the other way But there were no headlines in the newspapers or feature stories on the 7.30 Report telling us this. Why? Because the campaign against the Union is not about the truth or solving problems.

It’s about painting the Union in a bad light, in their attempts to smash our ability to organise on the job.

They haven’t succeeded – and they won’t succeed. It’s going to be another tough year, and we can expect many more lies.

But as our mothers warned us when we were kids, lies will only get you so far.

Abbott and those doing his dirty work obviously didn’t listen to their mothers.

CATCH THE NEW EPISODE OF CFMEilsU paTVge 31 deta

CFMEU WORKER

03

Watpac LSSA site raises over $3000 for the Good Friday Appeal Sam Carillo, OHS Rep on Watpac’s LSSA project at Melbourne University, reports that members and subcontractors on site have kicked in $3070 to back workmate Dale Dickson’s Run for the Kids.

$3K+ for Dale’s Run for the Kids Dale is part of Team Scarlett, participating in the run as part of the 2015 RCH Good Friday appeal. We wish all Team Scarlett participants a safe and enjoyable run for such a great cause.

Special thanks to Watpac, Eltrax, Cooke & Dowsett, Maxim, and Express Interiors.

Usual suspects slander CFMEU over domestic violence Shaun Reardon Assistant Secretary

The issue of violence against women is now at the forefront of community concern.

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any of us – including the CFMEU and other construction industry bodies – are working to raise awareness and stop this huge problem that affects women and children. But some enemies of the Union just see our campaign as an excuse to stoop low and throw mud.

A person of no moral fibre – FWBC head, Nigel Hadgkiss – has used the issue of domestic violence to denigrate me and the Union. Then his mouthpiece at the Herald Sun broadcast his lies to the world at large.

Through repeated and bitter experience, I have come to expect this treatment from both those quarters.

Hadgkiss and Herald Sun throw bombs from Coward’s Castle In late February, the Herald Sun ran a front-page article reporting my suspension as an ambassador of the White Ribbon Foundation, which coordinates the national campaign against domestic violence.

88 Joe Harris (Dep. OHS Rep); Dale Dickson (completing the run); Sam Carrillo (OHS Rep)

I have lost count of the lies that the media has printed about me This resulted from allegations made against me by Hadgkiss at a Senate Committee hearing the night before. As proceedings in those forums are subject to the concept of Parliamentary Privilege, Hadgkiss knows full well that he cannot be sued for anything he says there.

Without a skerrick of evidence, Hadgkiss made a series of accusations about unnamed CFMEU members, officials and myself. The accusations he made were false or completely unsubstantiated.

I have never threatened or committed violence against a woman in my life.

04

CFMEU WORKER

But Herald Sun reporter Stephen Drill made it look as if I was involved in making threats of sexual violence against female employees of the FWBC. We now know that Drill also contacted the White Ribbon Foundation, who then suspended me as an ambassador.

The White Ribbon Foundation then looked into this matter in detail. After several weeks, it declared that there was no basis on which to continue my suspension. In its public statement, the Foundation noted that the statements about me were made under parliamentary privilege, and that I have never been questioned in relation to these allegations.

Southbank Liars Club I have lost count of the lies that the media has printed about me.

Some of the more sensational ones include my involvement in a million-dollar extortion racket with the Hell’s Angels, threatening to stab a Grocon security guard, membership of bikie gangs, and allegations of improper friendships with people I have never ever met. All of these stories reported investigations by police – and yet the police have never contacted me about them.

These lies are the work of cowards, who will stop at nothing in their quest to destroy our Union.

‘Is that the truth…?’

I felt sick to the stomach on the morning the Herald Sun splashed that story across its front page. But I was heartened later the same day, when a total stranger approached me in the local supermarket.

Embracing me, she said: ‘I know about the work you do in the community – and I don’t believe a word of it.’ Since then, it has become clear to me that many other people don’t believe a word of it, either.

And that is a problem for the Herald Sun – as a growing number of people realise that it prints anything but the facts.

Not a good look for a newspaper, is it?

AUTUMN 2015

The cfmeu quiz

Take the

CFMEU

Which motorcycle club is Assistant Secretary Shaun Reardon a member/ associate of?

A Hell's Angels B Comancheros C Black Uhlans D None of the above. Shaun Reardon is not associated with any club.

How many motorcycle clubs are used by the CFMEU for collecting debts?

A All of them - the more the merrier B Five C Three D None. The CFMEU has never outsourced its services.

John Setka’s relationship to Daniel Andrews is: A Best friends – they grew up together B Former workmates C Old footy mates who get together for a drink every now and then D They have never met.

Which of the following is true about Andrew Zaf: A He gave John Setka a free roof B He paid for Gerry Adams to come to Australia C He bribed CFMEU officials to buy industrial peace D He was the most discredited witness to appear at the Royal Commission.

And the answers are:

D

to all the questions. Amazing, but that's the truth, although you might not think that if you read certain sections of the media.

CFMEU WORKER

05

cfmeu worker

EBA 2016 might need a fight

Shop-fitters bosses’ group won’t deal, so…

Union gets EBA ball rolling at Ramvek

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embers at Ramvek Shopfitters in Melbourne’s outer east have locked in four years of pay rises, after the company signed their new EBA in February.

CFMEU organiser Malcolm Smith says that the Ramvek deal delivers a 4% annual pay rise every February, and maintains conditions built up over previous bargaining rounds.

Ralph Edwards President

This is the final year of our Union’s current industry EBA.

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istorically, the first pay period on or after 1 March is when your boss pays the latest annual increase under an EBA. So in early March, everyone should have got your final 5% increase under our current agreement.

‘This is a good benchmark for the rest of the industry. As well as the pay rises, we have preserved the RDOs and Paid Leave Days that members love.

This means that we will need to finish negotiations for a new EBA before March 2016.

‘We’ve also maintained allowances and conditions from the old Joinery and Building Trades Products Award.’

You might think – why would it be any different this year? Sit down, cut a deal, and get on with life. That’s the way it’s been for years.

After some difficulties dealing with the shop-fitting industry association, the Union decided to take negotiations directly to individual employers. After this initial success with Ramvek, talks are now underway with a large number of other shop-fitting companies.

Happy days Ramvek is a successful shop-fitting business, supplying fit-outs for major national chains such as Sportsgirl and Bupa.

Jason Whitford has been the CFMEU shop steward at Ramvek for the past eight years. He says that it’s a good place to work, and members like having the security of an EBA. ‘There’s not a lot of other industries that have our pay and conditions. The guys are pleased with the agreement and very happy to be part of the CFMEU,’ declares Jason.

88 Below: Organisers Malcolm Smith (left) and Dean Dando with CFMEU shop steward at Ramvek, Jason Whitford

06

So what’s new?

But this could be a very different, and difficult, year – due to the man in Canberra, Tony Abbott. He’s not going at all well at the minute, and he has a big anti-union program to push through Parliament.

We intend to stand up for ourselves, and remind everyone in the community that we built this city and this country.

Add to that: a Royal Commission, once again wasting the resources of the CFMEU for the rest of this year; possibly also a new ABCC trying to justify its existence… and a lot of employers trying to claw back concessions they made to us two or three EBAs back.

Time to change tack?

So, getting a new EBA may not be an easy exercise. And we may be required to fight.

Maybe we will need to look for a totally new agreement, with a new format and new clauses, and to push back against the loss of Union rights that came about from being Code-compliant and rolling over the EBA last time.

Over the last decade, under both Liberal and Labor governments in Spring Street and Canberra, the position of the CFMEU and the rights of our members have deteriorated. The Fair Work Act, the National Code, the constant prosecutions by the ABCC, and the use of the visa system (457s and the like) to undermine real employment…all have had a major impact.

Things are different to when I worked on site.

Skies blue, but ground shaky But we are still standing. Our Union’s financial membership is good. The delegates are doing a good job on site. The Napthine Government and its anti-union policies have gone.

Yet, when I talk to Union delegates and members, I get that there is unease and a concern that things aren’t right. Wages are good, the RDO calendar is great…but being on the receiving end of constant harassment and vilification is taking its toll.

We intend to stand up for ourselves, and remind everyone in the community that we built this city and this country.

It’s simply not on for us to be treated as some ‘outlaw’ sector of society, when we are ordinary men and women who work hard and fight for our rights – we want an EBA that reflects our democratic rights.

WAGES GOING UP

CFMEU WORKER

Industry-standard CFMEU EBAs delivered a 5% pay rise from 1 March.

See page 46.

Updated wage sheets for all sectors are available from CFMEU offices and our website: cfmeuvic.com.au

AUTUMN 2015

Drugs & alcohol Unique dangers of Ice Elias Spernovasilis Assistant Secretary

It’s time to talk about Ice, which is a serious problem in our society – and by extension, in the construction industry.

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But for those who do become addicted, there are physical, mental and social effects – not just on the users, but people around them as well. Ice is a highly addictive and highly destructive drug. It is a scourge of communities, and there are reports that regional Victoria has particular problems.

or a long time, the Union has had programs to assist people through addictions and problems with drugs and alcohol. Ice (crystal methamphetamine), though, presents some uniquely tough challenges for us.

Getting clean tough, but possible

Australians are amongst the heaviest users of illicit methamphetamine in the world.

Whilst people from all walks of life use Ice, the usage is most concentrated in people between the ages of 20 and 30.

There’s no two ways about it, Ice is a bewitching poison that makes it hard for people to give it up.

Regional Victoria undermined by Ice I don’t want to appear patronising, but I’ve seen and heard enough around the traps to know that Ice is causing a great deal of harm to individuals, families and communities.

It’s not surprising that people are drawn to Ice. It surpasses, in strength, any amphetamine that preceded it, and it produces an incredible high.

We all like to feel good, and people have been resorting to drugs and alcohol as a source of pleasure since ancient times.

Studies have shown that most people will use drugs and alcohol recreationally and never develop an addiction.

If you’re reading this and thinking that I’m an old square head and there’s nothing wrong with having a bit of fun, consider this fact: Ice has a 95% purity, compared to speed which is normally 25% pure.

Hard, but not impossible Incolink can help Union members. As a Board member of Incolink, I am well informed about the great work done by its counsellors, and I want to remind people that Incolink’s service is there for all Union members.

They have helped thousands of people over the years with their confidential and professional approach.

We know that working together is what gets us results on the job – and matters regarding our health are no different.

If you’ve got a problem, get the help you need. For your sake, and for those you love.

Retiring with strength

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ight up to his retirement aged 66, builders labourer Milan Vrkic was trimming piles on a jackhammer. That strength has seen him have a long career in both civil and commercial construction.

Milan is grateful for the support of the Union throughout his working life.

Shop steward on Lend Lease’s Monash Hospital site, Jack Vucak arranged for Cbus and Incolink reps to advise Milan during his final weeks at work. Milan can look forward to retirement with some comfort, thanks to his money being secure in unionwon redundancy and superannuation schemes.

88 Organiser Steve Long and shop steward Jack Vucak congratulate Milan Vrkic on his retirement after many years of hard work.

New CFMEU Off-site organiser Dean Dando

New Branch Off-Site organiser, Dean Dando says that working for the CFMEU Construction Division feels like ‘coming back home.’

Over the past two decades, between stints as an organiser with both the Timberworkers and the Australian Services Union, he has laboured on building sites and been a shop steward for our Union.

Spread new Off-site EBA Dean jumped at the opportunity to get

involved full-time with the CFMEU, whose biggest strength he describes as ‘a culture of sticking together, from the membership up.’

Priorities in his new role looking after members in factories and yards across Victoria will include spreading coverage of the new Off-Site EBA, recruitment, and supporting Union Reps.

‘We’ve built up great standards here,’ says Dean. ‘And we have to make sure that we keep them as good as anywhere else.’

AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU WORKER

07

CFMEU in the community

CFMEU traffic controller helps disabled man

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ssistant Secretary Elias Spernovasilis was driving back to the Union office after a recent meeting, when he drove past the Hickory job on Fulton Lane.

Elias saw a worker from the site – CFMEU member George Lentzos – helping a disabled pedestrian across four lanes of traffic.

Elias ‘never so proud to be a Union member’ George, who takes care of traffic management on the site, has helped Bobby – a Big Issue seller – to cross the road several times.

‘I have never been so proud of being a CFMEU member when I saw George

helping that man,’ says Elias.

He told the Union delegate on the Hickory job, Stu-e Corkran, to ‘give him a pat on the back for me’.

Help homeless: buy Big Issue Homeless people sell the Big Issue magazine all over Melbourne – Bobby sells his in Richmond.

Half the cost of the magazine goes to the sellers, to assist homeless people to achieve economic independence.

‘I wish George was on every corner,’ says Bobby, who has four life-threatening

illnesses and is riddled with arthritis.

Stu-e Corkran recommends that all CFMEU members stop to buy a magazine from Big Issue sellers.

‘It’s a great read, and you are supporting someone to get back on their feet.’

Jake’s a winner Promising NCAT student awarded John Cummins Scholarship.

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hen asked how it was that he came to win the John Cummins Scholarship, Jake Wheeldon shrugs his shoulders.

JCMF: inspiration for talent and passion

An otherwise confident and articulate person, Jake is reluctant to blow his own trumpet.

Mary admits that she didn’t know much about John Cummins when Jake won his scholarship, but CFMEU delegate Denis Gritzalis quickly filled her in.

Something different from mass production

‘I thought, wow, what an inspirational man!’ she says.

His mother Mary, however, is not so shy. She proudly proclaims that Jake’s coordinators at the Northern College of the Arts and Technology nominated him for his outstanding work and positive attitude to his learning.

The John Cummins Memorial Foundation (JCMF) seeks to acknowledge those students who genuinely stand out – the ones who show talent, promise and passion. It has allocated $35,105 and awarded 43 scholarships to students for the 2015 school year.

Jake is doing a pre-apprenticeship at NCAT, and hopes to become a furniture maker.

Although people have tried to talk him out of it – telling him that it’s a dying trade – Jake believes there is a market for people who want custom-made furniture.

NCAT Principal strong backer of disadvantaged students

‘Everything’s mass produced – and I enjoy doing something different,’ he says.

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Di Cummins, John’s widow and the JCMF Convenor, says the Foundation has a much-valued relationship with NCAT, the secondary college that Jake Wheeldon attends.

‘The school principal, Raffaela Galati-Brown,

CFMEU WORKER

is a strong supporter and advocate for kids experiencing disadvantage, especially Indigenous kids,’ she notes.

Jake wasn’t always a model student. He experienced difficulties at school, and was given an ultimatum about changing his behaviour or leaving the school. After this, there was a 180-degree turnaround in his attitude and the quality of his work.

Over the moon – now for the stars As a single mother, Mary has had her fair share of struggles raising Jake, but she is very proud of his achievements.

‘I was over the moon that he won the scholarship,’ she says, smiling. ‘It’s been a great help for us.’

As for Jake, his future now looks rosy. He has built planter boxes for the Darebin Council, and is currently working on a project to build a cubby house for the East Brunswick Child Care Centre. He will be made foreman on that project.

AUTUMN 2015

WORK SAFE

Winds of change in WorkSafe a good thing

By Dr Gerry Ayers, CFMEU Safety Unit manager.

Recently, a senior executive from WorkSafe Victoria claimed that they are now trying to ‘incentivise’ employers to comply with their legal obligations.

(That’s management jargon for an elbow to the ribs.)

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law is the law: for murder, speeding… and OHS.

But why, we ask, do employers need to be prodded when there are clear OHS laws and construction industry legislation that they must comply with? That’s the law. The law is a reflection of community expectations and standards, and it must be upheld.

Liberal cuts We at the CFMEU are the first to acknowledge that over the past few years, it’s been a struggle for WorkSafe Victoria to get out and enforce the OHS laws. Budget cuts by the previous conservative State government – and the ‘redirecting’ of over $470 million from WorkCover funds to plug holes in previous Liberal government budgets – have meant that WorkSafe Victoria has been under the pump. In fact, under the Liberals, the number of dedicated and specialist construction inspectors in Victoria was slashed from 46 in 2011 to just 25 in 2015.

WorkSafe: more feet on the ground needed

OHS law should not be treated differently.

This is especially important for construction workers because we know that when OHS laws are broken or ignored in our industry, people die.

You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out that with all the construction work coming up and currently under way in Victoria, there just simply aren’t enough WorkSafe ‘feet on the ground’ to ensure that OHS legislation is complied with. And when you lose the numbers, you inevitably lose the specialist knowledge, skill and experience that you need to police our industry.

Employers don’t need an incentive – they just need to comply. And people won’t die.

But now, with the new Andrews Labor Government, there is hope that the winds

of change are beginning to take effect at WorkSafe Victoria. A new CEO, a new Chair, and a new approach to senior OHS forums such as the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee (established under the OHS Act, with members appointed by the Minister) – all of these changes add up to a good start. But much more needs to be done.

Let’s hope that WorkSafe Victoria can put its house in order, and get the numbers of specialist construction industry inspectors back to similar levels as the days before the 2011 cutbacks.

On the same side This isn’t just for the benefit of workers – the general public is also at risk. We must never forget the tragic and heartbreaking events of the 2013 Grocon Swanston Street wall collapse, where three innocent young lives were lost.

We now look forward to a better, more constructive relationship with WorkSafe.

After all, we are on the same side – the side that saves lives.

A construction worker is killed or severely injured every 9 minutes.

The CFMEU will always stand up for you AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU WORKER Stand up. Speak out. Come home.

Cross-bench Senators not impressed

Abbott struggling to bring back ABCC The Abbott Government’s plan to restore the ABCC has not gone according to plan.

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ith Labor and the Greens already opposed to the move, several crossbench Senators have also signalled that they do not support the ABCC’s return.

As a fall-back measure, Employment Minister Eric Abetz introduced a Bill to the Senate to extend the Fair Work Building Commission’s (FWBC) coercive powers – which threaten workers who refuse to cooperate with its investigations with fines and/or jail terms of up to six months. Those coercive powers expire on 31 May 2015.

Coalition Senators throw bombs from Cowards’ Castle Government Senators resorted to desperate measures when it looked likely that their Bill to bring back the ABCC would be

defeated. They alleged acts of criminality against staff of the FWBC, and named individual officials of the CFMEU.

‘If there is any substance to these allegations, then they must be investigated,’ he says. He adds that, ‘No CFMEU officials have been contacted by the police with respect to the allegations.’

These Coalition Senators wouldn’t have dared to tell these lies anywhere else. But parliamentary privilege allows them to say whatever they like without being sued.

Government short of the numbers The Government needs the support of six of the eight cross-bench Senators to get its Bill to coerce building workers through Parliament.

In response, Labor Senator Claire Moore attacked the Coalition for going so low as to ‘use allegations of criminality to attack your political opponents’.

Of those cross-bench Senators, Jacqui Lambie and John Madigan have already spoken against the Bill (see below), and Ricky Muir of Victoria has said that he is unlikely to support it.

CFMEU cooperate with police The CFMEU responded by calling on major police forces to investigate the allegations.

In separate letters to the NSW, Victoria and Federal Police, CFMEU National Secretary Michael O’Connor has requested them to launch an investigation to get to the bottom of these accusations, and indicated that they would have the full cooperation of the Union if they did.

The next sitting of Parliament is not until May, and our Union is continuing its campaign to raise awareness in the community of the undemocratic nature of the Bill.

What they said ‘It is absurd that two individuals should face different sanctions for committing the same infringement just because one works in the construction industry and one does not.’

‘These Bills repeat the breaches of Australia's international obligations that were found in the 2005 legislation. Labor firmly believes that no legitimate objective exists that would warrant the interference with human rights and Australia's international obligations on the scale contemplated by these bills.’

John Madigan Victorian Independent Senator

Doug Cameron ALP Senator New South Wales

‘It is not fair taking away the basic civil rights of a group of blue collar workers, while duchessing and pandering to white collar workers and the big end of town.’

Jacqui Lambie Independent Senator Tasmania

010

CFMEU WORKER

‘This Bill is part of the government's war on workers. It seeks to single out a section of the workforce – building and construction workers – and remove some of their fundamental rights. ‘The government says it is interested in productivity and alleged unlawful activity on building sites. But their real agenda is clear. It is to weaken one of the most strongly unionised sections of the workforce.’

Janet Rice Greens Senator, Victoria

AUTUMN 2015

100 Daniel INSERT andrews COPY

DAYS OF DANIEL The Andrews Labor Government has kept its promise, and dumped the Victorian Construction Compliance Unit (CCU).

Better still, the money will be spent on vaccinations against whooping cough.

introduced by the previous Victorian Liberal Government to threaten CFMEU members, lean on union-friendly builders and suck up to their mates in Canberra.

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The CFMEU campaigned hard to get rid of that anti-worker Napthine government.

We contacted members in targeted marginal seats and asked them to put the Liberals last. We did this because the Liberals had declared war on the CFMEU and construction workers.

he CFMEU welcomed Labor leader Daniel Andrews’ 2013 promise, but we’d heard these kinds of stories before. So it came as a pleasant surprise when his newly-elected Government recently did exactly what it said it would do.

The CCU was a political attack dog,



We campaigned hard against the Liberals because they came after our pay, our conditions and our workplace safety. They came after the CFMEU because we stand up to dodgy builders, and they came after us because we deliver for construction workers.

Labor’s not perfect, and they’ve made no promises to the CFMEU, but if they’re doing the right thing, then we’ll give them credit for it.

In the first 100 days, they’re not off to a bad start...

Scrapped

the Victorian Building Code and its enforcers, the CCU, and put the savings towards providing free whooping cough vaccinations for expectant parents and parents of newborns – a program axed by the previous government.

Scrapped

the East-West Link, and re-invested the money in removing 50 level crossings which, according to the ALP’s preelection commitment, is expected to provide 4,500 construction jobs.



ANNOUNCED a review of WorkSafe.

COMMENCED

work on the Metro Rail project which, at its peak, is expected to deliver 3,500 construction jobs.



ANNOUNCED $40 million to

establish Infrastructure Victoria.



ANNOUNCED $100 million revamp of Flinders St Station.

AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU WORKER

011

Life membership

CFMEU Life Membership awarded

John Parker: a lifetime of service

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etired CFMEU official John Parker was recently awarded honorary Life Membership of the Union for his services to the CFMEU and the union movement as a whole.

John retired from his position with the Union 12 months ago, but despite been diagnosed with cancer and motor neurone disease, he is still active as Assistant Secretary of the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council.

Are you drinking enough?

John has spent all of his working life in the construction industry, as a carpenter, trainer and union organiser. He spent the last years before retiring organising for the CFMEU in the country, from Bacchus Marsh to the La Trobe Valley.

An optimist getting on with life in adversity Union Branch President Ralph Edwards worked alongside John in the early 1970s.

Ralph says that John is an optimistic man who ‘can chew the fat with anyone’.

‘This is what made him such a great organiser. Despite the illnesses that have affected him in the last year, John is as active as he’s always been, and is getting on with life with the support of his wife Allison and his family and friends.’

Your target is to make sure that your urine is within the colour range of 1 – 3.

Colours 4 & 5 suggest dehydration, & 6 – 8 severe dehydration.

1 2 3 4 5 6

The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. We all know that drinking water and staying hydrated is important for our health, but how much is too much and what difference does it make?

How much? – Urine check Those who have ever tried to hold themselves to the old advice of drinking ‘eight glasses a day’ will know that this can be extremely tough to do in real life.

It's now widely acknowledged that the ideal water intake can vary drastically from person to person and day to day.

The best way to know if your body is getting enough water is to take note of the colour of your urine around the end of the day.

If your urine looks clear, then your body is well hydrated. No problems.

But if it’s a dark colour or looks cloudy, then tomorrow you should try to drink more water, and see if you notice any of the benefits afterward.

The benefits of drinking more water  Improves your focus – Your brain relies heavily on water, and will function best when it has a full tank.  Improves your blood circulation   Reduces muscle fatigue – If you're sweating at all while you're at work, this is even more important.  Essential for the health of your liver  Keeps your immune system functioning

Choose water, not Coke Next time you’re thirsty, instead of reaching for a soft drink or fruit juice, choose water instead. It’s better for you, has no calories – and it’s free.

7 88 Congratulations to John Parker for Life Membership of the Union.

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CFMEU WORKER

AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU TRAINING UNIT

CFMEU Training Unit

Nailing it

with Pre-Apprenticeship course

The latest course offered by the CFMEU’s Education and Training Unit aims to set up kids to succeed as carpenters in commercial construction.

‘With the shift to more medium-density housing in the suburbs, there is greater demand for chippies to know how to build using suspended formwork slabs and the like. Our training will give people experience and confidence to be ready from day one on any sort of commercial work.’

I

t’s 9am on a Friday morning at the CFMEU’s expansive Port Melbourne training base.

While the first 15 participants in our Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship course are knocking together lead stands, CFMEU Apprenticeship Liaison Officer, Liam O’Hearn reflects on the principles that will guide the Union’s move into trades training.

Keen

‘We’re not about making money, we’re about outcomes,’ he declares.

‘I was interested in becoming an electrician, but the pre-app course I did was completely disorganised and led nowhere,’ he explains.

Liam Minchin, 20, admits he was ‘floating’ before he heard about the Union’s pre-app course. Like many youngsters, his first experience with training companies was negative.

‘We are not trying to take TAFE’s place. There’s a gap there for carpentry training that is relevant to commercial construction, and we are going to fill it.’

Following their 16-week pre-app course, the CFMEU will help place participants with a group scheme and provide their training over the following three and a half years of a full carpentry apprenticeship.

Mismatch Construction companies often complain that training provided to apprentice carpenters is too focused on house building, and doesn’t help those who do their time on formwork and façade work high above the city streets.

Liam has now been the Union’s go-to man for apprentices for the 10 years.

According to him, this mismatch has made training the next generation of tradies less attractive to builders and contributed to a high dropout rate.

‘At TAFE, you’ve often got one formwork apprentice among 20 from the domestic

Unfortunately, many training courses are run by shonky, money-hungry providers who don’t care about either students or course quality. Young Liam has bounced back from his earlier disappointment and, after a year serving drinks in a nightclub, is keen to step onto a building site.

88 After an earlier training disappointment, Liam Minchin is now looking forward to getting out on site.

sector, and the emphasis is on framing houses and pitching roofs.

‘The first four weeks have gone really fast, and we have learned how much thought and planning goes into the smallest jobs,’ he says. ‘They’ve even given us homework!

‘But I’m enjoying it, and can’t wait to get on site and start making some money.’

‘We have to teach those things – but will have more of a focus on setting out, formwork, façade work and safety.’

Looking to the future, Liam sees great potential in teaching carpentry with a commercial flavour.

88 CFMEU Apprenticeship Liaison Officer Liam O’Hearn guides Youi Ayache through some basic techniques.

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march 4 your rights

MARCH 4 OUR RIGHTS Workers threatened for protesting against attacks on workers’ rights!

Despite threats of fines, huge numbers of CFMEU members turned up to rally on 4 March against the Federal Budget’s IR plan.

‘For all the shit they heap on us every day in the media, us and all the other senior officials of the Union, all the organisers… you know what? We aren’t going anywhere.

We are going to keep up the fight. We aren’t going to let them take away what generations of construction workers fought for,’ he said to thunderous applause.

Tens of thousands of working people from around the country attended the National Day of Action in all capital cities to protest against moves by the Abbott Government to cut wages and conditions.

‘The right to protest is an internationally recognised right of all workers, but the Fair Work Building Commission wants to punish people for exercising their democratic right,’ he said.

Victorian CFMEU Secretary John Setka, who spoke at the Melbourne rally, pointed out that although construction workers were once again being singled out and threatened, to scare them off attending the rally, huge numbers were there in force.

The rally drew attention to the industrial relations agenda of the Abbott Government who are signalling that they want to abolish penalty rates, cut wages and attack hard-won conditions. People also protested about the government’s planned cuts to

Health and Education, which ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said ‘increase the working poor.’

The protest blocked City streets as people chanted: ‘They say cut back, we say fight back.’

‘RDOs mean a lot to me, and I’ll fight for them.

We have to work 56 hours a week, and we need time-off with our families.’ Sean King

Chris Graham (right, pictured with Rob Trigilia) ‘I’m here to support the Union. We’ve got strength in numbers, and I’m sure we will defend our penalty rates if it comes down to it.’

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march 4 your rights

‘This Productivity Commission review into our conditions will be a back-door job for WorkChoices. Everything is up for grabs: penalty rates, the minimum wage, our collective agreements.’ Dave Gurr

88 Tina Simpson (right)

Mick Rigby (right), ‘We’re here to stick up for our rights. We’re sick of being told what to do by Tony Abbott.’

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CFMEU WORKER

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Too tough to kick on your own

James now turn other Ice users around James Gianchino is very clear about what he’s doing, and why.

A

s a reformed Ice addict, James is happy to talk honestly and openly about his addiction – because he believes that it is the only way Ice users can learn how to get help and kick their habit.

A confident, articulate man, James says he hit rock-bottom before reaching out to friends and family in order to get the help he needed to get his life back in order.

‘Front and centre of everything’ ‘I was a Union delegate for 8 years – working 10 to 12 hours a day. And what I initially thought was a bit of a boost to get me through the day ended up becoming the focus of my life,’ he says.

‘Like all addictions, Ice became front and centre of everything I did.’

James can pinpoint the moment when his addiction spiralled out of control. His closest friend committed suicide, and James needed the Ice to cope with his grief.

‘It was terrible. I was the one who found him – I had to break into his garage, where he had locked himself in and hung himself,’ he recalls.

‘The thing about Ice is that you’re always on a high. You forget about what it’s like to

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be low, because being on a constant high is the new normal.

Life of crime forced a turnaround James left the construction industry, and turned to crime to fund his addiction.

Though he is not proud of that period in his life, he nevertheless feels that it was a blessing in disguise.

‘Living a dishonest life and hitting rockbottom’ was what prompted him to face the fact that he had a serious problem and needed to do something about it. The first step involved coming out to his family, who helped him get into private rehabilitation.

‘The early days of detox are terrible,’ he warns. ‘I did nothing but sleep for days, and I got down to 48 kilos.’

He joined Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which he still attends, and the long process of recovery began.

In the two years since giving up Ice, James has gone public with his story. He hopes that it will help other Ice users learn that, even at their lowest point, they can overcome the addiction and turn their life around.

CFMEU WORKER CFMEU WORKER

‘This drug takes down Olympians’

But James is adamant about one thing: It’s too hard to do it in your own. In the talks he gives at schools and hospitals, and in interviews, he stresses that it’s crucial to get help.

‘You might think you’re a loser because you can’t beat it on your own, but this is a drug that takes down Olympians. You need help – and with that help, you can beat it.’

After being featured two months ago in an article in The Age, James was approached by a number of people who were using Ice, asking him for help and advice.

He is happy to help.

‘I believe that if I had met someone like me when I was using it and had an addiction, I would have done something about it earlier. There was a lot I didn’t know.

‘But I’m living proof that you can kick it, and get on with your life and be proud of who you are.’

continued on next page...

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Too tough to kick on your own

ing

This is a drug that takes down Olympians. You need help – and with that help, you can beat it.

88 James has turned his life around.

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Drug and Alcohol TESTING

Drug & alcohol testing

T

he policy – which for the first time includes a proposal for drug and alcohol testing – focuses on safety in the workplace.

Many causes of impairment on site CFMEU National Construction Secretary Dave Noonan stresses that testing is just one component of the Union’s proposal.

‘This is a policy that revolves around the causes of impairment in our industry – that include: fatigue, physical and mental health, job insecurity, injury and illness, and drug and alcohol use,’ he says.

‘It’s important to remember that the percentage of people using drugs in our industry is no more or less than the general community, and this is borne in study after study.

Ice users flood Incolink counseling

The CFMEU Construction Division is currently consulting with members about our draft impairment policy for the industry.

‘The Union has worked on the ground in this space for over 25 years – raising awareness, offering counselling, and assisting people overcome addictions,’ he adds.

Mandatory, blanket testing The CFMEU proposal recommends mandatory, blanket testing for people commencing shifts in the construction industry – including testing employers.

We are calling on the MBA to support our proposal.

Dave Noonan says that the Union was changing its policy because of members’ concerns about the safety risks involved in working with someone whose judgement is impaired as a result of addiction or substance abuse.

have a problem. Others only realise after a major incident has forced them to confront they need to get help. We help everyone according to their needs.

‘What everyone needs to know is that there is a pathway out of it. No matter how hard and how dark it seems, you can put it behind you.’

Lewis Burnside is an Incolink drugs and alcohol counsellor who helps our Union members in the construction industry.

Epidemic of harm, not of use

H

‘There is not an epidemic of use. The amount of people using amphetamines hasn’t gone up, but what we do have is an epidemic of harm,’ he points out.

e doesn’t mince his words when it comes to Ice. As Lewis acknowledges that there are serious consequences of Ice addiction, but he is optimistic that, with help, people can and do recover.

‘More than half of the people who come to us seeking help are using Ice. Alcohol,’ he adds, ‘is the other big one.’

Workers who access the Incolink counselling service present with variable addictions, according to Lewis, depending on how long they’ve been using and how deeply they’re hooked.

‘Some people know fairly quickly they

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Lewis says that the problem with Ice is the actual composition of the drug. Whilst the number of Australians using amphetamine has not changed in the last 30 years, the strength of Ice means that it is causing greater harm in the community.

‘And this is the focus of our policy: it’s about impairment – and that includes impairment due to other factors, as well as drugs and alcohol. Some of these other factors are due to employer failings – that they are reluctant to acknowledge or act on,’ he points out.

Safety & turning lives around – not punishment Dave Noonan is at pains to emphasise that the Union’s proposal is not about punishing people – ‘it’s about safety, and providing support for people to turn their lives around.

‘We acknowledge that testing already happens in specific circumstances in the industry – and accept that our membership is increasingly concerned about the problems associated with people turning up to work impaired, and the risks this poses.’

The CFMEU is recommending that impairment assessors should come from site Safety Committees that are made up from equal numbers of employer and employee representatives.

‘We also need to accept that social drivers are behind Ice use. Why is rate of Ice use and addiction greater in rural areas where there is higher unemployment? The problem can’t be solved simply as a Lawand-Order issue.’

Need not be a life sentence Lewis said it’s important not to panic about Ice or other drugs.

‘We need to bear in mind that 90 per cent of people will use drugs and have no problem. They’ll do it a few times, and that’s it.

‘But for those who get hooked, we are here to help. It’s not a life sentence.’

‘Ice is more addictive than other amphetamines, and it has a much higher rate of purity.

‘Speed has 25 per cent purity, whereas Ice has 95 per cent – so the consequences of Ice use are greater.’

Lewis believes that education and raising awareness is the best prevention, but emphasises that support is the best way to help people out of it.

CFMEU WORKER

88 Incolink Drug and Alcohol support worker Lewis Burnside.

AUTUMN 2015

ICE-GET THE

FACTS

Ice is a methamphetamine, which is generally stronger, more addictive, and has more harmful side-effects than this drug’s powdered form (speed).

Effects The effects of Ice can last around 6 hours, but it might be hard to sleep for a few days after using the drug. Ice affects everyone differently, but users may experience:

ICE FACT SHEET

h, is a Ice, or crystal met his means stimulant drug. T e that it speeds up th ng messages travelli and the between the brain allowed, body. It can be sw or smoked. snorted, injected

The comedown

Long-term effects

It can take several days to ‘come down’ from using Ice. Expect the following:

With regular use, Ice may eventually cause:

Difficulty in sleeping, and exhaustion Headaches, dizziness and blurred vision Paranoia, hallucinations and confusion Irritability, and feeling ‘down’.

Some Ice users turn to alcohol, benzodiazepines or cannabis – to help with the ‘comedown’ and enable them to sleep – which may then lead to a dependence on these drugs as well as Ice. It can also place intolerable strain on the heart, or lead to an accidental overdose.

Feelings of pleasure and confidence Increased alertness and energy Repeating simple actions like itching and scratching Enlarged pupils and dry mouth Teeth grinding and excessive sweating Fast heart rate and breathing Reduced appetite Increased sex drive.

Extreme weight loss due to reduced appetite Restless sleep Dry mouth and dental problems Regular colds or flu Trouble concentrating Breathlessness Muscle stiffness Anxiety, paranoia and violence Depression Heart and kidney problems Increased risk of stroke Needing to use more Ice to get the same effect Dependence Financial, work or social problems.

Check out what Ice does to you it's not worth it!

Overdose If a large amount or a strong batch of Ice is taken, it can cause an overdose. If any of the following effects are experienced, call an ambulance immediately by dialling Triple Zero (000).

Racing heartbeat and chest pain Breathing problems Epileptic fits, or uncontrolled jerking Extreme agitation, confusion or clumsiness Sudden, severe headache Unconsciousness Attending ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police.

Ice is a drug that takes no prisoners.

Highly addictive, it has dug its claws into the poor and the wealthy, professionals and blue-collar workers, teens and parents.

AUTUMN 2015

Need help with drugs or alcohol?

Talk to your Union delegate or OHS Rep. Otherwise, ca ll Incolink on 9639 3000 and speak to expert Drug and Alcohol Counsellors Lewis 0437 104 203 or Gary 0419 560 958.

More information at bit.ly/1E254cq CFMEU WORKER

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INSERT Meet MUA COPY WA Secretary Christy Cain

Christy pilots MUA out of dry dock After arriving in Australia from Liverpool in the UK and getting a job as a sheet metal worker, it didn’t take long for Christy Cain to become a delegate for his union.

D

uring his stint as an AMWU delegate, Christy was involved in a dispute that saw him blacklisted in the metals industry, but the AMWU’s loss became the MUA’s gain.

‘Once I was blacklisted, I had to change careers – and decided to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a seafarer,’ he says.

Third time lucky In 1986, Christy completed training at the college in Dundee, Tasmania and began work in the maritime industry. He took an active interest in the union, and became a delegate on nearly every vessel he worked.

members to 5,000 members and now has 95 per cent density in the industry.

Assistant Secretary Will Tracey said the big difference between Christy and the MUA’s former leadership is his engagement with the members. ‘Christy built the union from the bottom up. He involves the members in all the campaigns and leads from the front,’ says Will.

‘A lot of people think Christy is all about having blues, but he has brought a strategic approach to the union. Members know that he has their best interests at heart.’

‘I felt a lot of issues in the industry weren’t being addressed by the leadership, so I challenged the Federal leader – who at the time was Tony Papaconstantinos.’

At the time, the union was run from Sydney and no one had ever run against its leadership. Christy lost the election, but that didn’t deter him from running again.

‘The second time, I ran against Wally Pritchard – the former Secretary of the WA Branch – but the rules made it difficult to win, because people from all over Australia could vote.’

For Christy, it was a case of third time lucky.

‘It wasn’t until after the merger with the Waterside Workers that the rules changed and there were elections for State branches, where only members of that branch were eligible to vote, that I was able to secure victory.’

Rank and file involvement boosts MUA membership Christy was swift in implementing his changes in the WA Branch. Eager to move the union in a different direction, he empowered rank and file members to have more say in its affairs. Under his leadership, the MUA grew from 1,000

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Politically strong = industrially strong The MUA has coordinated massive campaigns that delivered significant pay rises for workers in the industry and have been responsible for the rise in union membership, but Christy doesn’t rest on his laurels. He has addressed the mistreatment of people on the job – particularly women workers – and has taken on managers who have engaged in bullying behavior.

The union also runs a successful indigenous employment program and a number of charitable works, including operating soup kitchens and funding surfers with disabilities. It is also active in working against family violence.

Christy has also channeled the rank and file activism of his union into the Labor Party in order to bring about policy and legislative change.

‘As bad as they are, the ALP are the only progressive party that have a chance of winning government – and we have to be involved to influence them, to ensure that they stick to their mandate,’ he contends.

‘You cannot be industrially strong without being politically strong.’

Use new ways to fight old wrongs Whilst proud of his achievements, Christy knows that there are still challenges.

He wants to see more young people and women in the maritime industry and in the union. He recognises that technological advances will change the way things are done, and that unions need to get into that space early.

‘One thing that never changes, though, is the imbalance of power between corporations and the worker. You can’t fight them on your own, so we need to get together and fight the common enemy.’

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trades hall interns

Branch farewells 2 Summer Interns Steve Ellis and Sarah Brightt spent three weeks at the CFMEU as part of Trades Hall’s Union Summer program.

Steve, a rigger for the past nine years, was already familiar with the how the Union operates on site, but appreciated the opportunity to have a look under the bonnet.

GROCON:

‘I was very impressed seeing how the different parts of the Union function to keep the whole thing going,’ he says.

Multi-tasking by CFMEU Reps Sarah works at the ACTU, the union movement’s national coordinating body.

She says that what struck her most was the amount of activity that CFMEU Branch officials and Reps are involved in, from

policing safety, to serving on committees, to raising money for charity.

Steve says that young members should get more involved in the Union if they want to safeguard their future work conditions: ‘It doesn’t look like the attacks on the CFMEU are going away, so I tell young workers to take an interest and protect the Union that protects you.’

No safety is their business

Martin Place: Grocon dumb lucky twice in two months.

A

large block of stone plummeted 25 metres from a Grocon building site on Sydney’s Martin Place during March. It was the second near-miss at this busy CBD site less than two months.

The latest incident occurred at the busiest time of day. According to NSW CFMEU Safety Co-ordinator, Mick Preston, it is pure luck that no one was killed.

The stone narrowly missed six workers on its way down, and caused extensive damage to scaffolding before it landed just centimetres inside the site boundary.

Déjà vu all over again Just weeks earlier on 6 February at the same Grocon site, a 10-kilo steel pin fell 50 metres onto Martin Place itself. That steel pin narrowly missed pedestrians before colliding with a taxi.

Mick Preston points out that Grocon was also the construction company involved in the disastrous wall collapse in Swanston Street, Carlton that killed three members of the public in March 2013.

Daniel and co. slapped with a feather For the Melbourne incident, Grocon ultimately pleaded guilty to failing to keep a workplace safe, but was fined just $250,000 for taking three young lives.

‘This shows such paltry fines mean nothing to a building giant like Grocon,’ says Mick Preston. ‘It is still willing to pay Russian roulette with the public’s lives, just so it can save a few bucks by cutting safety standards.’

He notes that Grocon’s CEO, Daniel Grollo, remains on Tony Abbott’s Business Advisory Council, a slap in the face to the families of those killed on Swanston Street as well as the workers and members of the public recently endangered in Martin Place.

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ck!

88 The offending blo

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Barangaroo VICTORY

NSW members take on Boral and win

The CFMEU in New South Wales celebrated an important victory in February over a new EBA proposal by Boral subsidiary De Martin & Gasparini.

I

n response to the company’s demands to insert clauses into the EBA that would make all of its workers casuals, Union members working on the giant Barangaroo development at Sydney’s Darling Harbour voted to take protected industrial action in February.

Job security not negotiable CFMEU NSW Secretary Brian Parker said that job security was the most important issue for the workers.

‘Boral offered an agreement that was inferior. The workers had enough, and decided to take a stand.

‘They rejected the company’s offer, and took action to secure decent wages and conditions for themselves and their families. Job security is crucial for workers.’

‘No’ to Abbott’s draft building code The De Martin & Gasparini workers proved the power of standing together as CFMEU members to fight for their rights and conditions.

They secured a good pay increase and site allowance matrix, and retained their shutdown weekends and the RDO calendar.

They did this in the face of massive pressure to concede these issues, as the company was pushing for an agreement that would comply with the Abbott Government’s Draft Code for the Building Industry.

‘The workers showed that – by sticking together, being strong, and being Union – they won a great EBA,’ said Brian Parker.

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Sour grapes:

Boral in trouble with the ACCC

On another front, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has slammed Boral for not passing on its savings from the carbon tax repeal to the company’s customers.

Boral made the news in early February when the ACCC reported that the company had raised prices on certain products due to the carbon tax, but then didn’t pass on the savings when the tax was abolished.

Boral CEO Mike Kane responded by publicly criticising the ACCC for not doing its job properly, in relation to its investigations into the CFMEU for allegations of a ‘secondary boycott.’

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s l l e t a k t e S ! t h g i a r t s t i

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boral’s boss’s whinge

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LEST WE FORGET

The CFMEU is sponsoring 40 ex-servicemen and women to walk PNG’s Kokoda Trail over Anzac Day as part of a healing process.

The team comprises returned members of Australia’s Army, Navy and Air Force. All are carrying physical or emotional injuries resulting from their recent service in conflict zones.

Launch The 2015 commemorative trek was launched in Melbourne on Friday 20 February. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie, an army veteran and strong advocate for those in our armed forces, attended the launch event.

Those present were moved by speeches from ex-soldiers Gary Wilson, survivor of a Blackhawk helicopter crash, and Sgt Michael Lyddiard, who lost an eye, an arm and half his face to an explosion in Afghanistan.

Sarah Archibald told of her experience with Australia’s Military Police deployment in Iraq at the height of the carnage that

followed the 2003 US-led invasion. Like many others, Sarah is dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Many now fighting on the home front The crowd was particularly captivated

by Michael Lyddiard’s story. From army brat, to gung-ho squadron leader, to bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan, his life was consumed by the Australian army.

An improvised explosive device by a dirt road in Afghanistan turned everything upside down. Sadly, Michael now has to fight on a new front, battling the Department of Veterans Affairs for recognition of all his injuries.

The Kokoda 2015 journey will provide an environment of trust, understanding and support. We will have full coverage of CFMEU Kokoda 2015 in the next issue of CFMEU Worker.

Honour CFMEU Secretary John Setka says the Union jumped at the chance to support the trek, after hearing that it was struggling to secure a backer.

‘We can never do enough for our exservicemen and women, particularly those who are carrying battle scars,’ says John.

‘There is no more honourable thing than to put your life on the line in the service of your country. Unfortunately, outside of times like Anzac Day, it sometimes gets

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88 2015 Kokoda trek participants at

CFMEU WORKER the Melbourne launch in February.

CFMEU WORKER

88 Alan ‘Kanga’ Moore, the last surviving officer of the 39th Battalion that fought along the Kokoda Trail in 1942.

forgotten how much these people have given.

‘It is important that we remember what they have done for our country and support them at all times. Backing the Kokoda trek is one way the CFMEU shows we care.’

Problems facing veterans There is a concern among those who help returned service people that too many drop out of the network, lose all their contacts, and become social recluses.

This can, in turn, lead to other issues such as marriage breakdowns and problems with the law. The CFMEU is particularly concerned about reports that 10 per cent of people sleeping rough on the streets of Melbourne are military veterans.

AUTUMN 2015 AUTUMN 2015

88 Sgt Michael Lyddiard speaking at the launch of Kokoda 2015 in Melbourne.

Robbie & Brendan to represent CFMEU on KOKODA trek Two CFMEU organisers – Robbie Graauwmans from Victoria, and National Office industrial officer Brendan Pitt – are going to be taking part in the Kokoda Trail Walk, alongside Federal Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie and the 40 returned service men and women.

Excited by history, nervous about fitness Robbie Graauwmans is both excited and nervous. ‘I have absolutely no idea what to expect, but I’ve done my best to get ready for it,’ he hopes.

In preparation, Robbie has read Peter Fitzsimons’s book Kokoda and ramped up his fitness training. As well as going to the gym three times a week – he has also been

doing the 1,000 steps also known as the Kokoda Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges.

Robbie admitted to being a little apprehensive about the Trail, and wondered if he was fit enough. Being in the company of returned service men and women who have endured physical and mental injuries is particularly inspiring for him.

The participation of Senator Jacqui Lambie will make it especially interesting ‘It will be an interesting bunch – and the participation of Senator Jacqui Lambie will make it especially interesting,’ he remarks.

Spirit overcame superior force Brendan Pitt has done the Kokoda trek twice before, and is looking forward to taking part again.

‘I’m particularly interested in helping veterans who have done service in

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88 Robbie Graauw mans and Brendan Pitt are ready for the Ko koda Trail trek.

Afghanistan and Iraq and doing whatever I can to assist in their rehabilitation,’ he says.

For Brendan, the trek is also personal. Two of his uncles were in New Guinea during the Second World War. ‘They didn’t talk about it much. Like most men of their generation, they kept their experiences to themselves,’ he says.

‘As a boy, the Kokoda campaign always intrigued me. The story of young fellas – untrained and ill equipped, and what they went through. They were up against a superior force, and it was their spirit that got them through.’

War efforts of PNG locals sold short Brendan found his previous treks along the Kokoda Trail ‘a very fulfilling exercise.’

‘I got a small appreciation of what the soldiers went through.

Brendan believes that the Australian Government has never properly acknowledged the contribution of the locals in Papua New Guinea during the War. ‘Without their help… the Australian soldiers couldn’t have done it without them. And the Japanese really came down on the locals for standing by the Diggers.’

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brave little jesse

CFMEU helps Jesse The CFMEU’s Hard Hat Hankie Appeal received a plug on the Channel 7 News on 15 March when they featured the story of Jesse Wiltshire, the son of a CFMEU member, Jon. At the official launch of our Appeal, Jon Wiltshire attended with his son, who is

receiving treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital for cerebral palsy.

Jesse has been receiving treatment at the hospital since the day after he was born, and the Wiltshire family is hopeful that one day he will be able to walk.

Jon was chuffed by the Union‘s support of the Good Friday Appeal.

‘The Royal Children’s Hospital basically saved Jesse’s life. Without the hospital, he probably wouldn’t be here.’

Mia is a winner Good Friday Appeal 2015: CFMEU hard hat hankies

88 Jesse Wiltshire with his dad Jon, at the CFMEU launch.

Young artist Mia Fantauzzo won the contest to design this year’s hard hat hankie.

O

n a recent Saturday morning, Mia visited Hickory’s Central Apartments site in South Yarra, where her father Dave works.

Mia and her sister Ava oversaw the raising of the Good Friday Appeal flag on the site.

Hard hat hankies are available from CFMEU offices and shop stewards for $10.

Since 2011, the Union has raised almost $500,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital through its Good Friday Appeal.

88 (l-r), Luke Patsalis, Mia, Dave and Ava Fantauzzo, and CFMEU shop steward Dennis Gritzalis

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AUTUMN 2015

GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL - ON SITE

ised ra o o o , 0 Over $ 0 5 o o o , 0 4 1 $ S R IN THE LAST FIVE YEA THIS YEAR

Well d

one gu

ys!

AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU WORKER

027

GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL - ON SITE

Probuild, Werribee

028

CFMEU WORKER

AUTUMN 2015

GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL - ON SITE

uwmans bakis, Robbie Graa 88 Delegate Jim Ta ckburn Bla in job rve Ve and the crew on the

n Verve, Blackbur

88 Delegate Lizan dro Sorto (far lef t) with workers from th e LU Simon job in Blackburn

LU Simon, Blackbu

rn

share a the LU Simon job 88 Workers from uwmans aa Gr ie bb Ro r ise moment with organ

88 The crew from the Verve job in Blackburn with organiser Robbie Graauwm ans, (centre)

Imperial Apartme nts, Doncaster AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU WORKER

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s n i w n o i p m a h c p Chin-u ! k c o l b e t a l o c o h c 10 kg

INSERT ON SITE COPY

Union members, officials and staff had a lot of fun at the lunch for our Hard Hat Hankie on the Probuild site in North Melbourne on Friday 27 March.

T

he lunch, part of the CFMEU’s fundraising drive for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, raised money through shaving organiser Gerry Benstead’s famous curly locks and conducting a ‘Chin Up’ competition, in which members competed for a 10-kilo block of chocolate. .

The Chin Up competition was tough. Shane Thompson won the bout, with a total of 16.

Union raises $140K for RCH Altogether, the CFMEU’s efforts raised $140,000 for the 2015 Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal. This brings the Union’s total contribution since we started to over half a million dollars.

Victorian Branch Secretary John Setka is proud of the efforts of everyone involved.

‘Well done to Elaine Morey and Allison Doyle (in the office) for their hard work, and congratulation to all the delegates and members.

From the biggest to the smallest site, you all played a part,’ he says.

The winner

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CFMEU WORKER

AUTUMN 2015

INSERT ONCOPY SITE

‘Up the Bhoys!’ – Union member’s initiative raises $600

88 Gerry (left), hands over the jersey to winner Barry.

CFMEU delegate Gerry McCrudden decided to do something extra in order to boost the Union’s fundraising efforts for the 2015 Good Friday Appeal.

T

hrough his Facebook page, Gerry auctioned a Glasgow Celtic football jumper that was given to him by another Union delegate, Joe Donaghy.

Celtic fan scores signed jersey The jersey – signed by all of Celtic’s current players – sold for $600. The winning bidder was one of our CFMEU Trainers, Barry Kearney, who is a lifelong Celtic supporter.

‘It’s great to win this,’ says Barry. ‘Great cause – and it’s a good time to be a Celtic supporter. They’re on a winning streak.’

t s e t a l e Watch th CFMEU TV on your desktop or mobile

Download the app i-nigma Reader on your phone for Apple or Android, then scan the code, or go to cfmeuvic.com.au/tv

CFMEU WORKER

031

INSERT COPY

WOULD YOU TRUST THIS MAN TO CUT YOUR HAIR? Gerard Bernstead took his life into his own hands when he let Shaun Reardon loose with the clippers – all for a good cause. Gerard loves his new look, by the way!

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as seen on CFMEU TV

CFMEU WORKER

AUTUMN 2015

SLATER INSERT & GORDON COPY

Asbestos legal rights re-instated Victorians who have become sick through exposure to asbestos have recently had important rights restored by the new Labor State government.

The right of Victorian asbestos victims to seek compensation was impaired in September last year, when a Supreme Court decision decreed that claimants must first prove that they had suffered a ‘significant injury’ as a result of asbestos exposure.

Unnecessary burden The Asbestos National Practice Group Leader at Slater & Gordon lawyers, Margaret Kent, said that this decision had placed an unnecessary burden on asbestos victims – at a time when they are often sick, and sometimes dying – and cast doubt over the future of some outstanding asbestos claims.

‘Before last September, our clients had been able to seek compensation without the need to jump over hurdles just to prove what they were obviously – very sick,’ she commented.

‘The ruling was a bitter blow to them and their families, and made getting compensation for them harder than it should be.’

Asbestos Related Claims Bill becomes law As a result of lobbying from asbestos lawyers, the newly elected Andrews Government introduced the Wrongs Amendment (Asbestos Related Claims) Bill 2014 in December. The Bill passed through State Parliament in early March.

The new Asbestos Claims law restores what had been the legal norm in Victoria for more than a decade, and reverses the 2014 Supreme Court decision that compelled asbestos claimants to prove that they had a

significant injury.

Importantly, the new law will also ensure that those who submitted claims either before or since the Supreme Court decision will be treated in the same way as other asbestos claimants, and as such, will not be denied their legal rights.

Slater & Gordon hails speed and compassion ‘We commend the Victorian Government and the Attorney-General for acting with speed and compassion to remove barriers to justice for people with asbestos-related diseases,’ said Margaret Kent. ’This legislation removes unnecessary, costly and time-consuming court procedures faced by people with a range of asbestos-related diseases.

‘We will continue to assist asbestos clients to access the compensation they deserve in a timely manner – so that they may focus on their health and spend precious time with their loved ones, instead of being tied up with legal issues.’

Are you affected? – Call us If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, or believe that you may be suffering from this condition, contact CFMEU

Legal Services on 9341 3400 as soon as possible.

We will arrange a referral to Slater & Gordon, so that a specialist lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can provide you with free advice on a confidential, no-obligation basis. Slater & Gordon’s asbestos lawyers come to you, and regularly see clients at their home or in hospital.

AUTUMN 2015

Slater & Gordon's No Win – No Fee* scheme is available for asbestos-related claims. This scheme is designed to help those clients who have a viable asbestos claim, but whose financial circumstances might otherwise deny them access to legal representation.

CFMEU WORKER

033

BIG meeting

everyone to stay strong and united in order to counter the attacks of the Abbott Government, which will stop at nothing in its attempts to destroy the union movement.

CF

W

ET

U

U

UNITY IS STRENGTH

ME U

C E PU

AM

Corruption: BIG meeting gives free advice to Unions’ Royal Commission.

A

strong show of delegates from construction industry unions (CFMEU, ETU, AMWU and the Plumbers) met at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on Thursday 16 April to endorse their unions’ call for the Royal Commission into Trade Unions to tackle corporate corruption and

034

employer wrongdoing in our industry.

The meeting, which was organised by the Building Industry Group (BIG), heard reports on the Royal Commission from leaders of all four unions represented.

Abbott/bosses/RC ‘out to smash us’ CFMEU Secretary John Setka told those gathered that millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money have been wasted on discredited witnesses whose testimony has amounted to nothing. He urged

CFMEU WORKER

‘You are the front line,’ he said. ‘They are out to smash us, and we can’t let that happen.’

The BIG delegates in attendance unanimously condemned the Abbott Government’s use of $60 million of taxpayers’ money to fund the Royal Commission. They also passed a resolution calling for an investigation into the worst cases of corporate corruption.

See over for the meeting resolution!

AUTUMN 2015

BIG meeting

eting clearly The mood from the met ha no ppy and that showed that we are red we’re prepa to fight.

Steven Balta A show of unity of all the unions was important at this crucial time.

Wayne Watson

We know the government has declared war on us, and we are prepared to fight back.

Denis Gritzalis

They are out to smash us, and we can’t let that happen

It was an important meeting, and it was good to have the leadership of all the unions standing together.

John Capeletti AUTUMN 2015

John Setka

CFMEU WORKER

035

BIG meeting

ET

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CF

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U

IS STRENGTH UNITY ME U C E PU A

M

y tr s u d In g in d il u B e th f o Resolution 15 0 2 l ri p A , g n ti e e M s te a g le Group Joint De

en ngest terms all prov ro st e th in ns em nd Meeting co or in the The Joint Delegates it union, employer, be , ry st du in n tio e construc corruption within th uption. ment, political, corr rn ve go SW N e th of ns case most successful unio t, es ng ro st e th of e ghly on targets som some of the most hi The Royal Commissi to e ey d in bl a g in blatantly turn tices and corporate ac in the country, while pr l ca hi et un t, uc rporate miscond of dollars. publicised acts of co stry, worth billions du in n tio uc tr ns co e corruption within th r rogue a protection racket fo as en se be to t no ission e highly For this Royal Comm se examples of thes or w e th of e m so e at vestig employers, it must in publicised cases:

1

2

3

Wonthaggi Desalination Plant – theft of thousands of construction workers’ personal details, now held in overseas databases.

Leighton Holdings – corrupt conduct and practices in Australia and overseas.

The horrific deaths and injuries in the construction industry – and the correlation with employers who are fervent, vocal opponents of building unions.

4

5

THEFT CORRUPT DEATHS EXPLOIT RIPOFF

036

CFMEU WORKER

Employers who exploit 457 visa workers in the construction industry at a time of record high youth unemployment.

Serial phoenixing builders – who repeatedly transfer assets out of one company into another, to evade paying workers hard-earned wages and entitlements like superannuation and redundancy, costing Australian taxpayers billions of dollars.

AUTUMN 2015

cbus and insurance

As a Cbus member you can access affordable insurance options, because workmates and hardhats will only protect you so far.

Cbus insurance provides: • 24/7 death and disablement protection for workers* • Members and their families with peace of mind • Flexibility to increase your cover • Insurance premiums are paid out of your super, not your take home pay. *subject to eligibility criteria

Call Cbus on 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide if Cbus is right for you. Contact 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy.

Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262

CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

ELTRAX

Rosemont Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd

Ph: (03) 9486 2205

Mob: 0419 346 026 (David) Mob: 0409 161 523 (George) CW 21/1

Email: george@rosemontconstructionsvic.com.au Web: www.rosemontconstructionsvic.com.au

CW 21/1

Email: kwikform@bigpond.net.au

Commercial Carpentry

TILE EFFECT

CW 21/1

De Fazio Commmercial Tiling Pty Ltd

Sunrise Cleaning Services Pty Ltd

P.O. Box 2147 Mt Waverley, Vic. 3149

6 Brussell Close, Taylors Lakes, Vic. 3038

Ph: (03) 9551 3850

Ph: (03) 9390 3976 Mob: 0412 327 255

355 Victoria Street, Brunswick, Vic. 3056 Mob: 0412 203 949 Ph: (03) 9387 2300 Fax: (03) 9380 4666 Web: www.defazio.com.au CW 21/1 Supporting the CFMEU

Aluline Commercial Pty Ltd

• Aluminium and Glass Balustrading 179 North Corp Boulevard Broadmeadows, Vic. 3047 Ph: (03) 9359 0200 Fax: (03) 9359 2400 Email: tim@aluline.com.au CW 21/1

1 Sharps Road Tullamarine, Vic. 3043

Ph: (03) 9330 8888 CW 21/1

Danayne Ceilings Pty Ltd

P.O. Box 2187 Geelong, Vic. 3220

Mob: 0412 545 164

Email: kevin@danayneceilings.com.au CW 21/1

34 Freeman St, Campbellfield, Vic. 3061 Phone: (03) 9357 6139 Fax: (03) 9357 5178 Mobile: 0414 401 566 Darryl Email: scaffoldsareus2@bigpond.com

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12 Palamino Valley Court Greenvale, Vic. 3059

Jose Mobile: 0419 565 674

Star Ceilings & Partitions Pty Ltd

Factory 6, 2 Alexander Drive Dandenong North, Vic. 3175 Ph: (03) 9769 2902 Fax: (03) 9769 2904 Email: info@starceilings.com.au

Email: sunrise055@bigpond.com

Complex Facade Installations Pty Ltd

Supporting the CFMEU

Scaffolds Are Us Pty Ltd

(Vic) Pty Ltd

Fax: (03) 9330 8899

Fax: (03) 9551 2184 Email: enquiries@tileeffect.com.au

CW 21/1

Schiavello

PO Box 37, Lynbrook, Vic. 3975 Mobile: 0411 174 767 Fax: 03 8768 8322 Email: cnc-pro@hotmail.com CW 21/1

(VIC) PTY LTD

PMC Enterprises (Aust) Pty Ltd 2 Hobsons Bay Parade, Port Melbourne VIC 3207

P 03 9592 6332 M 0418 530 568 E pcavedon@pmcaust.com.au

Email: renee@optulla.com.au

SUMMIT CONCRETE PUMPING PTY LTD P.O. Box 5100, Mordialloc VIC 3195 Bookings: Maurice Pinzana – 0418 368 758 Office: Michelle Lampard – 0403 11 11 00 Phone: 03 9551 1411 Fax: 03 9558 2693 www.summitconcrete.com.au CW 21/1

Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd

Residential Construction

Mob: 0419 002 154 or 0425 830 773

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Phone: (03) 9462 2422 Mobile: 0419 386 367

Fax: (03) 9338 8460 Email: joe.complex@bigpond.com.au

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•

KEELE INDUSTRIES

SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OF LIFTS 19 Weston Street Brunswick 3056

Ph: (03) 9387 6199

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SEAHAVEN SERVICES PTY LTD

MOBILE 0434 210 502 PHONE 03 9789 1114 FAX 03 9789 1555

DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS

PABCON Pty Ltd

EMAIL brett@urban1.com.au

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PO Box 4244, Narre Warren South, Vic. 3805 Mobile: 0404 745 962 Email: Brendan@pabcon.net CW 21/1

Fact 4, 53-55 Spalding Ave, Sunshine, Vic. 3020 Ph: 03 9311 7382 Mobile: 0400 076 947 Email: seahavenservices@bigpond.com

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Fax: (03) 9486 5552 Email: info@eltrax.com.au Web: www.eltrax.com.au

20 Forest Street, Greensborough, Vic. 3088

Specialise in Concrete Formwork P.O. Box 2129, Ringwood North, Vic. 3134

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PTY LTD

Oak Park Tullamarine Pty Ltd

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Phone: (03) 9462 2267

78 Lipton Drive Thomastown, Vic. 3074

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223 Broadhurst Avenue Reservoir, Vic. 3073

Kwikform Pty Ltd

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Phone : 03 9398 5155 Mobile : 0417 334 271 Email: cobrien@rigcon.com.au Web: www.rigcon.com.au

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P.O. Box 364, Altona North, Vic. 3025

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Oracle Structures Pty Ltd

HALL CONSTRUCTION GROUP PTY LTD

PH: 9308 8338 FAX: 9308 8337 www.hallconcreteconstructions.com.au

Email: ajbounas@optusnet.com.au ABN 64 087 710 978

Mobile: 0409 822 521

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DETAIL EXCAVATIONS PTY LTD (VIC)

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w w w .w eblow . com . au

890 Mountain Hwy, Bayswater, Vic. 3153

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1300 78 22 66 CW 20/1

Lot 1, Mt Derrimut Road Deer Park 3023

CFMEU WORKER

Ph: 9363 7688 Fax: 9363 7699

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www.noisecontrolengineering.com.au

✆ 03 9799 6771

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Supporting the CFMEU

STAAB DECOR

PTY LTD Factory 2/7 Neutron Place Rowville, Vic. 3178 Ph: (03) 9763 6353 Peter Email: staab@ozemail.com.au

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100 FREIGHT DRIVE SOMERTON 3062 CW 21/1

PO Box 131, Emerald VIC 3782 Ph: (03) 5942 7114 Fax: (03) 5942 7115 Mob: 0401 498 988 Email: admin@viccivil.com CW 21/1

AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

L. U. SIMON BUILDERS ★ Building on quality and innovation for over 60 years 818 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North 3068

Ph: (03) 9488 0000

253-269 Wellington Road, Mulgrave, Vic. 3170

Phone: 03 9566 3500 CW 21/1

Brady Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd

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Australian Post Tensioning Pty Ltd Post tensioning & suspended concrete slab design contractors

Commercial Construction Specialising in Design & Build

Phone: (03) 9702 4557

Ph: (03) 8622 8100 www.bradygroup.com.au

V & G Concrete Constructions Pty Ltd

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www.austpt.net.au

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Able On-Site Services Ardreagh Formwork Pty Ltd

★ BOILER CLEANING ★ INDUSTRIAL CLEANING ★ TWIN ROPE ACCESS

Commercial & Industrial Formworkers

20 Railway Road, Thorpdale, Vic. 3835

Factory 1/131 Proximity Drive, Sunshine West, Vic. 3020 CW 21/1

Citywide Precast

Rising Star Interior Pty Ltd

• Commercial • Industrial • Residential

68 Spring Street, Preston, Vic. 3072

38 Star Crescent Hallam 3803

Ph: (03) 9478 2621 Fax: (03) 9470 4370 CW 21/1

Julian McCarthy Landscapes Pty Ltd

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ACS

A D VA N C E D C O N S T R U C T I O N S O L U T I O N S

Suite 404/91 Murphy Street, Richmond, Vic. 3121

Ph: (03) 9421 5887 Fax: (03) 9429 5887

18-20 Russell Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000 P.O. Box 18097, Collins Street East, Melbourne 8003 Phone: (03) 9645 3011 Fax: (03) 9645 3088

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Genview Pty Ltd 1/25 Macquarie Drive, Thomastown, 3074 John: 0419 344 491 ABN 18 517 054 609 Matt: 0419 904 844 Phone: 03 9464 6615 Email: admin@jlmundergroundsolutions.com.au CW 21/1

AUTUMN 2015

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Supporting the CFMEU

Pty Ltd

Ph: (03) 9702 4726

Ph: 0417 146 940

P.O. Box 412 Craigieburn, Vic. 3064

Mob: 0414 680 118 Ph: 03 9326 7795 Fax: 03 9326 5778 Email: aaron@kpiconstruction.com.au

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Ph: (03) 9314 4404

Ph: (03) 9745 2972 Fax: (03) 9745 2971

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CFMEU WORKER

039

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

P.O. BOX 530 BENTLEIGH, VIC. 3205

P.O. Box 4231 Narre Warren, Vic. 3805 Mobile:

PH: (03) 9557 1407 CW 21/1

BROWNS PILING The Piling Professionals

0421 611 023 CW 21/1

Action Alliance

partitions joinery retail fitout domestic fitout & maintenance MAL ALEXANDER 4 Ida Court Vermont, Vic. 3133 Mob: 0418 550 494 Phone/Fax: (03) 9874 3692

P.O. Box 394 Altona North, Vic. 3025

Vic. Ph: (03) 9791 6983

Ph: (03) 9931 0740

W.A. Ph: (08) 9261 7722

Mob: 0419 318 450

Mobile:

0412 374 526

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Brad Potter

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COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & RETAIL BUILDERS & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

First Class Coolrooms Pty Ltd

MABEN GROUP PTY LTD ABN 63 255 276 365

P.O. Box 2229 Blackburn South Vic 3130

Tel: 0404 321 825 ABN - 90 153 677 484 ACN - 153 677 484

CW 21/1

Lexicon Site Services Pty Ltd

Email: mal@synfit.com.au

Director

4/2 John Street Dandenong South

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office fitouts & maintenace

E-mail: brad@firstclasscoolrooms.com

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SURVEYING CONSULTANTS TO

Melbourne Construct Solutions Pty Ltd

SYNERGY

ABSOLUTE SURVEYING PTY LTD

FITOUT & MAINTENANCE

CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

22 Blackwood Street North Melbourne Victoria 3051 t 03 9329 2166 f 03 9329 2188

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We’ve got your back Slater and Gordon is proud partners with the CFMEU

Contact the CFMEU on

03 9341 3444 for a referral to Slater and Gordon Services for CFMEU members + Workers Compensation + Motor Vehicle Accidents + Asbestos + Wills and Estates + Conveyancing

+ Family Law + Criminal Law + Industrial and Employment Law + Much more

slatergordon.com.au CW 21/1

040

CFMEU WORKER

AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

Construction of concrete structures for multistorey office and apartment buildings; and large shopping centres. Including formwork, reinforcement supply and fix, post tensioning supply and installation, concrete supply, concrete place, concrete pumping, construction of concrete lift cores, structure safety screens and provision of other self climbing systems.

68-76 Drake Boulevard, Altona, Vic. 3018

Ph: (03) 8331 7100 Fax: (03) 8331 7150 Email: info@form700.com.au Website: www.form700.com.au CW 21/1

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AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU WORKER

041

CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

FALL PROTECTION & TEMPORARY GUARDRAIL SYSTEMS FOR COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BUILDING SITES.

(03) 8773 7255 industrialsales.vic@scopesafety.com.au

Construction since 1861

Cockram Construction Limited

www.cockram.com

675 Victoria Street, Abbotsford Vic 3067 P: +61 3 8862 8888 F: +61 3 8862 8900 CW 21/1

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EURO

INDUSTRIAL ABSEILING High access cleaning, caulking, painting, faรงade repairs, Faรงade inspections, Waterproofing, Anchor point installation wayneshighaccess@yahoo.com www.wayneshighaccess.com

0433 238 704

CW 21/1

PRECAST 8787 8991

2-10 Arkwright Drive, Dandenong South, Vic. 3175

CW 21/1

RICHSTONE CIVIL PTY LTD

17B Nathan Drive Campbellfield, Vic. 3061

P: 03 8339 3777 E: info@richstonegroup.com.au W: www.richstonegroup.com.au CW 21/1

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ATTENTION CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

HORTICULTURE

PO Box 245, Park Orchards Vic 3114

Summit Advertising is the only authorised advertising representative for the CFMEU Construction & General Division.

p: 0418 811 027 e: jake@optimumhorticulture.com.au w: www.optimumhorticulture.com.au

For all advertising enquiries please contact

CW 21/1

Steve King 0400 514 832 steve.king@summitadvertising.com.au

GIVE BLOOD UNITY66

042

CFMEU WORKER

AUTUMN 2015

3/7 Chaplin Drive Lane Cove, NSW 2066

Ph: (02) 9420 0313 Fax: (02) 9420 0118

Ph: (03) 9308 5311

Email: Kerry@cityrendering.com.au

www.citylinescaffolding.com.au

mclabour.com.au

CW 21/1

I & K Interiors Pty Ltd

Factory 14, 52-60 Garden Drive Tullamarine, Vic. 3043

Ph: (03) 9335 6968 www.iandkinteriors.com.au

CW 21/1

Leinster Construction Pty Ltd Email: leinsterconstruction09@hotmail.com

CW 21/1

TIMBER FLOORING SERVICES COMMERCIAL PTY LTD Unit 6/42 Global Drive West Meadows, Vic. 3049

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XE Concrete Constructions Pty Ltd 9B Randor Street Campbellfield, Vic. 3061

P: (03) 9338 9511

Ph: (03) 9357 7769

F: (03) 9338 9500 CW 21/1

Supercut Unit Trust t/as

Supercut Concrete Cutting Services Pty Ltd

Fax: (03) 9308 5711

CW 21/1

Masterafix Steelfixing Pty Ltd ABN: 72 132 502 222

masterafix@bigpond.com Mob: 0416 181 212 (Theo)

Bluesting Works 69 Arthur Street St Albans, Vic. 3021

Mob 0431 335 520

Trading as

MCM Tile & Stone 1 Milkman Street, Coburg, Vic. 3058

Ph: (03) 9354 9322 Fax: (03) 9354 9344

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P.O. Box 72, Chelsea, Vic. 3196 Office – Suite 32, 93 Wells Road, Chelsea Heights, VIC 3196

T – 03 9772 9956 M - 0424 908 798

E – admin@steelvision.com.au W - http://steelvision.com.au/ CW 21/1

WESTERN DISTRICT CRANE SERVICES 22 Harrington Road Warrnambool, Vic. 3280

Mobile:

Ph: (03) 9547 4092

STEELVISION PTY LTD

CW 21/1

J. S. Steel Fixing Pty Ltd 0437 481 288

CW 21/1

Moncor Investments Pty Ltd

CW 21/1

75E Osbourne Avenue Springvale, Vic. 3171

25 Adams Court West Sunshine, Vic. 3020 Telephone: 03 9311 9755 Facsimile: 03 9311 9555 www.landellssigns.com.au

CW 21/1

24/7 OPERATIONS CENTRE mc@mclabour.com.au

Cityline Scaffolding Pty Ltd 144 Freight Drive, Somerton VIC 3062

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CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

E: tony@wdcraneservices.com E: chris@wdcraneservices.com

SOLCRETE

P: 0409 026 054 P: 0400 141 434

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TIGER FORMWORK AUSTRALIA P/L

(AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD

Specialised Concrete Structures

0418 248 399

formworktiger@yahoo.com.au

SETTING THE STANDARD IN

CW 21/1

CONCRETING & FORMWORK

AUTUMN 2015

Advanced Cranes & Rigging Pty Ltd

CW 21/1

PO Box 361, Wendouree Ph: 03 5339 8286 Email: admin@advancedcranes.com.au Web: www.advancedcranes.com.au

CFMEU WORKER

CW 21/1

19 NELLBERN ROAD, MOORABBIN, VIC. 3189 PHONE: (03) 9555 0995

043

CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

A. J. Caulking

Kingston Plant Hire Providing solutions for all of your commercial and industrial needs

4 Corporate Avenue Rowville, Vic. 3178 Tel: (03) 9755 5333 Fax: (03) 9755 5500

www.a1precision.com.au CW 21/1

Capp Concrete Developments Commercial & Industrial

Commercial, Residentail & Domestic Professional Caulking Phone:

0407 505 915

CW 21/1

United Construction Services Pty Ltd

CW 21/1

Luke Cannard Carpentry Pty Ltd Commercial carpentry specialist

COMMERCIAL CARPENTERS & JOINERS

Frankston, Vic. 3199

Phone:

0468 421 304 CW 21/1

Phone: 0432 793 864

Email: stuart@utdgroup.org www.commercialcarpentermelbourne.com.au

Phone:

0408 514 729

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Major Crane Logistics Pty Ltd 26 Bakehouse Road KENSINGTON VIC 3031

17B Nathan Drive Campbellfield, Vic. 3061

t. 03 9372 1166 f. 03 9372 3456

0438 583 005 Email: ndambra@mclogistics.com.au CW 21/1

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Constructions Pty Ltd

320 Hume Highway Craigieburn, Vic 3064

Committed to Health, Safety & the Environment in the Workplace

Matt Boyer 0438 770 360

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★ MULTI UNIT DEVELOPMENTS PO BOX 202 BURWOOD VIC 3125

PO Box 521 North Melbourne Vic 3051

PHONE:

mboyer@rapidcrete.com.au

044

Ph: 03 9544 5511

PTY LTD

Tel: (03) 9305 7733 CW 21/1

Industrial super flat concrete floors

HOLDEN PEEL PROJECTS

Supporting the CFMEU

Caelli

Anglo Italian Concrete 20 Lionel Road Mt Waverley, Vic. 3149

Mobile:

www.united.net.au CW 21/1

Specialise in concrete and formwork aclbuilders@optusnet.com.au Mob: 0411 197 877 Mob: 0402 179 258 P.O.Box 547, Reservoir 3073 CW 21/1

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(Vic) Pty Ltd

Pty Ltd

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CFMEU WORKER

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0412 351 524

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AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU CLASSIFIEDS

AAV TILING PTY LTD 27 Amelia Avenue, Wheelers Hill, Vic. 3150 Mobile: 0414 271 516 Email: avicic@yahoo.com.au ACL CRANES PTY LTD 4 Dendle Street, Grovesdale, Vic. 3216 Phone: 0428 889 899 Email: aclcranes@bigpond.com BRIDAN PTY LTD 21 Gilbert Road, Ivanhoe, Vic 3079 Phone: 9499 2524 Fax: 9499 4520 BUXTON CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD 16 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne, Vic. 3207 Ph: (03) 9644 7000 Web: www.buxtonconstruction.com.au CONCRETE GROUP PTY LTD 9 Sages Road, Glenroy, Vic. 3046 Ph: (03) 9359 1603 Fax: (03) 9359 2712 Mobile: 0408 416 758 Email: corcrete@optusnet.com.au CRAIG MACKLE LANDSCAPES PTY LTD Stone Specialist 6 Farm Road, Werribee, Vic. 3030 Ph: (03) 9742 3480 Mob: 0412 344 387 Email: cgmackland@gmail.com Supporting the CFMEU CRAWFORD EARTHMOVING (VIC) PTY LTD P.O. Box 301, Epsom, Vic. 3551 5 Tobin Crescent, Epsom, Vic. 3551 Mobile: 0418 509 471 Fax: (03) 5448 4190 CREATIVE PLASTERING GROUP PTY LTD Lower level, Northside 53-57 Munster Terrace, North Melbourne, Vic. 3015 Ph: (03) 9687 9839 Email: admin@creativeplastering.com.au

POLARIS CONTRACTORS PTY LTD Commercial Carpentry, Framing & Fitout Works 114 Church Street, Grovedale, Vic. 3216 Phone: 0425 744 720 Email: polaris1@bigpond.net.au Potter Coolrooms Pty Ltd t/as TOTAL COOLROOMS PTY LTD 47 Mologa Road, Heidelberg West, Vic. 3081 Ph: (03) 9455 3688 Web: www.totalcoolrooms.com.au RENMAR CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD 687 Duncans Road, Werribee South, Vic. 3030 Phone: 0400 677 023 Email: renmar61@bigpond.com RJ FORMWORK PTY LTD 144 Albert Avenue, Boronia, Vic. 3155 Mobile: 0408 178 076 Email: rjformwork@bigpond.com SHOT AL CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD 16 Searle Court, Dandenong North, Vic. 3175 Ph: (03) 9790 5421 Fax: (03) 9790 5422 Mobile: 0438 316 278 SPEEDPRO INDUSTRIES PTY LTD 627 Nicholson Street, North Carlton, Vic. 3054 Mobile: 0408 383 308 Email: enquiries@speedproindustries.com.au Web: www.speedproindustries.com.au TEXCO CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD Industrial Design & Construction Suite G01, 774 Toorak Road, Glen Iris, Vic. 3146 Ph: (03) 9888 1110 Fax: (03) 9888 1118 Web: www.texco.net.au

DM FORMWORK PTY LTD 5 Technology Circuit, Hallam, Vic. 3803 Mobile: 0400 582 381 Email: dmformwork@live.com.au

THOMMO’S CRANE HIRE PTY LTD 1449 Main Road South, Hallora, Vic. 3818 Mobile: 0488 227 263 Email: thommos71@bigond.com

ENGLAND BUILDING CO PTY LTD 7/11 Richmond Street, Portland, Vic. 3305 Mobile: 0418 527 133 Email: englandbuilding@hotkey.net.au

TST BRICKLAYING PTY LTD 9 Cuthbert Court, Wantirna South, Vic. 3152 Mobile: 0417 087 054 Email: tstbrick@hotmail.com

INTERFACE CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD 78-82 Westgarth Street, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065 Mobile: 0411 432 213 Email: hello@interfaceconstructions.com.au Web: www.interfaceconstructions.com.au

V CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD 122 Herald Street, Cheltenham, Vic. 3192 Ph: (03) 9555 1444 Fax: (03) 9555 1441 Email: admin@vconstructions.com.au

LANKOS SERVICES PTY LTD Asbestos Removal Commercial & Domestic Phone: 0424 414 104

WARNAMBOOL CRANE HIRE PTY LTD 6 Sedgemoor Court, Warnambool, Vic. 3280 Ph: (03) 5562 3831 Mob: 0407 529 329 Email: wch@westvic.com.au

AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU WORKER

045

YOUR WAGES

EBA WAGE RATES ONSITE 36-HOUR WEEK: Site allowances and Incolink contributions increased from 1 Oct 2014.

Final 5% pay rise of current industry standard EBA due from 1 March 2015.

For sector EBA’s see cfmeuvic.com.au (civil, contract scaffold, precast, traffic control, demolition, apprentices, mobile cranes, steel erection, shop fitting)

RATE PER HOUR

RATE PER WEEK*

WEEKLY PRO-RATA HOLIDAY PAY (INCLUDING 17.5% LOADING)

SATURDAY OVERTIME (INCLUDING 20 MINUTES CRIB)

39.31

1415.16

141.43

642.06

Painter – new work

38.43

1383.48

138.33

627.69

Painter – re-paint

38.38

1381.68

138.16

626.87

Marker/Setter-out, Letter Cutter

40.92

1473.12

147.11

668.36

Signwriter

40.07

1442.52

144.11

654.48

42.47

1528.92

152.57

693.68

38.21

1375.56

137.56

624.10

36.95

1330.20

133.11

603.52

(36 HOUR WEEK)

Tradespersons Carpenter, Shopfitter, Joiner Tile-layer Onsite Stonemason Artificial Stoneworker Marble & Slate Worker Plasterer Solid Plasterer Sign Industry Worker Bricklayer

Roof-tiler Special Class Tradesperson Carver *Weekly rates includes tool allowance at 100% rate

Labourers group ONE Rigger Dogman DLI Certified Operator (Boom or Tower pump) Stationary Pump Operator

group TWO Hoist Driver/Winch Driver Line Pump Operator (Truck or Trailer mounted) Scaffolder Steel Fixer Concrete Finisher etc.

046

CFMEU WORKER

AUTUMN 2015

YOUR WAGES

Labourers (continued) group three Pile Driver

35.82

1289.52

129.13

585.06

Operator and Dogman/Crane hands

44.51

1602.36

159.76

727.00

Trainee Dogman/Crane hand (fixed cranes)

41.40

1490.40

148.80

676.20

Aluminium Alloy Structural Erector Gantry Hand Drilling Machine Operator Dump Cart Operator Hoseman & Trainee Operator Skilled Labourer and all others

Crane crews Tower crane crew

Plant operators – building and construction (weekly hire) OPERATOR GRADES ONE AND TWO Mechanical plant operator: Groups 1 & 2

37.02

1332.72

133.36

604.66

38.60

1389.60

138.93

630.47

40.11

1443.96

144.25

655.13

Winch driver Mobile hydraulic platform operator

OPERATOR GRADE THREE Mechanical plant operator: Groups 3 & 4 Mobile crane drivers: up to 15 tonnes

OPERATOR GRADE FOUR Mechanical plant operators: Groups 5 & 6 Mobile crane drivers: 15 – 100 tonnes Note: If unsure if agreement applies to you, check with the Union for your company sector-specific EBA, e.g. Civil.

The following site allowances apply under CFMEU construction industry enterprise agreements (EBAs) from 1 October 2014.

Multi-storey Allowance

Site Allowances

Start to 15th floor

$0.51 cents/hr

New projects Melbourne inner suburbs and shopping centres

Floors 16 – 30

$0.61 cents/hr

Projects between $3 million and $224 million: $4.00 per hour.

Floors 31 – 45

$0.94 cents/hr

For projects over $224 million, see chart below.

Floors 46 – 60

$1.22 cents/hr

Renovations and refurbishments, Melbourne and inner suburbs: $3.45 per hour.

Floors 61+

$1.49 cents/hr

New projects elsewhere

EBA Benefits and Allowances Travel allowance: $39.30 per day

Project value $ million

Site allowance $ per hour

Superannuation: $175 per week

$3.0 – 7.6million

$2.25

$7.6 – 18.6 million

$2.45

$18.6 – 37.4 million

$2.75

Incolink payments: $74.50 per week paid into Incolink. Income protection, trauma insurance and portable sick leave are also available (paid into Incolink).

$37.4 – 74.7 million

$3.25

$74.7 – 149.3 million

$3.90

$149.3 – 224.0 million

$4.00

$224.0 – 298.5 million

$4.15

$298.5 – 447.9 million

$4.30

For projects above $447.9 million, there shall be an increment of 10 cents per additional $100m or part thereof.

Long service leave: 13 weeks after ten years, pro rata after seven years (paid into CoInvest).

Overtime meal allowance: $24.90 when required to work overtime for one and a half hours or more on an ordinary working day.

Living away from home allowance: $750 per week Site allowance: Check the CFMEU Allowances Schedule for more information.

As well as a 5% pay rise every year for the four-year life of the current EBA, all overtime is double-time, fares and travel are up, living away is up, super is up, and meals are up. Stay paid-up and proud, it’s worth it!

CFMEU WORKER

047

Real men don’t abuse women

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