CFMEU Worker Summer 2015

WORKER SUMMER 2015

HE DOne ALL TG HEAVY LIFTIN ?

AT HAVE A GRE XMAS BREAK!

A super mission CFMEU delivers

entitlements to dead man's family see page 42

The rich list and how they sucked us all in

see page 16

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

Merry Christmas?

Where's the Xmas spirit the rich are getting richer, and the poor poorer.

See page 16.

this issue 07

04 - 14 Executive columns 05 The RC Farce is over 15

Johnny Lomax cleared

18

The Rich List

12 Saint Moira and kids get early Xmas

EBA log of claims - ready to fight

20

22 Mopar or no car 24 Prostate Cancer: 1 in 5 men

28

26 Drugs or alcohol, not at work Jewel of the North MMA fun fighting fitness

36 USA Construction truths

HUGE Onsite - are you in it?

38

40 Kids Art Competition winner 44 Less stop more go: Lee Graham

42

47 Westgate Bridge Collapse Yorkshire Brewery Restoration pride in heritage work

58 your wages

Man on a mission - super win for dead man's family

CFMEU Victorian and Tasmanian Branch, Construction & General Division Executive

Organisers and Specialist Staff Field Officers

Secretary John Setka

Gerry Benstead Nigel Davies John Duggan Paul Edwards Robert Graauwmans Steve Long Ian Markham Malcolm Smith Billy Beattie Gareth Stephenson 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) Fergal Doyle Dean Dando

Assistant Secretaries Shaun Reardon Elias Spernovasilis President Ralph Edwards Senior Vice President Noel Washington

CFMEU 50036

Vice President Derek Christopher

02

Wage Claims Officer Frank Akbari Training Unit Coordinator Anne Duggan Teachers and Trainers Karen Odermatt Mark Devereaux Jacky Gamble Barry Kearney Jennifer Pignataro Rose Nechwatel Connie Hall Paul Allwood Owen Waiomio Craig Lynch Sue Bull Lorella DiPietro Kimberley Stewart Tony Minchin Andy Duff Dan Phelan Communications Officer Jon Stanger

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 Joel Winters Kristen Reid Apprentice Liaison Officer Liam O’Hearn Research & Campaigns Officer Clancy Dobbyn

CFMEU WORKER

Volume 21 Number 3

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 SUMMER 2015

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E T I S N O SUMMER 2015

CFMEU WORKER

03

INSERT COPY From the secretary

VERDICT IS IN: WE'LL NEVER SELL OUT our MEMBERS

John Setka Branch Secretary

Late one Friday afternoon in mid November the Trade Union Royal Commission quietly released a statement saying I was cleared of all the allegations made by one of their ‘star’ witnesses, Andrew Zaf. Zaf’s allegations of bribery and corruption were aired on the 7:30 Report in January 2014 and were one of the reasons the Abbott Government called the Royal Commission.

The Commission had to be dragged kicking and screaming in order to get the truth and admit that Zaf lied about bribing me with a free roof in return for industrial peace.

Gary Cheetham, a former colleague of Zaf, sent emails to the Federal Police,

Mr Cheetham also said Zaf engaged in dishonest and illegal business practices, including endangering the community by illegally dumping asbestos.

This is the man who the Royal Commission paraded as their star witness. This is the man who journalists Nick McKenzie and Richard Baker (The Age) presented as a credible witness and whose story based on Zaf’s fantasies, won them a Walkley Award.

It has now emerged that Zaf met with the other star witnesses of the Royal Commission who also gave evidence against me, the Chiavarolis from the Pentridge Village site. He met with them before they appeared at the Royal Commission in order to discuss their evidence.

Disgraceful it is, but as I have maintained from the outset, this Royal Commission has been nothing but a blatant political exercise which has cost taxpayers $80 million.

If you put aside all the dirt that was thrown at us and the hysteria in the media that came from it, how did the CFMEU emerge?

What has been established is that at no time did the union misspend 1 cent of members’ money for personal use and at no stage did we do any deal to sell out our members.

McKenzie and Baker should hand back their award and taxpayers should write to the Liberal Government asking for their money back.

Despite their attempts to bring us down, we are still here, fighting for your wages and conditions. With the Commission over, we have been working on the next EBA and our members can be confident that, unlike other unions who appeared at the Commission for doing deals to sell out their members, we are in your corner fighting for you.

What has been established is that at no time did the union misspend 1 cent of members’ money for personal use and at no stage did we do any deal to sell out our members.

Commission, The Age and The Herald Sun to inform them that Andrew Zaf had fabricated his evidence.

Ignored by the Commission and by the journalists, Mr Cheetham contacted us as a last resort in order for the truth to see the light of day.

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Its aim has been to make the CFMEU look bad, even if they have to rely on liars and dodgy employers to do so. Mr Cheetham approached the Commission a year ago, but they did nothing about his evidence in order to allow my name and the union’s name to be blackened for as long as possible.

CFMEU WORKER

With your support we will win better pay and conditions for our hardworking members in one of the toughest industries in the country.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday with your family and friends.

John Setka.

SUMMER 2015

The Royal Commission into Trade Unions’ farce is over.

They wasted tens of millions of dollars.

What will the Liberals throw at us next?

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fter almost two years, the Liberals’ Royal Commission into Trade Unions has finally concluded its inquisition.

In their submissions, Counsel Assisting asked the Commission to make various ‘findings’ against the CFMEU and its officials. But in the final submissions filed with the Commission by the CFMEU, these ‘findings’ were demolished and exposed as threadbare, one-sided and lacking understanding of the law.

A partisan and poorly conducted process Counsel Assisting’s case studies have been showcased as a partisan exercise, where they overlooked or ignored relevant laws that provided a complete answer to claims made against the union.

In a submission about alleged inappropriate exercise of right of entry powers by CFMEU officials in the ACT, Counsel Assisting referred only once to the provisions of the Fair Work Act that regulate right of entry. And the section of the Act quoted by Counsel Assisting in these submissions did not even relate to right of entry!

The CFMEU legal team also demonstrated that Counsel Assisting crafted their submissions in a partial manner, accepted all evidence that was unsupportive of the CFMEU (no matter how credible) and rejected evidence from CFMEU officials.

Flawed and flimsy evidence The CFMEU demonstrated in its submissions that Counsel Assisting’s embrace of much of the evidence of Commission

SUMMER 2015

witnesses—including witnesses who conceded lying to the Commission— was flawed and flimsy. The CFMEU further exposed Counsel Assisting as having started out with a theory and position about the CFMEU, and tailoring their case to support that theory—regardless of actual evidence to the contrary and relevant legislation.

The unfair nature of some of the Commission’s proceedings was also highlighted, with Counsel Assisting regularly asking the Commission to make findings against CFMEU officials without giving any notice of

these ‘findings’ were demolished and exposed as threadbare, one-sided and lacking an understanding of relevant laws this to the officials whilst they were being interrogated in the witness box.

The political nature of the Commission has also been reinforced by the leaking of Counsel Assisting’s submissions to the media, and the Commission’s failure to post up CFMEU submissions in response to Counsel Assisting in a timely fashion.

Taxpayer funds wasted that could have been spent on crucial social needs As the Commission winds to an end and its case studies into the CFMEU are exposed as a farce, it’s clear now that the tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer money spent attacking the union could have been better spent on some real problems.

Addressing corporate tax avoidance and providing better services for those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues are just some of the areas where the government might have spent this money more productively.

CFMEU WORKER

05

INSERT COPY From the president

EASY OR HARD? EBA CAMPAIGN – BUILDERS NEED TO HAVE A THINK Ralph Edwards President

Negotiations have commenced with builders to produce a new, improved EBA.

O

fficials are visiting companies with the current EBA and discussing our claims.

At this point (20 Nov 2015), no builder has been prepared to sign up.

So the process – dictated by the Fair Work Act (thanks for nothing Julia Gillard) relentlessly moves toward ‘Protected Action’ against those builders. Protected action is a convoluted process that finally gives a right to take industrial action.

Without protected action any industrial action is illegal and opens the Union and its members to prosecution and fines (again….. thanks Julia Gillard).

Done properly, it does give Unions a chance to take industrial action to get an EBA – but nothing else. Done effectively and with discipline the Union and its members can exert real pressure on builders.

As the industry ramps up with more work and ridiculously tight schedules, builders

will soon recognise we are in a good position. With other Unions – the ETU, Plumbers and Furnishing Trades - also about to commence negotiating new EBAs, the industry is facing a very different industrial landscape next year.

...all sectors of construction have a choice – a negotiated outcome or a highly disruptive brawl We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but it’s going to get done.

Builders across all sectors of construction have a choice – a negotiated outcome or a highly disruptive brawl. They can back the Abbott/Turnbull Government’s failing antiunion agenda:  A re-invigorated ABCC (Also called FWBC – thanks Julia – a different name for the same old enemy) with police powers and a hatred of the CFMEU.

 A new Code that if passed by the Senate before Christmas will outlaw key elements of our EBA and remove more workers rights. … and hope they can get the ABCC and the Courts to stop our EBA campaign. A role ABCC boss, Nigel Hadgkiss, would love to play.

Or… negotiate an EBA that gives decent wage outcomes, re-instates our industrial rights as unionists and workers and puts the Union back in its traditional role on site. An EBA that can produce predictability, stability and productivity across the industry. A position where everyone can make a quid and get on with life.

It’s a simple choice for builders – Code, ABCC, Hadgkiss, Anti-Union ideology and a brawl. Or peace in our time. But whichever choice the builders make, the CFMEU, our members, and other unions have no choice but to prepare for a brawl otherwise no decent EBA, no rights for workers and their Union and a slide into an unsafe, exploitative, de-unionised industry.

So enjoy the Christmas break and come back ready to go.

READY TO FIGHT!

EBA log of claims

e Twelv hourk brea ls

All cas ua to be emp loye d fo r minimum 8 hou rs

y living Awa from h omee Allowanc Adu letntices appr

rease 6% incages and on wel tr avwance al lo

high-vis winter jacket

E BA log

s m i a l c of

What we’re fighting for There’s no doubt this EBA campaign will call on all members to take a stand and protect our wages, conditions and decent standard of living.

It’s going to be a big campaign and possibly a long, hard fight, but if there’s one thing CFMEU Members and our leadership do well, it’s EBA campaigns.

Here’s some of the initial log of claims – dare to struggle, dare to win!  6% increase on wages and travel allowance;

 Living Away from Home Allowance (LAHA) $770 per week + $12 per day incidence allowance;

 Increase Income Protection and Trauma (IPT) cover to $1500 per week;

 All non-site allowance(s) 6% increase per year;

 Minimum site allowance payable from project value $3million for life of agreement;  4 person crane crews written into agreement;  All casuals to be employed for minimum 8 hours;  All casuals engaged for more than 3 weeks in a 3 month period become a full-time employee;  Adult apprentices will be paid minimum Construction Worker Level 1 (CW1) rates;  Double time rate penalty for sham contracting;  No direct employee will be terminated where labour hire employees are performing work that can be done by direct employees;  All visa holders must have Department of Immigration verification of their right to work;

 Independent audit of books paid for by employer;

 All fund payments and leave entitlements shall continue to accrue during period of worker’s compensation;  Any agreed work on scheduled lock-down weekends or the Christmas shutdown and/or Easter lockdown will be at double time and a half (2 1/2 x);  Twelve hour break between overtime and re-commencing next shift including day shift;  Substitution of public holidays which fall on weekends;  Community service leave 5 days;  A high-vis winter jacket will be issued from 1st May each year;  Clothing to be Australian made and issued within 10 days;  Loss of tools compensation up to $2000;  All amenities must be connected by a covered way;

 Principle contractors will be responsible for any funds owing by subies non-compliance;

 Projects over $20 million must employ 3 temporary or permanent disabled workers;

 Super payments: $185 per week rising each year to $215 per week on 1 July 2018. Or super guarantee, whichever is greater.

 Workers over 50, ration 1:6 employees;  Private information protections.

CFMEU WORKER

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INSERT COPY

CFMEU Members Survey 2015

RESULTS: WE’RE LISTENING TO YOU Thank you to around 3,000 members who completed the 2015 CFMEU Member Survey, it was a great response. If you don’t have your say, it’s hard to complain later on. The results are a strong endorsement of the Union’s work on the new EBA, our focus on safety, improving compliance, trades registration, drug and alcohol policy and ABN and visa battles.

1. Delegate Representation Are you satisfied with your Union Delegate on-site? Yes 77% How would you rate their performance?

Poor 12% Average 23% Good 41% Excellent 23% 2. Safety Do you believe safety has improved on site in the last 10 years? Yes 84%

Do you think the Union should be able to directly check whether your funds are being paid into by your employer? Yes 94% 5. Trades Registration Do you think building trades persons eg. Carpenter, Bricklayer, Tiler, Painter, Plasterer, should be licenced registered trades, as are eg.

Electricians & Plumbers? Yes 87%

8. ABNs Do you think ABN workers are breaking down EBA Wages & Conditions? Yes 89% Should the Union seek to get rid of individual ABNs? Yes 88% 9. Visa Workers Do you think there is exploitation of Visa workers in our industry?

Yes 95%

Do you think the Union should run a campaign to end exploitation of Visa workers? Yes 94%

How would you rate the safety?

6. RDOs Which of the following would you prefer?

Do you believe your Safety Rep has the knowledge and training to look after your safety? Yes 87%

Straight 36 hour week, every second Monday off? 32%

10. Drug & Alcohol Testing Do you support drug & alcohol testing on site? Yes 84%

36 hour week calendar with some lockdown weekends? 23%

If yes, which would you prefer? Drug & alcohol testing once a month? 11%

Current calendar which is not every second Monday off but does include long weekends eg Easter Break? 45%

Regular testing of high risk licence holders and those workers involved in dangerous work? 12%

Poor 4% Average 21% Good 58% Excellent 17%

3. Wages Do you believe your Union is maintaining a fair balance between the cost of living and your EBA rates of pay? Yes

92%

Is 6% per year an adequate pay rise?

Yes 92%

7. Christmas Break Would you like a longer shutdown over the Christmas break? Yes 62%

Blanket testing of everyone on site including management? 77%

4. Compliance Funds Are you happy with the current rates that employers are contributing to funds? eg. Incolink & Cbus. Yes 88% Are you happy with the service the compliance funds are offering? eg.

Incolink & Cbus. Yes 92%

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CFMEU WORKER

SUMMER 2015

cfmeu news

Fergie’s Back!

There’ll be a renewed focus on bricklayers with the return of Fergal Doyle to the CFMEU organisers team.

LOCAL JOBS FIGHT IT’S NOT OVER Michael O’Connor, CFMEU National Secretary

The fight over the China FTA may be over but the fight to protect local jobs is not.

A

nd let’s not forget some of the big wins we had in this campaign. For the first time ever:

F

ergie knows bricks, he’s a bricklayer himself and a qualified trainer, but he’ll also be looking after civil projects. For the past few years, Fergie has been stuck indoors behind a desk on the Victorian Building Industry Disputes Panel, so he’s glad to be back on the jobs.

 Where ever there are EBA’s in place, overseas workers now MUST be paid those rates of pay – good for us and good for temporary work visa holders who have been exploited.

Fergie says he’ll be focusing on bricklaying and refactory bricklaying issues, civil, block allowances, site allowances and EBA rates compliance, but encourages anyone to get in touch with any other concerns too. No stranger to the job, Fergie was an Eastern region organiser from 1995 to 2011. Welcome back Fergie!

 On ALL projects over $150m where an overseas company is an investor of 15% or more, jobs MUST be offered to locals first.  All trade qualifications and licenses MUST be obtained within 90 days of a temporary

work Visa holder arriving in Australia and workers CANNOT work until they have them.

There is a long way to go, but these are big wins. Our fight continues. We must:  End Sham contracting  End exploitation wherever it occurs in our industry, and,  Stop the employment of temporary work visa holders unless there is a REAL skill shortage.

You’d better get a lawyer son.

Luckily, we’ve got a real good one!

Joel Winters is heading up and streamlining the CFMEU Legal Department.

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fter graduating in 2000 from the University of Tasmania in Commerce/Law, Joel was admitted in 2001. He worked in Western Australia doing criminal and personal injury work for a couple of years, which led him into union work.

As well as travelling, Joel lived in the UK for almost 10 years and practiced with US and international law firms.

Missing the Aussie sun, he moved back

and was keen to get back into union work, particularly with the CFMEU. With his experience, the CFMEU was a great fit for his skills, but it was really the culture, the size and the strength of the Union that meant he wanted to be here.

In the current political climate of consistent attacks from the Abbott/ Turnbull Government, the CFMEU knew that bringing legal expertise in-house was necessary. Leadership made the decision to employ someone who would reduce the amount of work leaving the CFMEU for outside law firms.

Welcome Joel—our latest weapon in the fight for workers’ rights.

SUMMER 2015

CFMEU WORKER

09

INSERT COPY From the ASSISTANT Secretary

Turnbull no friend of the worker Shaun Reardon Assistant Secretary

On more than one occasion, I have heard someone say: ‘I’d never vote for the Liberals under Abbott, but if Turnbull were leader, I might consider it.’

T

he truth is, Turnbull is Liberal through and through. He may have gotten rid of knights and dames, wear leather jackets and speak more eloquently, but there was a reason why the big end of town rushed to pop the champagne when he became Prime Minister. He is one of them.

Turnbull may act like a charmer who reads poetry, but in reality he is a very wealthy man who has always been on the side of big business.

Turnbull is the richest person to ever hold the job. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group hailed him as one of their own when he took the job and urged him to get moving and adopt measures such as ‘flexible workplace arrangements’ –code for attacking workers’ pay and conditions.

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Turnbull won’t hesitate because he is committed to the free market – which means let the rich get rich without interfering and the rest looks after itself – except when it comes to working people.

They can’t have penalty rates or a raise in the minimum wage because that would discourage employers from hiring people.

He is on the record as saying that unfair dismissal laws are a ‘tax on employment.’

One of the big ticket items that he has been pushing is Tax Reform. While insisting the reform has to be ‘fair’ and not disadvantage those who are less well off – which sounds heartwarming – all the available evidence suggests that his reforms will hurt working people the most, while his rich friends will remain unscathed.

It’s worth remembering that Turnbull supported the $7 Medicare co payment in last year’s Federal Budget and there is talk of allowing insurance companies to cover GP visits – a move that undermines a fair and accessible health system.

Turnbull may act like a charmer who reads poetry, but in reality he is a very wealthy man who has always been on the side of big business.

He may play the nice guy, but he’s no friend of ours.

Research done by the Australian Council of Social Services in relation to Turnbull’s GST proposal shows that the poorest 60 per cent of households would be worse off and the richest 40 per cent would benefit, at the expense of others.

The research also showed that raising the GST to 15 per cent to fund personal income tax cuts would do nothing to ease pressure on state health, education and welfare budgets.

CFMEU WORKER

Why hello... my insignificant worms.

Malcolm Turnbu ll. PM

for the rich.

Malcolm Turnb

PM for the ricull h.

SUMMER 2015

stop the code

HE T P O T S CODE WHAT’S UP FOR GRABS IF THE NEW BUILDING CODE IS INTRODUCED RDOs and XMAS  YOURDO WN BREAK

SHUT RIGHT TO BE  YOURUL CONS TED BY THE BOSS ABOUT MAJOR CHANGES TO YOUR EMPLOYMENT GHT TO PROMOTE  YOUR RIIO THE UN N AND WEAR THE UNION LOGO GHT OF SHOP  THE RIAR STEW DS TO HAVE FACILITIES ON SITE AND TO BE INVOLVED IN INDUCTIONS SECURITY OF  YOUROY EMPL MENT – THE CODE STOPS ANY REGULATION ON THE USE OF SUBBIES Even the boss can’t invite the union on site without the union giving 24 hours notice.

Even the boss can’t allow you to wear the union logo.

SUMMER 2015

Potential effects of the new Building and Construction Code on workers’ rights and conditions of employment:

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he new code will apply to building contractors tendering for any Commonwealth funded work.

The employer/contractor’s EBA must be code compliant or they can’t tender for work.

In order for the EBA to be compliant it CAN’T contain clauses that: Limit employer’s ability to dictate WHEN and WHERE work is performed for example: R ostered Days Off C hristmas and Easter Shutdown H ours of Work O vertime and penalty rates L imit employer’s ability to engage contractors eg: C ontractors clause S ecurity of Employment clauses A llow union involvement in inductions P rovide facilities on site for union use M ost of the conditions that the union has fought for are at risk.

In addition, to be code compliant employers/contractors can’t: A t any time allow union officials on-site without union giving 24 hours’ notice A llow union logos on uniforms, work clothes etc. E mploy a non-working shop steward A llow ‘show card’ days

CFMEU WORKER

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INSERT COPY

’ a r i o M t n i a ‘S & kids get early Xmas

99 The boys accross the road at LU Simon help with putting in decking and a wheelchair ramp.

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CFMEU WORKER

SUMMER 2015

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cfmeu lends a hand

Moira Kelly is a good friend of the CFMEU. So when she took on the responsibility of caring for conjoined twins, Krishna and Trishna, following the operation to separate them, the CFMEU didn’t hesitate to give her a chop out.

T

he CFMEU have sponsored Krishna and Trishna’s additional study and educational support.

On the back of this support John Setka and Shaun Reardon have personally taken an interest in Moira’s day-to-day work (or Saint Moira, as she’s sometimes known around the office).

Recently John and Shaun dropped in to see Moira and drop off some presents for the kids that live at her house.

Moira is currently looking after six kids with a range of disabilities.

Moira has devoted her whole life to charity work and those special causes close to her heart that just ‘make the world a better place‘.

While at the house, John and Shaun realised that Moira couldn’t afford to put in decking and a wheelchair ramp on the shoe string budget she has to look after the children in her care. So when they spotted the CFMEU flags flying on the LU Simon job just across the road, they knew help wasn’t far away. And the CFMEU reps and site management didn’t hesitate to chip in.

The response of the blokes was fantastic ‘When we first found out about the work she was doing we had a tool box for her and put the hat around. We raised $2,000 right there and then.

When they realised someone has dropped her whole life to help out these kids, the blokes had no problem putting their hands in their pockets,’ Darko Misic, shop steward said.

The job of getting the ground levelled, the formwork and the decking done was a real team effort with CFMEU members, LU Simon management and various subbies chipping in.

Once the job had been done Moira went across the road to thank the guys.

‘It was surreal for all the boys because she brought all the kids over and we could see the kids and the problems that they faced. We all had a real think about the kind of crap we complain about day-to-day. To see them have a smile on their face

brought us all back to reality,’ James Simpson deputy steward said.

When someone’s in need, CFMEU members don’t hesitate to do the right thing SUMMER 2015

‘It’s times like these that I couldn’t be more proud of the membership.

When someone’s in need, CFMEU members don’t hesitate to do the right thing,’ John Setka said.

The relationship between the job and Moira and her kids continues and there are plans to put the hat around at Christmas time. As the LU Simon job winds up, Darko and Simmo plan to pass on that relationship to the Hacer job that’s starting up around the corner.

To donate, go to: moirakellyaustralia.com

CFMEU WORKER

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elias on membership

Membership Up, and it’s good for the economy Elias Spernovasilis Assistant Secretary

I’m happy to be able to report some good news in what has been a very tough year for the union.

T

he CFMEU has seen membership rise in the last quarter, bucking the trend of a drop in union numbers in Australia.

The fact is that when unions are stronger the economy as a whole does better.

Unions are good for the economy because higher wages for members increases their spending power, which in turn creates jobs.

When unions are weak and bosses are let loose, corporations hoard their cash, job growth slows, and inequality deepens.

We are not only still here, we are growing.

We can be proud that despite the Liberals’ attempts to stop us from doing our job through the ABCC, the Royal Commission and their friends in some parts of the media that operate as their propaganda machine, we’re still around.

However, all of us should be concerned about the latest ABS figures that show only 15% of Australia’s workforce are union members – an all time low.

While we work hard to organise in the construction industry and campaign for good pay and conditions, we need strong unions across all industries.

The truth is, that all the improvements in working conditions were won by workers acting collectively.

This is why today, both in Australia and around the world, corporate profits have hit record highs while wages remain stagnant.

That’s right. Despite all the hysteria from the business world about how overpaid we

are, sluggish wage growth in reality means that Australians are getting poorer.

But you won’t see that reported on the front page of the Herald Sun during our next EBA campaign.

The low union rates in other sectors means that the media and the big end of town portrays unions like the CFMEU as seeking privileges and outrageous working conditions that we somehow don’t deserve.

In actual fact we are simply doing our job: being a strong effective union and getting the best deal for our members in an industry that provides plenty of names for Australia’s rich list.

Too many workers with no experience of unionism believe that they can succeed in getting ahead on their own. The truth is, that all the improvements in working conditions were won by workers acting collectively.

That’s why it’s in your interest to get active in your union and encourage others do the same.

Australia's most powerful union A merger of the CFMEU, MUA and TCFUA would create Australia's most powerful union, better serving all members. The mergers would strengthen our political power, because the struggle isn't just about

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increasing wages, or creating a safe work site, there is also a bigger fight for justice.

This move will be beneficial to not just the members of the CFMEU, MUA and TCFUA,

CFMEU WORKER

but will lead the way for all working men and women.The MUA and TCFUA are campaigning unions ready to build a better, fairer and more progressive country.

SUMMER 2015

Johnny Lomax cleared A hi-vis Haka and a rally of hundreds of Members greeted CFMEU organiser and rugby legend Johnny Lomax when he attended court to be cleared finally of trumped-up charges.

‘John Lomax’s good name has been restored!’ declared CFMEU Construction Division National Secretary Dave Noonan.

Noonan also said the charges should never have been brought and the case had created grave concerns about the politicisation of the Federal Police.

‘This disgraceful prosecution should never have eventuated. The AFP should not be dragged into the middle of the Federal Government’s war against unions and against organised labour.’

Lomax told the rally: ‘Me and my family have been through a bit of hell these last ten weeks. I’m just here to fight for workers’ rights, and that’s something I’ll keep doing.

‘I’m really thankful that I have a lot of support but I want my name cleared because I have done nothing wrong in this job.’

Lomax victory enormous waste of taxpayers’ money when the resources of the Australian Federal Police are used in this way, particularly given there are more pressing issues of national significance for them to focus on.

‘Equally, we should be concerned that in a democracy such as ours, the police are not used as tools to further political agendas.’

99 Dave Noonan, Johnny Lomax & Dean Hall outside court

Vindication, but with personal cost Costs have been awarded in the CFMEU’s favour, but not before John Lomax’s name was dragged through the mud for no good reason.

The prosecution simply had no case to answer. ‘This is not a dismissal on a technicality. This is a slam dunk,’ said Dave Noonan.

But unfair damage has been done to Lomax. He has asked his lawyers for advice on pursuing a wrongful arrest case against the Federal Police.

Fighting for higher wages is not a crime.

‘We argued from the outset that Mr Lomax was doing nothing other than advocating higher wages for the Union’s members— which is in fact his job,’ Dave Noonan said.

‘Everyone should be concerned at the

I’m just here to fIght for

workers’ rights!

99 Johnny Lomax with a supporter outside court

99 The boys perform a traditional Haka

SUMMER 2015

CFMEU WORKER

015

INSERTthe living COPY biggest con job in history

The rich are becoming richer the poor poorer In 2015, Oxfam released a report that confirmed what all those people around the world who struggle to earn a living and make ends meet already know: that the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer.

Hard evidence from Oxfam The report shows that the best-off 1% of the population increased their share of the world’s wealth from 44% in 2009 to 48% in 2014, while the least well-off 80% currently own just 5.5%.

Oxfam added that, based on current trends, the richest 1% would own more than 50% of the world’s wealth by 2016.

Oxfam made headlines in 2014 with a study showing that the 85 richest people on the planet possess the same wealth as the poorest 50% (3.5 billion people).

That comparison is even starker this year, with just 80 people worldwide—down from 388 in 2010—owning the same amount of wealth as more than 3.5 billion people.

Reversing the inequality trend: calling on world leaders for action But according to Oxfam, rising inequality is not inevitable.

They are calling on world leaders to address the factors that created today’s inequality explosion and to implement policies that redistribute money and power from the few to the many.

Joining Oxfam in their condemnation of this trend and calling for changes are Pope Francis and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director Christine Lagarde. The say our world will be severely damaged if rising inequality is left unchecked.

Oxfam’s plan to tackle inequality includes:  clamping down on tax dodging by corporations and rich individuals  investing in universal, free public services such as health and education  sharing the tax burden fairly, shifting taxation from labour and consumption towards capital and wealth

...social reforms in Australia did not come from the rich and the powerful. They have been won by the people...

1% 50%

own more than of the worlds weath

016

Oxfam’s plan

CFMEU WORKER

 introducing minimum wages and moving towards a living wage for all workers  introducing equal pay legislation and promoting economic policies to give women a fair deal  ensuring adequate safetynets for the poorest, including a minimumincome guarantee

10% 45% SUMMER 2015

John Falzon from INSERT st vinnie’s COPY

When it comes to addressing inequality, John Falzon doesn’t mince words. As the CEO of the national St Vincent de Paul Society, he is confronted by it daily—and instead of making him despair, it only inspires him further to fight for its eradication.

AND  agreeing on a global goal to tackle inequality.

Inequality in Australia is significant, and growing While inequality in Australia is not extreme by international comparison, it is nonetheless higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.

Wealth in Australia is highly concentrated, with the top 10% holding 45% of all wealth.

And, according to a 2015 report by the Australian Council of Social Services, we are moving in the wrong direction. The average wealth of a person in the top 20% increased by 28% in the last eight years, while it increased by only 3 % for the bottom 20%.

Many people, particularly younger generations, are now finding it harder to enter the housing market. Home ownership rates have declined since 1981, with the declines greatest amongst young people aged 25 to 34.

% %

own more than of AUSTRALIA’S weath

We’ve all been sucked in W

e only have one common enemy’, he says. ‘It’s called inequality. And no matter how long it takes, we will win against this enemy.

Falzon believes that the roots of inequality in Australia stem from the dispossession of the first people who continue to live with the inequality that they were violently subjected to.

He also believes that attacking the unemployed and blaming the poor for their predicament makes no sense since capitalism is a system that puts profits before people and means the necessities of life are available only to those who can afford it.

power,’ he says. ‘People are locked out of quality housing, health care and education— which are seen as the basics of life.’

Falzon calls the ‘trickle down effect’—where the unregulated market allows the rich to get richer so that money trickles down to the rest of us—the biggest con job in history.

‘We have all been sucked in. We have waited and waited and we still can’t hear the trickle of wealth coming down … Our hard won rights are being whittled away—and we are supposed to rejoice in this because of what we will supposedly get out of it, but in actual fact, most of us are worse off.

‘Many people are forced to live in extreme

‘The poor can’t participate because they don’t have the spending

SUMMER 2015

more on next page CFMEU WORKER

017

the rich are getting richer

The Rich Li$t Next time you experience a boss pushing a job too fast, or you see corners cut and safety compromised, or you hear that construction workers earn too much, remember this list of what some top executives in the industry are earning.

of a person While the average wealthby 28% in in the top 20% increased eased by the last eight years, it incr %. only 3 % for the bottom 20

Hamish Tyrwhitt

When it comes to EBA negotiations, remember that on average this list of executives had 25% salary increases year-on-year. That includes Boral CEO Mike Kane, whose salary more than doubled from $2 million to $4.6 million. Meanwhile, Boral had

15 workplace deaths in 10 years.

Stockland CEO Mike Steinert got a 200% pay increase, from $1.1 million to $3.4 million.

Transfield, notorious for their poor treatment of workers and anti-union stance, increased CEO Graeme Hunt’s salary by more than 40%.

Have a look at what these fat cats from our industry earn!

Graeme Hunt

Mike Kane

Mark Steinert

Stephen McCann

Salary

Susan LloydHurwitz Mirvac Group Salary

Salary

Salary

Salary

Salary

a one year increase of

a one year increase of

a one year increase of

a one year increase of

a one year increase of

a one year increase of

Leighton Holdings

$5,500,842

$3,693,762

Transfield Services

$3,084,731

Boral

$4,608,500

Stockland

$3,365,549

Lend Lease Group

$6,189,000

39%

43%

41 %

125%

201%

10%

That’s

That’s

That’s

That’s

That’s

That’s

a week!

a week!

a week!

a week!

a week!

a week!

$105,785

$71,033

$59,321

$88,625

$64,722

$119,019

from previous page We’ve all been sucked in poverty and deprivation and you’ve got Malcolm Turnbull saying “we are living in exciting times”. It’s not exciting when you have to struggle every day – an unacceptable thing in such a prosperous country as Australia.’

018

Solidarity in fighting the common enemy: inequality With his roots in the migrant working class—his father developed cancer from working with industrial solvents— Falzon has first-hand knowledge of the importance of workers’ struggles for improved rights.

He understands that turning things around requires all of us working together, that solidarity is crucial to achieve change.

We have to hold governments accountable and become politically active. Politics shouldn’t be left to the politicians.

‘It’s our greatest and only weapon and it gives us the power to make a difference … We have to challenge the dominant way of thinking which blames the victim.

‘After all, all of the great social reforms in Australia did not come from the rich and the powerful. They have been won by the people under the guiding stars of struggle and hope.’

CFMEU WORKER

SUMMER 2015

the rich are getting richer

Name

ny Compa

$alary

Last year

Change (YoY, %)

Industry

Peter Lowy

Westfield Group

9,301,330

11,520,216

-19

REITS

Steven Lowy

Westfield Group

9,300,444

10,949,919

-15

REITS

Gregory Goodman

Goodman Group

6,469,298

6,046,618

7

REITS

Stephen McCann

Lend Lease Group

6,189,000

5,648,000

10

Real Estate

Hamish Tyrwhitt

Leighton Holdings

5,500,842

3,946,647

39

Engineering & Construction

Grant Fenn

Downer EDI

4,718,591

4,122,697

14

Engineering & Construction

Mike Kane

Boral

4,608,500

2,044,400

125

Building Materials

Michael Cameron

GPT Group

4,332,558

4,515,256

-4

REITS

Mark Chellew

Adelaide Brighton

4,188,689

3,869,155

8

wBuilding Materials

Steven Sewell

Federation Centres

3,991,908

3,089,057

29

REITS

Domenic Panaccio

Westfield Retail Trust

3,723,000

3,775,000

-1

REITS

Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz

Mirvac Group

3,693,762

2,578,889

43

REITS

Darren Steinberg

Dexus Property

3,612,871

3,703,984

-2

REITS

Mark Adamson

Fletcher Building

3,466,174

-

Mark Steinert

Stockland

3,365,549

1,119,248

201

REITS

Brendan Gore

Peet

3,283,483

1,719,450

91

Real Estate

Galdino Claro

Sims Metal Management

3,123,760

-

Graeme Hunt

Transfield Services

3,084,731

2,189,728

41

Engineering & Construction

Paul Dalgleish

Rcr Tomlinson

2,844,555

2,499,442

14

Engineering & Construction

David Harrison

Charter Hall

2,843,473

2,199,603

29

Real Estate

David Southon

Charter Hall

2,826,387

2,160,157

31

Real Estate

Rob Sindel

CSR

2,593,278

1,600,475

62

Building Materials

Bob Johnston

Australand Property Group

2,560,057

2,597,849

-1

REITS

Frank Wolf

Abacus Property

2,411,006

2,234,790

8

REITS

Lindsay Partridge

Brickworks

2,266,893

2,090,586

8

Building Materials

Andrew Wood

WorleyParsons

2,069,802

1,787,918

16

Engineering & Construction

Ross Carroll

Macmahon Holdings

1,726,776

1,505,949

15

Engineering & Construction

Timothy Collyer

Growthpoint Properties

1,701,085

1,564,737

9

REITS

Julian Pemberton

NRW Holdings

1,692,840

1,862,801

-9

Engineering & Construction

Scott Criddle

Decmil Group

1,639,205

1,587,664

3

Engineering & Construction

Richard O'Brien

Boart Longyear

1,538,388

-

Chong Soon Kong

United Overseas Australia

1,528,219

979,159

56

Real Estate

Paul Weightman

Cromwell Property

1,428,835

1,413,666

1

REITS

Robert Velletri

Monadelphous Group

1,341,870

1,644,810

-18

Engineering & Construction

Nicholas Jukes

Sedgman

1,266,495

1,554,479

-19

Engineering & Construction

Simon Owen

Ingenia Communities

1,252,128

643,255

95

REITS

Paul Sadleir

Cedar Woods Properties

1,230,768

1,137,199

8

Real Estate

Andrew Buckley

Cardno

1,131,573

1,503,961

-25

Engineering & Construction

Zimi Meka

Ausenco

1,127,567

1,226,255

-8

Engineering & Construction

Anthony Mellowes

Shopping Centres Australia Property Group

1,121,261

742,641

51

REITS

Darren Pateman

Finbar Group

1,109,214

1,002,079

11

Real Estate

Geoffrey Grady

Aveo

1,060,783

557,851

90

Real Estate

David McAdam

Seymour Whyte

1,060,282

768,118

38

Engineering & Construction

Martin Monro

Watpac

1,021,184

1,013,478

1

Engineering & Construction

Clem Salwin

Aspen Group

994,871

-

SUMMER 2015

Building Materials

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

Engineering & Construction

REITS

CFMEU WORKER

019

fun fighting fitness

of t The small garage gym run by scaffolder Ben Smullen may seem like a world away from the UFC 193 event with over 50,000 people at Etihad Stadium, but it’s a small world it seems.

B

en recently started up his own gym, Smullen Muay Thai, after extending his garage with some scaffolding, clearing it out for a ring and hanging some bags.

He’s had a 5am start, but now he’s running five guys through an intense training session of shadow boxing, skipping, bags and pads.

‘After a day of scaffolding, this is a ball,’ says Ben. Ben took up martial arts at 13 years old after watching too many Jackie Chan and Van Damme movies. He had his first fight two weeks after his 18th birthday.

As well as spending time in Thailand developing his specialty of Thai Boxing, Ben’s fought around the world. He won the Australian Muay Thai Championship in 2007.

For the Aussie title fight, Ben had one-week’s notice, but he’d beaten the opponent, Daniel Shearing, before. So he hit the gym, dropped a few kilograms and knocked Shearing out in the first round.

020

Ben reckons gyms can be like bosses—the owners get a bit greedy—so he decided to start his own for fun and fitness.

Just recently, Ben met UFC pro fighter Jake Matthews through an old foe. He has started working with Jake, particularly on grappling, as part of his training team.

It’s a great opportunity for Ben and shows just what his little gym in Preston has to offer.

Contact Ben for more info on Smullen Muay Thai for ‘Fun Fighting Fitness’: smullenmuaythai@gmail.com

enough fighting, but the training is good for his fitness.

99 Ben and Jimmy a sparring session

Another one of Ben’s Smullen Muay Thai students, Jimmy, also goes there to get fit and is looking to start his own gym longer term. He’s into general martial arts, but unlike Jarrod, he’s keen to fight. Amateur or professional, he isn’t fussed, but he’s been training for about five years and he’s just about ready. At the moment he’s busy

in

99 Ben Smullen at Smullen Muay Thai

As Ben says: ‘If you don’t fight, you’re not going to get what you want.’

Ben’s students: the satisfaction of being fighting fit Like Ben, Jarrod is a scaffolder.

He worked with Ben a long time ago, but they stayed connected.

He will probably always remember Ben as the guy who dropped his fridge.

After 15 years as a bouncer, Jarrod reckons he’s done

looking for work, but martial arts looks after his general health, builds his skills and gives him self-defence training and confidence.

According to Jim, mixed martial arts (MMA) provide a ‘gentleness’, and there certainly is a calmness about these guys. He reckons the training gives him a presence of mind and body, as well as self control and discipline.

While Jim says he might be too old to fight, he points

CFMEU WORKER

SUMMER 2016

fun fighting fitness

the north 99 The boys at ai Smullen Muay Th

99 Jake Matthews at

out you’re almost never too old for MMA, with guys fighting at close to 50.

Ben’s student, Simon, says self-defence is good for you mentally. He reckons men can be angry creatures, so it’s good to have an outlet.

He’s played a bit of soccer, but MMA is just a sport that’s a bit more fun and ‘dangerous’, but with less injuries. Simon doesn’t want to fight either: he’s just there for fun and fitness.

As a big guy, Simon finds he can lose out in speed and balance, but MMA training develops both of these.

It’s all about using what you’ve got and finding your opponent’s weakness.

XLR8 Training Centre

The XLR8 Training Centre: a gym based on family values Jake Matthews credits his dad Mick for his meteoric rise as a pro fighter with the UFC. Jake was playing footy and training in the off-season to keep fit, and he was skilled. Despite not being tall, he kept getting picked for footy teams purely for his ability. Just two weeks after Jake’s 16th birthday, Mick asked him, ‘Do you want to fight?’ After his first one, Jake never looked back.

Now, as well as studying science at university, Jake’s running his own gym around his own intense training regime.

becoming an extended family as students become friends.

Known as the XLR8 Family, they organise something social every month—outdoors stuff like ropes, wake boarding and dinners.

Mick and Jake have noticed the connection between MMA and the construction industry: they say half of their students are in it. They’ve also noticed the long hours these students work, with many missing out on training, particularly in the lead up to the Christmas break.

At 21 years old, Jake is the third youngest fighter on the current UFC roster. Students at his XLR8 Training Centre in Epping are between 17-35 years old.

Find out more: xlr8trainingcentre.com.au

The gym, XLR8 Training Centre, is 99 Ben’s ie 2007 Auss ip sh champion al ed m lt be

not e ’r u o y , t h g fi ’t n o If you d nt. a w u o y t a h w t e g o going t SUMMER 2016

CFMEU WORKER

021

Colin Butlers Valiant

or no ca help from friends with bits and pieces, it’s looking and running alright.

MOPAR, a combination of ‘MOtor and PARts’ is a good description of Colin Butler’s 1964 model Chrysler Valiant AP5.

I

t was half in its grave when Colin bought it, but after a bit of body work and some

Featuring a 273 V8 engine, it’s a 4 speed manual (with chrome skull stick) with a 9 inch rear end.

Colin lowered his pride and joy of course and it sports 2 1/2 inch stainless steel exhaust, front disc brakes, bucket seats and wheels off a Mustang.

It’s not just a trophy for Colin, as he says ‘there’s no point in having something you can’t drive’. He bought the car four years ago and after two years of work and almost a full restoration he’s been driving it

to work once a week when the weather’s ok.

‘I don’t want it sitting in the garage’, he says. “I love getting it out.”

Another source of pride is that the 1964 model was the first Australian designed and built Valiant in Australia.

The AP stands for Australian Production.

It’s a fine sight on the $24 million Carey Grammar job where Colin’s working.

Got a good story, hobby or something to share in your Union magazine? Contact Jon: jons@vic.cfmeu.asn.au or call the office: 9341 3444

8 Week CFMEU sponsorship gets Organiser Peter Clark and community on track to good health.

W

hen Peter Clark asked the CFMEU to support the 2015 Challenge, he got an immediate yes.

‘The average punter would be very surprised to know the amount of support the CFMEU gives to local communities,’ said Peter.

Peter first joined Platinum Health gym about five years ago, but like a lot of people his training was very spasmodic. It wasn’t until the 8 Week Fitness challenge that he started to get some consistency.

022

At this stage, Adam had started to work at the gym part time.

When the opportunity came along for him to purchase the gym, he jumped on it. Adam completely revamped the place and his fresh ideas have seen his gym membership grow three-fold.

Platinum Health in Sunshine is different to many gyms, with a great community spirit and social events, as well as helping several charities. The gym also has a clinic which provides massage, myotherapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic

CFMEU WORKER

and nutritional services. Adam also sells fitness equipment through his company Bodytek Fitness Co.

The average punter would be very surprised to know the amount of support the CFMEU gives to local communities SUMMER 2015

Colin Butlers Valiant

ar

k Fitness Transformation 2015 It’s certainly worked for Peter.

As well as doing six workouts a week at the gym, he also trains at ‘Designed for Livin’ in Ingles St, Port Melbourne learning Taekwondo two nights a week and boxing one night a week.

Keeping fit and healthy is important for everyone, particularly in an industry that can take a physical toll.

Valid until the 29th February 2016, these specials are for CFMEU Members only:  3 month Fitness Centre membership at just $199 upfront with no joining fee (Total saving of $79.00).  3 month Fitness Centre membership at just $15.95

Direct Debit per week with no joining fee for the first 3 months (Normally $21.95 per week).  10% Off any Nutritional Supplements and Fitness Equipment from Bodytek Fitness Co.

* Must mention CFMEU upon booking. Conditions apply.

Phone: 03 9311 8271 Address: 151A Anderson Rd, Sunshine

platinumhealth.net.au

 1 Hour Remedial Massages for just $67 (normally $77)

Gym owners Adam and Emma are a young couple, they just had their first baby a couple of months ago and are genuinely having a crack at life. They would like to thank the CFMEU for our support with some Member-only specials.

SUMMER 2015

CFMEU WORKER

023

INSERT MENS HEALTH COPY

1 in 5 MEN

EE check-up now!

FR will get Prostate Cancer. Get your

99 Have a game of darts while you wait!

The CFMEU never compromises on health and safety.

W

e are known for our strong stand on all aspects of OHS. We are also aware that our members work hard and often overlook their own health.

We want to make sure that the statistics are for—and not against—you.

Beat the odds with early detection 1 in 5 men in Australia develops prostate cancer before the age of 85. Early detection is key to successful treatment and survival.

Prostate Cancer Centre constructed with CFMEU goodwill We want you to have a long and enjoyable retirement, and becoming proactive about your health is key. To help safeguard men’s health, the Australian Prostate Cancer Research (APCR) have recently opened the first public, bulkbilling Prostate Cancer Centre specialising in all issues below the belt.

CFMEU played a huge part in building the free-to-the-public centre: members and friends in the industry donated much of the labour and materials.

Maben’s Damian Marasco recalls: ‘A simple phone call saw a crane arrive, free, on time,

Bring your Medicare card for a FREE checkup!

22 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne.

8373 7600 with no problems. We ran out of plaster, made a call, and two hours later there was a supplier at the door with 25 sheets. At one crisis point, 16 plasterers turned up on their RDO.’

Located at 22 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne, this is a place where blokes can finally feel relaxed while looking after themselves. The Centre’s waiting room has fantastic views, and you can play darts or put on the indoor green while you wait for your appointment. You’ll be looked after by specialists who have access to the latest technology to make an assessment quick and hassle free.

Come in for a free health check. No excuses!

Check out prostatecentre.org.au

99 John Setka getting the all-clear.

Setka gets checked It’s a breeze!

CFMEU State Secretary John Setka led the way, getting his free health check at the APCR Centre. Although he is a health-conscious person, John hadn’t done this critical check-up before and was glad to when he heard that prostate cancer is affecting 1 in 5 men.

It was quick, free and no hassle. John strongly encourages all members to get down to the centre for a health check.

‘Members helped build this place, it’s great. Now it’s time to take advantage of it and get checked.’

1 in 5 is a scary statistic. Over 30% more men die in Australia from prostate cancer than women do from breast cancer.’

Be sure to tell your workmates, friends and family to get their checkups too.

99 John Setka with Professor Tony Costello, not nervous at all!

024

CFMEU WORKER

SUMMER 2015

stay safe this summer

Staying safe through the

PARTY SEASON Incolink’s messages to members at this time of year are:

The Festive Season can easily turn into the ‘Silly Season’. The holiday period generally means an increase in social activities, less time at routine activities such as work, and this can mean increased alcohol consumption.

330ml can of beer

1

 Look after yourself at all times;  Exercise appropriate control; and  Don’t let any negative situations affect you.

Plan for each social occasion or situation where you will be drinking alcohol, by deciding how much you want to drink and then think about ways of sticking to your limit. Remember, getting into ‘shouts’ makes it more difficult to control the rate and the amount you drink.

100ml glass of table wine

1

335ml bottle of RTD

2.1

STANDARD DRINKS SUMMER 2015

The chance of drivers being breath-tested this time of year is significantly increased.

Penalties for drink and drug driving are becoming harsher and you should consider the effects on lifestyle and sometimes on employment if you lose your licence.

Over the holiday period if you or someone you know needs support and treatment to deal with alcohol or other drug-related issues contact DirectLine on 1800 888 236.

750ml bottle of wine

7.7

STAYING UNDER .05

Standard drinks guide What is a standard drink?

Standard drinks measure the amount of pure alcohol you are drinking. One standard drink equals 10 grams of pure alcohol.

Often a glass or stubbie can contain more than one standard drink.

1000ml bottle of spirits

37

3 litre cask of wine

30

y under 0.05: As a general rule, to sta

rd drinks in the first Men can have 2 standa owing hour hour and 1 drink each foll 1 standard drink in women can have only following hour the first hour and 1 each

CFMEU WORKER

025

INSERT COPY

R O S DRUG HOL ALCO WORK T A T NO Safer workplaces, and support for workers The time is now to confront an old demon: alcohol …

Alcohol has always been a challenge for workers in construction. Thirty years ago, it wasn’t uncommon for workers to head across to the pub at lunch for a couple of pots, or for the boss to use a few slabs as an incentive. But as society has changed, attitudes towards alcohol on site have changed as well.

No one wants to work next to someone who puts their life, or the lives of other workers, at risk by being drunk on the job.

… And to confront the newer demons: drugs, in particular, Ice Now, just like the rest of society, construction workers have to face up to the new challenge of drug use on site—in particular, Ice. ‘Ice has been a real game changer. We’ve all seen the shocking effects it can have on friends and families and I think it’s really focused all of our attention on the need for a new approach,’ says CFMEU State Secretary, John Setka.

The union understands these challenges. The government?

Not so much.

The response from our old mate Eric Abetz was typical. After getting the sack as the Minister for Industrial Relations, he used his last day on the job to try to stick the boot in. He announced an amendment to the Federal Building Code that mandated drug and alcohol testing on all jobs with Federal Government money.

The contrast is stark. The CFMEU policy is founded on the principles of:  education  support  counselling  rehabilitation, and  industry cooperation The Liberal amendment to the Code is just political point scoring, with:  no concern for those workers who have drug or alcohol problems

 no requirement for companies to provide support for those workers who seek help, and  no additional money for beds to treat those with addictions.

So we’re not going to pretend that we weren’t amused when a leaked letter from the Australian Industry Group (AIG) to Minister Abetz complaining about the amendment found its way to our offices.

We were even more amused when the new minister had to push their implementation date back by four months because of the AIG and MBA response.

No one wants to work next to someone who puts their life, or the lives of other workers, at risk by being drunk on the job.

Don’t let a dangerous job become more dangerous Easily accessible and relatively cheap drugs, like Ice, are a problem for our whole community. Construction work is already dangerous. When compounded by long working hours and high pressure working conditions, the issues for workers are magnified.

The CFMEU is proud of the work that has been done in this space, but attitudes on site towards drugs and alcohol need to change. The ways of the past need to

Support for workers means safer workplaces The CFMEU has been a leader in this space. Over the course of the last two years, the CFMEU has worked with the other building industry unions to develop a comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Management Program (DAMP). Our policy:  promotes a collaborative approach  provides for self-testing  ensures that everyone on site, from the peggy to the site manager, is subject to testing  is now being rolled out around Victoria.

026

CFMEU WORKER

SUMMER 2015

INSERT COPY

stay there. These are deadly issues, and your union takes them deadly seriously.

The CFMEU will be there to provide you with education, support, counselling and rehabilitation.

information on the DAMP rollout.

For assistance with drug and alcohol issues, contact Incolink Member services on (03) 9668 3061.

We’re committed to being part of the solution.

Talk to your CFMEU Organiser for more

MEMBERSHIP’S

UP!

Up 2000 in 12 months.

They fight us, we grow stronger.

notatwork.com.au SUMMER 2015

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SUMMER 2015

UR O Y GET

S T SHIR W O N

These shirts and more online at vic.cfmeushop.com.au

INSERT COPY just the facts please

health and safety standards.

separating facts from fiction!

By Dr Gerry Ayers, CFMEU Safety Unit manager.

A recent article in The Australian (Murdoch) newspaper (Oct 6: Rain, hail or shine—the secret of US productivity) suggested that the US construction industry was far more productive than Australia’s.

W

hy? Because, among other things, we don’t work in extreme heat and rain due to very good health and safety reasons, but they do!

In fact, we’re so vigilant on health and safety here in Victoria that right wing conservative organisations and individuals, like The Australian and Mike Kane from Boral, continually try to claim that it’s

the unions—primarily the CFMEU—who are responsible for poor productivity in our industry. This is an especially strong agenda here in Victoria.

Well, Mike Kane and The Australian; let’s separate fact from fiction, shall we?

874 DEATHS

29 DEATHS

Fact: more US deaths When we talk about safety and look at the official figures from the United States Department of Labor—their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)— I have good reason to be proud of being part of the CFMEU and our fight for better

Generosity follows tragedy at MC

Why? Because a staggering 874 construction workers died in the US construction industry in 2014. In Australia, our Safe Work Australia official statistics show 29 construction workers died. Now, 29 are far too many—we know that—and we’ll continue to fight to prevent any construction workers getting killed in our industry. But in comparing that to the 874 US construction industry worker deaths, which country would you rather work in?

Fact: Australian productivity higher than conservatives acknowledge Oh, and just for the record, regarding productivity—a recent research report, titled Productivity in the Construction Industry that was conducted by the independent research body The Australian Institute, stated that, ‘... Australian construction is a highly productive industry displaying SOLID PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH. Recent Treasury figures suggest Australian construction’s labour productivity is TWICE the US figure …’

Now, why do you think the The Australian and people like Mike Kane never write about or mention any of the above factual information in their diatribes … hmmm … I wonder!

MC Members got behind a long term labourer after his wife suddenly passed away at 33 years old. Donations flooded in after the tragic news to ensure he and his two young daughters, aged two and six, were supported.

Generous Members continue to donate, with up to $12,000 raised in the first week. Shop Steward Brad McNiven sends a big thank you to MC Members at Eastland Shopping Centre with a big part of the money raised coming from that job.

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Slater + Gordon we've got your back

INSERT COPY

1-in-3 workers identify safety hazards One-in-three Australian workers have witnessed unsafe practices at work, while onein-six have seen safety concerns being ignored, new research has revealed.

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‘A key responsibility of all employers is to develop suitable procedures for dealing with workplace safety, and importantly they must follow those procedures to protect their employees.

‘We simply cannot have a situation where workers can see a risk, but have their concerns ignored.’

he research, commissioned by Slater + Gordon Lawyers, surveyed more than 2,000 employed Australians across a range of industries.

Common concerns identified by the Australian workers surveyed

Slater + Gordon workers compensation lawyer Meghan Hoare said it was up to employers to have appropriate policies and plans in place to avoid workplace incidents, while employees and their unions also play a vital role in keeping workers free from harm.

 Lack of training

‘It’s obvious from our research that workers have their eyes open when it comes to identifying safety risks, but it’s not always clear how to bring it to the attention of employers,’ Ms Hoare said.

‘Even worse, around one-insix workers had actually seen a hazard being reported by a colleague only for that report to be completely disregarded.

 Understaffing and high workloads

 Broken or faulty equipment  Lifting heavy objects ­ Trip or fall hazards  Inadequate personal protective equipment ­ Untested and untagged electrical equipment  Unsafe driving (speeding and fatigue)  Unlicensed forklift operation  Improper chemical management Ms Hoare said in most circumstances, workplace injuries in Australia were entirely preventable.

‘In the blink of an eye,

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We simply cannot have a situation where workers can see a risk, but have their concerns ignored. Meghan Hoare someone’s life can change dramatically, and it’s up to all of us to make sure this doesn’t happen,” Ms Hoare said.

‘While employers must have up-to-date safety systems and risk management plans, the employees’ Union often helps ensure employers adhere to the policies.’

Slater + Gordon recognises the central role that Unions and their members play in ensuring that workplaces operate safely.

Unfortunately, history has shown that employers can’t always be trusted to put the interests of their employees first. If you have concerns about the safety of your site, it is important that you speak up before it’s too late.

There are legal protections in place for workers who are discriminated against for raising safety concerns. The CFMEU Legal Services team, together with Slater + Gordon can provide legal support in safety related matters.

In the event of an incident on site, Worksafe may ask to interview workers about what happened. Mick Sayers of Slater + Gordon provides free legal advice to CFMEU members through all their dealings with Worksafe investigators.

If you are asked to make a statement, it is important to seek advice first by calling CFMEU Legal Services on 9341 3444.

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members skills on show

Yorkshire Brewery restoration Celebrating Melbourne’s heritage Pride in heritage work, including traditional bricklaying and other skills, were on display in the $2.5 million restoration job done by HBS Group at the Yorkshire Brewery site in Collingwood.

Up to 30 workers spent 12 months on this unique endeavour.

The beauty of historical architecture preserved …

The old brewery tower sits on huge bluestone foundations and the walls are six skins of bricks thick. When it was built in 1887, the brewery tower

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was the tallest building in Melbourne and held that status for 10 years. With the gold rush in full swing and the industry of Melbourne’s inner city pumping, a pub owner and his architect son decided to make their own beer and built the six-story brewery tower.

The project is an excellent demonstration of trade skills and inner city development that respects and restores Melbourne’s unique character and heritage. Congratulations to all the skilled members who contributed to this outstanding achievement.

Collingwood was once a centre of brewing and industry in Melbourne, and the Yorkshire Brewery was a successful enterprise. It was eventually bought out by the Carlton & United group in 1909. The heritage-listed tower features a mansard roof that has been restored. The viewing platform at its top has also been retained.

… while accommodating modern living The tower forms part of a larger complex with a total of 356 apartments.

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SUMMER 2015

INSERT RIP skinner COPY

ADRIAN (SKINNER) MC LOUGHLIN Died on the 4th of June 2014.

Rest In Peace with your Beloved Mother & Brother Skinner’s family wish to express their sincere & heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of compassion and sympathy extended to them on the devastating and heartbreaking death of their beloved Adrian.

A very special thanks to Adrian’s many unique and wonderful friends, you did him proud in every way. There are no words to describe it.

including Australia, America & England.

Sincere thanks to John Setka, Secretary CFMEU Construction Victorian and Tasmanian Branch, Dave Noonan, National Secretary CFMEU Construction, Australia, and all the executives, delegates, officials, colleagues & great comrades at the CFMEU.

Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you, so very much whatever the part.

Your kindness will never be forgotten. We have drawn comfort and strength from knowing Adrian (Skinner) was loved by so many people.

A very special thanks to all those who attended the funeral, travelling from far and wide

As it would be impossible to thank everyone

individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere thanks and appreciation.

Farewell and thanks to Colin Flanagan Colin Flanagan’s first experience with the CFMEU was as a delegate for another union—United Voice (then known as the Miscellaneous Workers Union)— at RMIT.

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longside CFMEU delegate Malcolm Smith, Colin fought RMIT’s management over serious safety issues. These included asbestos, which management insisted was not as ‘bad as people make it out to be’.

‘In all my jobs, the one thing I learnt is that the boss doesn’t give you anything. It’s the one thing that a lot of people don’t understand. They think all these conditions they get are supplied by the boss.’

Colin went from being an official with United Voice and the Furnishing Trades Union to the CFMEU, where he spent 17 years as an off-site organiser before recently retiring.

Malcolm, who got to know Colin well during the RMIT safety campaign, said Colin gave him 100% support in the face of a very hostile management.

Experiencing the importance of workers’ rights the hard way Colin, who began his working life as a shoemaker—one of the industries that was the first victim of globalisation—went on to become a wharfie before taking on the job of cleaner at RMIT.

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‘It may sound unbelievable today, but we were dealing with people who were saying we were making a big deal out of nothing.’

Super and a Picnic Day on par with onsite workers.

There have also been big improvements in pay and conditions.

‘We had to push really hard to bring about changes and Colin was always staunch.’

‘Colin’s always been there for the workers, always trying to get a better deal for them,’ says Malcolm.

Colin came on board with the CFMEU on Malcolm’s recommendation when the union was looking to increase coverage in the offsite area and improve conditions for workers.

Flexibility and determination that made a difference Says Colin of working offsite: ‘It’s a challenging area to organise in. People have better job security and they have to work with the boss on an ongoing basis, so our tactics have to be appropriate to that environment.’

Despite the challenges, workers in the offsite industry have won Incolink, increases in

Colin says wearing a CFMEU badge ensures that employers will listen to you. ‘It’s boosted our ability to organise effectively in this area.’

Colin is happy to leave the union after so many achievements in his area and to make room for younger people.

‘We are operating in tough times and too many people have the wrong perception of the union due to the conservative media. In the end, governments and bosses come and go, but there will always be the union.’

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INSERT COPY bandana design COmpetitioN

Kids art competition

WINNER

Thanks to all kids who entered our competition to design the artwork for next year’s Good Friday Appeal bandanas.

Congratulations to our winner. Natasha Macaluso and her family have a won a $2,500 Flight Centre voucher for a family holiday!

OUR WINNER

luso

Maca Natasha Age 12

99 Natasha Macaluso, winner of our Good Friday Appeal design competition, with CFMEU Secretary John Setka and Appeal Deputy Director Emoke Bakacs.

99 Natasha Macaluso is the proud winner of the drawing competition for the Hard Hat design for GFA 2016. Her father is a Tiler and proud Member working at Carlton Baths. Natasha attends St Lukes in Blackburn South where we made a surprise visit and announced that she won the competition at her school assembly.

Her design will be on the Hankies and Crane flags for 2016 so please purchase to help raise money for the appeal.

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bandana design INSERT COmpetition COPY

RUNNERS UP!

Ella Mozjerin Age 5

Tomas Del Papa Age 7

Robert Del Papa Age 9

Ella Mignone Age 9 Lachlan McCarthy Age 7

Amiee Webb Age 8

Apsley Williams Age 8

Harry Lerm Age 11

Maddison Day Age 10

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Dior Lovric Age 3

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cfmeu super win

man on missio Tim Goodens’ mission to India to guarantee a member’s Super benefits for his family.

By Tim Gooden

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n June 1, 2014 Leo Seemanpillai died from burns to 90% of his body. Leo had self-immolated the day before in Geelong. Burning to death is a terrible way to die but it is a common form of protest throughout Asia. I was a friend of Leo’s and was shocked at the loss and angry about the circumstances surrounding his death. I didn’t know it then, but his death would take me half way around the world.

Leo had hoped for a better life in Australia Leo was a Tamil man and came to Australia seeking asylum from persecution and torture at the hands of the Sri Lankan army. He was released from Darwin detention centre in the winter of 2013 and sent to Geelong on a bridging visa. Leo and several dozen other young Tamil men arrived for resettlement with no warm clothing or bedding. So when I was approached by the Australian Tamil Association to hold a meeting at Geelong Trades Hall to work out how to help, I readily agreed. We set about getting donations of winter coats, fishing gear and bikes. CFMEU members in Geelong were great and donated as much as they could.

This was how I met Leo for the first time. He was half my size, gentle and spoke good English. Over the next 12 months I got to know him well, as we tried to get more permanent work for him. Leo was one of the few asylum seekers with a work

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cfmeu super win

currently as Geelong Trades Hall Secretary, I’ve found that finalising someone’s super is normally a simple matter. You just contact a superannuation coordinator and they take care of the rest. But, this time, it was different. Leo’s parents were refugees living in a camp in southern India and the Australian Government had refused them entry to Australia for Leo’s funeral.

permit. He was constantly worried about the Federal Government’s plans to send him back to Sri Lanka where he faced almost certain torture and probably death. It was during this time that Leo took his life.

About a month later I learned from an employer that Leo had CBUS superannuation and the paperwork had to be finalised.

Upon further investigation I discovered he also had HESTA superannuation.

I contacted the CBUS Coordinator and set up a meeting with the employer and Aran Mylvaganam from the Australian Tamil Association to finalise Leo’s papers. Leo had named his mother, Elizabeth, as his benefactor.

Even in death, the system created hurdles for Leo As a CFMEU shop steward in the ACT and Victoria and

99 Tim and Leo’s family getting legal assistance.

After many months of searching for a way to get Leo’s benefits to his mother, it became clear that someone had to go to India. We had to get his family out of the camp, help them set up a bank account to verify their identity and have this certified in a court of law. I asked Shaun Reardon, Assistant Secretary of the CFMEU Vic branch, if the union could help us. And they did: the union flew Aran and myself to Chennai in December 2014.

Geelong by Diversitat, the local Ethnic Community Council. It was incredibly sad returning Leo’s personal belongings such as clothes, papers and his Tamil bible. Leo had earlier been studying for the priesthood.

As you would expect, India is hot, really hot, and Chennai has the same population size as all of Victoria. Travelling from the airport we got to see the construction of the City Metro which is twice the size of Melbourne’s tram system and 10 times bigger than any infrastructure project in Australia. I found out later that a lot of workers supplying cement to the project are suffering from silicosis.

After many months of searching for a way to get Leo’s benefits to his mother, it became clear that someone had to go to India.

We met up with Leo’s family in a house that was rented for them with funds raised in

99 Tim returns Leo’s belongings back to his family.

But, of course, we’d rather have Leo back any day.

Doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, for workers What needs to be understood in all of this is that industry super is only here because of the unions. Unions like the CFMEU insist that super contributions are paid monthly. There are many workers who don’t receive such benefits and they’re lucky if the 9% superannuation contributions are paid that financial year. The CFMEU not only funded this mission to help a worker’s family in a terrible situation, they campaign every day to defend and extend these conditions for all workers. Thank you.

In the days that followed, we found a barrister and met with the bank manager. It took nine days to finalise the paperwork, copy it and store it safely with a photo diary. I arrived home Christmas eve in time for dinner with my family. Once back at work, all the paperwork and translations were copied, certified and submitted to CBUS and HESTA for processing. A month later, Leo’s family received the benefits and sadly, but most gratefully, called the CFMEU and me to thank us. This 99 Leo’s su p was closure for me and a world of d er payout will mak ea ifference to new start for Leo’s family. his mo ther.

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new start for lee

Union job means less stop and more go for Lee. With the support of the CFMEU, Lee Graham is happy chasing her dreams in a new job.

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s a grounds manager in horticulture, Lee was used to working hard. But she was subject to the kind of conditions that construction workers suffered in the bad old days. No smoko, lucky if you get a lunch break, and if you do, it might be outside in the rain.

Lee was working for a TAFE when the Liberal Party cut TAFE funding.

She lost her job and was replaced by contractors.

Looking for something new, Lee knew someone in traffic management, got some work there and joined the Union.

Now after two and a half years in traffic, Lee has turned losing her TAFE job into a positive. She’s enjoying a new job with better pay and better conditions. She even gets smoko and a lunchroom.

Phoenix has been a good company to work for and the Chadstone job is working out well for Lee so far. The blokes on the job are great and she’s making good friends.

Securing her future with the Union’s assistance As Lee gets older, she’s finding that things like wages and superannuation are even more important. ‘The Union protects me

and delivers the good conditions.’

Some jobs haven’t given Lee enough in Super to allow her to be comfortable in retirement. Now she’s able to salary sacrifice and build up her Super.

It’s all working towards her dream: to buy a house and have security for the future. She’s even got a suburb in mind: Ferntree Gully. Having already saved a deposit, Lee just needs some more certainty to go ahead, so she’s working towards going permanent on wages rather than depending on the more uncertain income she has as a casual.

For Lee, it’s just about the simple things: ‘a good job, being happy, good friends.’

‘I’m 100% union and I’ll go above and beyond for the right company.’

Friends in other industries without the protection and conditions that the CFMEU provides are blown away by Lee’s good stories.

Her message to other women: ‘Get into the industry … I’ve got a girlfriend in traffic getting her dogging ticket. We should have equal opportunities, the chance to make decent wages. I’m seeing heaps and heaps more women doing different trades.’

I’m 100% union and I’ll go above and beyond for the right company 044

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cfmeu Community

longie steps up no 2nd class citizens!

When CFMEU organizer Steve Long came across Lee Graham on a non-EBA site, he couldn’t believe the poor treatment she was receiving.

UNION SPIRIT $25,000 raised to support injured worker & his family

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he company had given Lee a go, but she wasn’t getting enough work.

‘Lee was having to use the men’s toilets,’ said Steve. ‘They told her she had to have a bloke standing out the front to make sure no one came in … No proper amenities—she was being treated like a second-class citizen.’

After Longie intervened, the amenities issues weren’t dealt with, but Lee’s work dried up. Not only that, the police taskforce was notified and went after the Union rather than take on the company for mistreating workers.

‘It was another blessing in the end,’ says Steve, seeing the silver lining. ‘We helped Lee find a new job and now she’s getting more work with decent amenities and conditions.

‘These companies might have a policy, but what they’re doing doesn’t stack up … Workers don’t want to speak out, but that’s why we have the Union.’

In a strong demonstration of the spirit of CFMEU Members, a worker hit by a plank dropped from a site next door was not left to struggle alone.

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att Phillips broke five ribs when a plank was knocked from a scaffold at the Caulfield Village ProBuild site next to where he was working. The plank dropped four levels and hit Matt in the back, putting him in hospital for four days.

Moving swiftly to secure Matt and his family’s well-being and the safety of other workers, CFMEU Organiser Steve Long contacted Matt the day after the incident, so Matt knew straight away he would be supported through the tough time ahead.

The CFMEU ensured that safety audits were conducted on both sites to find out what happened and prevent it from happening again.

The injury was a real shock for Matt and his family, but they were overwhelmed when Steve Long and Shop Steward Johnny

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Mantis turned up at their home with over $25,000 raised in onsite raffles to support them.

ProBuild, Element Five and subbies at Caulfield Village assisted with raffle prizes to make it happen, but it was the generosity of Members that ensured Matt and his family got the support they needed.

Matt wants to thank everyone involved, particularly Johnny Mantis and the Members who contributed so generously.

He adds: ‘I am also thankful for all the messages of support I have received during such a traumatic period and also enquiries made concerning my physical condition.’

‘Stamping out and eliminating workplace accidents are what we are and should be continuing to work towards,’ emphasised Steve Long, ‘but there will always be risks involved in what we do on a daily basis. I urge everyone involved in the construction industry to maintain high standards on safety and ensure that every worker goes home to their family each and every day.’

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members helping the community

Members give their time to recognise a tragedy and great gift When a mini motorcycle struck Melbourne mum Andrea Lehane at the Carrum Downs Regional Shopping Centre, it hit the whole city.

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trip to the shops to buy nappies for the kids turned into tragedy when it became clear Andrea would not recover from the brain injuries she suffered.

It’s hard to imagine the impact on the family. In a sign of the kind of person Andrea was, as a registered organ donor she will go on to save other lives.

Union man Shane Kerr didn’t know exactly why the incident affected him so much, but he felt compelled to do something and joined with locals to organise a memorial vigil.

As the event began to grow, Shane contacted the CFMEU seeking assistance to make sure the event happened safely regarding traffic management.

Shane was impressed, but not surprised, when the Union responded quickly. Soon Phoenix Traffic were on board to donate their time for the Sunday night event. For Shane, it just reinforced his experience of the CFMEU and the union movement—always looking out for each other and ready to help out.

$10 billion 26,000 jobs Labor goes BIG on infrastructure

The Australian Labor Party has announced an ambitious plan for infrastructure funding.

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his will unlock billions of dollars of investment and create tens of thousands of jobs.

The plan not only seeks to create jobs,

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but deliver better infrastructure to ease congestion, create jobs and improve productivity.

advisor on nation-building infrastructure, to create more jobs, boost our productivity and improve our competitiveness.

Labor’s infrastructure plan includes:

The plan will turn the $10 billion of government-backed finance into tens of billions in private sector investment.

 An Infrastructure Bank of $10 Billion  Direct creation of about 26,000 jobs  Building the Melbourne Metro  Boosting Australia’s GDP by $7.5 billion Every year Labor has committed to using Infrastructure Australia as an independent

CFMEU WORKER

Get all the details: alp.org.au/infrastructureplan

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westgate bridge collapse 45 years on

westgate bridge collapse Lives of 36 workers, their families and workmates remembered at 45th Anniversary event

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t 11.50am on 15th October, union officials, organisers, delegates, OHS reps and Members joined survivors and relatives for a minute’s silence to mark the collapse of West Gate Bridge 45 years ago .

Danny Gardiner spoke on behalf of the West Gate Bridge Memorial Committee that organises the annual event. ‘The first memorial was held in 1973 and about 20 people turned up. This time around, it’s great to see so many young people turn up.

‘If you’re not vigilant these things will happen again. Make certain when you’re on your jobs you work safe so you go home in one piece.’

‘We should never, ever forget. We should honour the memory of people who died at work.’

‘We should never, ever forget. We should honour the memory of people who died at work.’

‘If we save one life, we’ve done our job.

That’s one family that don’t have to grow up without a father, a brother or a son.’

We remember the workers, their families and their communities who suffered through this preventable workplace tragedy.

We pay tribute to the constant work of the workplace Health and Safety representatives and committees who make Victorian workplaces safer.

We can never relax our vigilance on workplace safety.

CFMEU Victorian Secretary John Setka spoke alongside his father who fell with the bridge 45 years ago and survived.

Remembering the West Gate Bridge collapse Tommy Watson: survivor, remarkable Australian Survivor of the West Gate Bridge collapse, Tommy Watson, has had his story told in a new collection called Backtracks: Recollections of Remarkable Australians.

Tommy went to 15 funerals in two days after the bridge collapse.

The experience inspired him to spend the next 33 years fighting for safer workplaces and better conditions.

Tommy was Assistant Secretary of CFMEU Victoria for five years and is now the Chairman of Incolink.

Backtracks: Recollections of Remarkable Australians by Joely Taylor can be purchased online at billycanpress.com.au or from Readings bookstore.

‘This bridge actually cost 36 lives. It actually collapsed on a Thursday, and today—the 45th anniversary—is a Thursday.’

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cfmeu Community

Tyson’s Fight CFMEU members have dug deep to raise over $2000 towards “Tyson’s Fight” for independent, comfortable living for his final years.

Organiser John Duggan organized a raffle when he heard about Tyson’s situation.

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TYSON’S FI GHT

TICKET

Tyson is a 14 year old boy living with an extremely rare and debilitating disease; Fibrodyspla sia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).

His body grows bone in place of musc le and tissue and he may only live to the age of 30. Your help can give him the independen ce and life he deser ves.

$10

TICKET

Just another example of the great work that the CFMEU does in the community.

You can find out more and donate online: gofundme.com/ tysonsfight29

99 Tyson’s Grandfather is Bob Wilson, a delegate at Citiwide Precast.

building women’s power in the industry

The CFMEU Women’s Conference 2015

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he CFMEU’s Women’s Conference was held in Brisbane on October 12th and 13th 2015. It was another great year for the conference, showing a strong and passionate sisterhood. It was wonderful to see bright smiling women joining together and striving through the ranks.

Lorraine Usher, CFMEU National Energy Vice President, kicked off the opening followed

by CFMEU National Secretary Michael O’Connor and CFMEU Construction & General

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National Secretary Dave Noonan.

All three spoke about the big issues facing our Union:  The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement;  The ongoing attack from the Liberal Government using the ABCC, which Dave discussed in depth;  The attack on penalty rates;  Domestic violence;  Union made OZ made recycled copy paper; and

99 Sisterhood

 How the CFMEU is striving to get more women in the industry, our Union and decision-making areas so they can continue smashing through the glass ceiling for better equality.

also attended to help us out.

All in all, this was another successful Women’s Conference, strengthening the sisterhood within the Union and the CFMEU itself.

On the second day we all boarded a bus that took us to the Brisbane CBD with hats, handouts, aprons and banners to rally against the China Free Trade Agreement. It was very inspiring to see the sisterhood within the Union out rallying in the streets. The Police Union

stronger than ever!

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SUMMER 2015

MEGAPHONE INSERT COPY

Be heard at work

Have you got an issue at work that needs addressing?

Is it close to your heart and affecting workers?

Welcome to Megaphone—a union owned and run petition website that allows you to create, run and win campaigns related to workplace issues and workers’ rights.

The Victorian Trades Hall Council has created Megaphone to help you get your voice heard.

When working people stand together, we can achieve so much more.

A way to make standing up for workers’ rights easier We know launching a campaign in your workplace or on working rights isn’t easy. Laws and legislation can sometimes make it tricky. With Megaphone, you’ll have help and support from Trades Hall as well as from the CFMEU. Collective action works. Bosses might seem to have power over us as working people: they can hire and fire, change rosters and make your working life a little tough. But there are more of us working people than bosses. You win at work through collective action.

petition, holding meetings and taking action.

Find out more about Megaphone, how to win and work, and how to start a petition here: megaphone.org.au To sign the ‘Stand Up for the Environment. Stand Up for Jobs.’ petition, or to start your own CFMEU petition, visit: megaphone.org.au/ partnerships/cfmeu

Get as many of your workmates as possible involved in your campaign by signing your

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cbus and insurance

As a Cbus member you can access affordable insurance options, because workmates and hard hats 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

INSERT COPY

Employer contributions We help you find the answers At Cbus we’re committed to ensuring members get the super they’re entitled to.

In the 2014/15 financial year the fund collected a total of $53,350,234 in unpaid super.

Employers are required by law to contribute at least 9.5% of an employee’s Ordinary Time Earnings into their super account.

Cbus requires employers to pay these super contributions monthly, to ensure members don’t miss out on investment earnings and maintain any insurance cover they may have – a necessity in the construction and building industry.

What can Cbus members do to check if their employer has been making contributions?

To check their super is being paid on time, members can:  Login to the Cbus secure online account facility, Member SuperSite, at cbussuper.com.au/access to check they are receiving their contributions.

 Download the Cbus mobile app and check their account balance from their phone - visit cbussuper.com.au/app  Call the Service Centre on 1300 361 784 from 8am to 8pm (AEST/AEDT), Monday to Friday.  Ask their employer which fund they are paying their super into (it may not be Cbus), how much they are paying and how often. It’s important members check with their employer that all their super details are correct too.  Cbus members can also speak to a Cbus Coordinator or Union Delegate - they have access to our Compliance Hotline and can check super on their behalf.

What happens if an employer hasn’t been making contributions?

If a member has spoken to their employer or found that payments have been missed, Cbus can help.

The fund has processes in place which means it can act quickly when a payment is missed and works with employers, providing support and advice to achieve a positive outcome and regular compliant payments.

The Cbus Compliance team will contact the employer if they have not paid a member’s super in over one month.

If an employer hasn’t paid its employees super for three months, Cbus will then pass the file to their debt collection agency, Industry Funds Credit Control (IFCC), who will follow up payments for members.

For more information, visit cbussuper.com.au/unpaidsuper Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Contact 1300 361 784 or visit 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.

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Support

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YOUR WAGES

EBA WAGE RATES ONSITE 36-HOUR WEEK: Site allowances, superannuation and Incolink contributions have recently increased.

Be paid-up and proud, it’s worth it!

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.

058

CFMEU WORKER

SUMMER 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 2015.

Multi-storey Allowance

Site Allowances

Start to 15th floor

$0.52 cents/hr

New projects Melbourne inner suburbs and shopping centres

Floors 16 – 30

$0.62 cents/hr

Projects between $3 million and $227.1 million: $4.05 per hour.

Floors 31 – 45

$0.97 cents/hr

For projects over $227.1 million, see chart below.

Floors 46 – 60

$1.25 cents/hr

Renovations and refurbishments, Melbourne and inner suburbs: $3.50 per hour.

Floors 61+

$1.53 cents/hr

New projects elsewhere

EBA Benefits and Allowances Travel allowance: $39.30 per day

Project value $ million

Site allowance $ per hour

Superannuation: $185 per week

$3.0 – 7.7million

$2.30

$7.7 – 18.9 million

$2.50

$18.9 – 37.9 million

$2.80

Incolink payments: $75.30 per week paid into Incolink. Income protection, trauma insurance and portable sick leave are also available (paid into Incolink).

$37.9 – 75.7 million

$3.30

$75.7 – 151.4 million

$3.95

$151.4 – 227.1 million

$4.05

$227.1 – 302.7 million

$4.20

$302.7 – 454.2 million

$4.35

For projects above $454.2 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

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