Vincent Lingiari Room Opens - Minor Parties play a major role in reintroduction of the ABCC
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Summer 2016 Issue 4
Vincent Lingiari
Room Opens
Minor Parties play a major role
in reintroduction of the ABCC
▲ cfMeU : cOntents
Secretary’s Address 2 Is your job on the Liberal hit list? 23 City Round Up 45
Vincent Lingiari Room Opening 3 WA Work death rate rising 24 Union Membership 45
ABCC Update : Sold down the River 4 101 reasons we didn’t need the ABCC reintroduced 25 Northern Suburbs Round Up 47
Worker Death: Bizarre letter defies decency 6 Where’s OUR money gone? 26 Asbestos victims remembered 47
In the dead of night they came for our rights 8 Libs create massive drop off in apprenticeships 27 Southern Area Round Up 49
State Election News 9 Workers Compensation. The System. 28 Eastern Suburbs Report 51
Black Arm Band Day 10 International News 29 North West Report 53
Joe McMilitant 12 Workers Have Been Conned 30 Off-Site Areas 55
Golden Turd Awards 14 National Safety Meeting 31 Respect: Remembrance Day in the City 55
Golden Turd Award Winner 16 Your RDO Calendar 32 CFMEU Youth Report 57
Barnett Government: Another project delayed 16 Feeling BLUE this Christmas? 35 Eastern Suburbs Report 57
A Christmas Message 17 Nahan attacks construction workers wages 37 New Year needs to have us all unite 59
Merry CFMEU Christmas 18 Emerald FC gain promotion 37 CUB Workers’ Victory 61
ABCC spells contempt for workers 20 CFMEU WA Member Benefits Club 39 Worker Death investigations take too long 61
Don’t let Barnett off the hook! 21 Life Member Update 41 Pete’s Page 64
Dodgy Labour Hire has become a scourge 22 We’ve got your back! 43
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Rob Mitchell Media & Communications All rights reserved: The Construction Worker Journal is complied & published by the CFMEU publications
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Luke Bowman Membership Officer Disclaimer: The information contained within this publication is for general construction workers only. While
every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information, we accept no responsibility for any action taken as a
Melissa Edwards Reception consequence of the information contained in this publication.
Mia Onorato-Sartari Strategic Coordinator
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
ISS 1833 0282
MEMBERS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Email : editor@cfmeuwa.com
1
▲ cfMeU : secretary’s address with Mick Buchan
2017 and beyond is shaping up to from Wave Hill, as a protest against the work take ups have fallen dramatically, local
be a good year, as just about and pay conditions. For over 8 years they manufacturing continues to go overseas
every major builder has signed on stayed on strike fighting for their rights and to cheap, second rate operators,
to our new EBA. Subbies are also their land. It was a fight Vincent and his unemployment and under-employment is at
coming on board. It augers well people won against all the odds. record highs as is state debt. Barnet has also
for the New Year. The CFMEU is proud to acknowledge and decimated TAFE training for our kids.
Make NO mistake the union is honour our indigenous brothers and sisters. Let’s make 2017 the year that the LIBS pay for
back in town! BE A pArt Of It. Dare to Dream. Dare to Win. See story this all their lies, broken promises and gross
issue. mismanagement of our state and its future.
the aBcc – crOss Benchers
led By One natiOn dOUBle pay rises lOcked in Why Was clintOn trUMped
crOss WOrkers and their Our new EBA has now been signed by all the – a lessOn fOr all Of Us
faMilies major builders, with subbies progressively Who would have thought that we’d have
Your union and others worked extremely coming on board. At a time when there is President Trump?
hard over many months to make politicians, almost zero wages growth in WA, I’m pleased The lesson out of the US, Brexit and, to a
especially the cross-benchers aware of the to say that your union has negotiated good certain extent, our last Federal election is that
pitfalls, injustice and dangers of re- pay rises totalling 12.5%, compounding each you ignore the working class, under
introducing the ABCC with their one sided year over the 4 year term, off a good base employed, disadvantaged and young people
coercive powers. which will see $41 per hour with allowances at your peril.
The cross-benchers representing minor on major projects (not including any Politicians need to listen and ACT on the
parties Like One Nation chose to ignore our overtime). 2017 will see a lot more major concerns of those not connected with the
representations. projects, with good union jobs getting out of ELITE. Otherwise, they leave a huge number
There is NO one law for all Under One the ground. Keep in touch with your area of disengaged people open to the populist
Nation. Organiser for startup times and attend the propaganda of far right groups – who stand
Some stood their ground like Jacqui Lambie regular monthly members meeting for for nothing and say they can fix everything,
as well as the Greens and the ALP fought updates. Union built is quality built. which they can’t – all they do is pray of
against it all the way. But a handful of people people’s fears and insecurities.
traded off workers’ rights, your rights and
WOrst safety
Worse still, many young people don’t even
your children’s future for their own 30 pieces We have had a shocking year with safety on bother to vote because feel the ‘system’
of silver. In short hundreds of thousands of sites here in WA. Within 12 months we had 2 offers them nothing. If you feel disaffected,
construction workers and their families have young workers die, crushed by concrete not represented, get involved. Have your say,
been ‘sold down the river’. We have lessons slabs, a girl plunge to her death on a Finbar take action and effect positive change
to learn from this with the WA state election site and countless near misses. through your union or the ALP as your voice.
upon us in March next year, where the LIBS NO thanks to Worksafe WA who have If you sit on the sidelines, you will be
led by Mike Nahan want to introduce similar become an impotent instrumentality and sidelined. Take up the mantle and lead the
ABCC and Building Code laws in WA. See arguably the cause of the worst safety way, most of all VOTE!
story this issue. conditions ever seen in WA.
We do our best every day to improve safety, seasOn’s greetings
lingiari rOOM Opening unfortunately, the same cannot be said for I would like to wish all our
From little things Worksafe. Things have to change. See our members and staff a happy
big things grow. On Safety Shockers of the Year and who won! festive season, we can all
Saturday December look forward to good union
3rd it was an
state electiOn
jobs coming out of the
– JOBs and training
honour to have Senator Pat Dodson open ground in 2017. We will do
our new Vincent Lingiari Room. As we look forward to the state election in everything we can to ensure our members
The room honours Vincent Lingiari, the March 2017. I ask ALL our members to help have a prosperous new year. Until then stay
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
Gurindji people and the 50th anniversary of out where they can. Every effort counts to rid safe and be paid up and proud
Wave Hill walk off. WA of one of the most inept governments we
In August 1966, Vincent Lingiari, a Gurindji have ever seen.
spokesman, led a walk-off of 200 Aboriginal Labor has a REAL jobs plan to get WA back on Mick Buchan
stockmen, house servants and their families track. The Libs have no plan. Apprenticeship State Secretary, CFMEU WA
2
▲ cfMeU : lingiari rOOM Opening with Mick Buchan
Patrick Dodson opens the Vincent
Lingiari Room at Trades Hall
Senator Patrick Dodson opened the Vincent Lingiari Room at CFMEU WA’s offices at Trades Hall, Perth
with local elders, Mick Buchan and other distinguished speakers and guests on December 3, 2016. The
room honours Vincent Lingiari and the 50th anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk Off. It commemorates a
Gurindji man, a leader of action on behalf of exploited and marginalised workers in our north.
This is an edited extract of Senator Dodson’s speech.
This story, the Wave Hill Walk Off, is something I grew up with. I was a kid in Katherine in the Northern
Territory at the time when Vincent and the Gurindji people walked off the station at Wave Hill. There
was a lot of talk about Aborigines getting mobilised and walking off the stations and how it would lead
to disaster and that doom and gloom was going to befall the industry.
I didn’t understand that at the time, but I knew something significant was happening in the political and
social landscape and that it was about power distribution and how we, who hadn’t even been citizens, were
being led by a man who had never been to school.
As a young fella I stood outside the Katherine Town Hall, inside the Town Hall was a meeting billed as the
Rights for Whites.
The organisers had bussed people up from Adelaide to protest at this outrageous behaviour of Aboriginal
people who dared to seek equality with the non-Aboriginal people of this country, particularly when it came
to land and an opportunity to be independent of government management systems.
The people outside were saying to me ‘go in there and tell them they’re wrong’ and I said I have to live
through another day to fight this fight because I won’t beat them today.
From that moment on, Vincent Lingiari was defined as a man of great integrity. On the trips he undertook,
the unions would always welcome him. He would go to the Trades Hall and they would organise a place for
him and his colleagues to speak, to have their voices heard. That’s a legacy that is embedded in the justice
landscape.
When Gough went up and poured the soil into Vincent’s hands, Vincent said now we can be mates together.
It was a simple gesture Gough performed on that day and the Gurindji people believe this – that we should
walk together as friends and brothers and comrades.
I want to mention the pride that came through at the ACTU meeting in the Territory at the time of the 50th
anniversary. A wonderful resolution passed to work towards the justice Vincent had visualized when he
walked off the properties; for equal wages, for proper conditions, for dignity, for the return to country, for a
future for their children.
I had the privilege of going to Kalkarindji when Vincent was a very old man and he was lying there in the creek
bed, where we had the 50th anniversary ceremony, on an old foam mattress.
I worked for the Central Land Council at the time and the Minister was Clyde Holding. This was a time when
the title deeds from the leasehold to inalienable freehold was handed back to the Gurindji people and on the
very same day there was an amendment to the Land Rights Act which prohibited the conversion of leasehold
to inalienable freehold on pastoral leases, so this struggle about land and the tension with lands and the
security for Aboriginal people seems to go on forever and ever.
The old man was a very old man and obviously he had earned his entitlement to lay in peace on that day. He
thought it was just another piece of paper.
I want to end on the fact that, as we heard from the Elders this morning, we can’t do these things on our own
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
and it’s always with good comrades, good allies that we’ve been able to shift mountains to achieve change.
see all the pics and video of the opening on our facebook page @cfMeUWa
3
▲ cfMeU : aBcc Update
‘she’s one of us’,
‘she’ll stand up for
aussie jobs.’
‘she speaks like me.’
these were typical responses
from people who voted for
pauline hanson’s One nation
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
at the last federal election.
4
with Mick Buchan
With the passing of the ABCC legislation in While the ALp, the Greens and Jacqui massively in our industry. The ABCC does not
the federal senate, championed by One Lambie opposed the ABCC every step of investigate or punish those responsible for
Nation and cheered on by the Murdoch the way to their credit, many voters have unsafe work practices. They don’t give a stuff
press, thousands of people, many of them been blind-sided by the likes of One about sham contracting, shonky labour hire,
working class battlers, can quite rightly feel Nation, NXt, Liberal Democrats and blow- low wages and conditions or unpaid
they have been sold down the river. in minor parties. subbies – nor do the Libs or cross benchers
Pensioners too also edged towards One There will be many working families who feel like One Nation, it now appears.
Nation and others without fully realising the betrayed by One Nation and others In July this year the Turnbull government
ramifications of their policies on their supporting Turnbull’s ABCC legislation. Over called a Double Dissolution over the issue.
grandkids. 1 million of them are employed directly and Battlelines were drawn and we knew (or
The minor parties, led by Hanson’s One indirectly in the construction industry. They thought we knew) who the common enemy
Nation with the largest voting block, have will feel that propaganda to win votes is more was.
sided with the Liberal ‘ELITES’ of Turnbull, important than principles. Fact is, we knew the Libs and Nats would vote
Cash, Brandis and co. Of course it wasn’t only One Nation that for the ABCC, but the minor parties have had
If nothing else, Pauline Hanson is a walking carried this bill. Chief populist and fence the major role in creating a segregated set of
contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction. sitter Nick Xenophon’s NXT and others have a laws against construction workers and their
The ABCC legislation and the new Building lot to answer for. families. It’s nothing more than industrial
Code attached to it are in total breach of One One Nation, NXT and Liberal Democrats apartheid.
Nation’s own employment policy, which horse traded their votes at the expense of Mike Nahan, a product of the IPA (Institute of
states they support more apprenticeships ordinary Australian workers. They fell for the Public Affairs) an extreme right wing think
and skills training as well as secure ‘local’ trap that somehow construction workers are tank set up by Murdoch and draconian
jobs. different and deserve a different set of laws Mining companies, has stated that he wants
Under the Code there is no onus for against them. Strangely, NXT who fought to to introduce a similar code and laws to apply
contractors on federal government projects save the Whyalla steel works (a vote winner in to WA State government funded projects.
to employ a quota of apprentices. The code SA) has now gladly put in place laws that will The lesson we can learn here is to vote the
does NOT allow EBA clauses to limit casual sting the very same blue collar workers and likes of him and the entire WA Liberal/Nat
workers. Secure jobs where workers are their families. government out of office in March 2016.
employed full time on a project after time For some of these ‘minor parties’ wishing to Hanson’s One Nation and other minor
will be open to exploitation. The code allows have a larger say in the political landscape, parties will be out to attract your vote, don’t
room for employers to use 457 or similar visa you have to really question their motives. It fall for them. They are political narcissists at
workers as part of a casualised workforce to seems they are just manufacturing angst and best and double crossers at worst.
foster cheap labour (and to drive down dissention on purpose, to push many We all need to be vigilant, it can come
wages and conditions). Australians to the far right. unstuck if we believe and swallow the
The code can undermine the Fair Work Act by This is the danger. Already we have seen the populist rhetoric of parties such as One
in effect black banning employers who have likes of Trump say what he needs to win Nation and others. They are not the answer.
agreements that comply with the Fair Work power, only to back away once in. Make no Their actions prove they are not worthy of
Act. mistake – Hanson’s One Nation, NXT and your vote.
One Nation’s Industrial relations policy others rely on the fact that people just soak We will overcome this latest incarnation of
states that it will pursue ‘fairness and up their populist remarks only to get their the far right; we have been around for 160
equality for all Australian employees and vote and then spurn you. years surviving The Masters & Servants Act.,
employers’. there is nothing fair or equal It all sounds good. Someone comes along Penal Powers, WorkChoices, FWBC, Royal
about this legislation. the fact is, there is and says what a lot want to hear, but in the Commissions, ABCC (twice) and we are still
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
not one law for all under One Nation. end we are all played and screwed. These here fighting and always will be – for workers
As we’ve seen there is always little or no minor parties that voted in the ABCC gave no safety, their rights and a better way of life!
compliance, even with laws in place, to go deference to the fact that under the last Dare to struggle dare to win.
after anyone except unions and workers. incarnation of the ABCC, deaths rose If you don't fight, you lose!
5
▲ cfMeU : UniOn neWs
Worker Death: Bizarre
it’s all here in black and White. the "[the monk] said to all of us, if her spirit applying sealant to panels surrounding the
bizarre email letter that gerry hansen could talk what would she say to all of us, air duct and was working off a plastic bucket
sent to the relatives, workmates and his answer was, Marianka would say I AM at the edge of a 13 floor open penetration
friends of Marianka heumann who SOrrY fOr LEttING YOU DOWN to my with no fall prevention system in place at the
mum, dad, family, friends and workmates". time. She had to lean in over the penetration
died after falling down an open shaft
Mick Buchan said it was a very bizarre to fully seal the panel joints.
on the concerto site in adelaide
statement. Like many other workers on the job,
terrace.
The letter was more like an insurance ‘cover Marianka was not experienced in
CFMEU State Secretary Mick Buchan
note’ to try and deflect any responsibility construction work. This is a high risk industry
slammed Mr Hanssen for the letter.
from the builder, by laying blame on the that presents life threatening situations to the
"An absolute insult and a disgrace that a letter
victim. However when you look at the untrained and inexperienced.
like that got sent out to the family," Mr
incident report prepared by the CFMEU The employer should have risk assessed the
Buchan said.
immediately after the accident, the builder task and applied the hierarchy of controls to
"I got sent that myself from Gerry, as well as
has plenty to answer. The tragedy was determine adequate fall prevention controls.
other people that I know.
completely avoidable. Ideally a scaffolding work platform could
"What's going on? He needs to go and see his
Marianka Heumann tragically fell from the have been installed so that the worker could
doctor."
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
15th to the 2nd floor leading to her death at work safely at the appropriate height and
The letter referred to a Buddhist monk who
the Finbar / Hanssen Pty Ltd, Concerto ergonomic position to perform the task.
visited the construction site the day after Ms
Apartments Project in Perth on 10/10/2016. Instead, by the employers own admission,
Heumann's death, saying he had "blessed her
According to the employer, Marianka was they chose the last line of defense being
spirit":
6
with Mick Buchan
letter defies decency
personal protective equipment (PPE). Even that is questionable as there was no obvious anchor point available. When questioned by the CFMEU, the
company representative stated that she should have been wearing a harness (blame the worker). No good wearing a harness if there is no anchor point
to attach to. A hole drilled in the floor is not an anchor point.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) legislation states “the employer must provide and maintain workplaces, plant, and systems of work such that, so
far as is practicable, the employees are not exposed to hazards and provide such information, instruction, training and supervision of the employees as
is necessary to enable them to perform their work in such a manner that they are not exposed to hazards.”
This preventable tragedy raises a number of questions;
Why are inexperienced people allowed to work in a high risk industry?
Did the employer conduct a proper documented risk assessment of the task?
What training was provided to the employee?
Is adequate experienced supervision available on the job?
Why did no one in the area intervene or raise concern about
the way the task was being performed?
Have workers previously raised concerns about this task?
Why have WorkSafe allowed Hanssen pty Ltd to continue to
operate the way they have for so many years now when
they are fully aware of the unsafe practices on the finbar
projects Hanssen pty Ltd build?
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
see page 14 for a couple of shocking life threatening examples of how safety operates on a hanssen site.
7
▲ cfMeU : WOrkers’ rights with Dave Oliver
ACTU Secretary
In the
dead
of night
they
came
for our
rights
Turnbull let attack dogs lose while you were sleeping.
Commission will not create a single new job attack the living standards of working people
something very wrong
for anyone but the Liberals’ mates. This new, on behalf of the big businesses that back
happened in australia on
expensive, body also won’t improve the pay them.
november 22nd. all of a single ordinary worker. They want to silence voices for fairness on
union supporters need In fact, it will make it much harder for the job and in the community.
to know about it. working people to stand up to corporations We can’t let the Turnbull Government notch
A little after 2am November 22nd the and win a fair share for the time and effort we up another attack on working people and
Turnbull government passed the Registered give to our bosses every day. pass that toxic ABCC law which will take
Organisations Bill, which is designed to Australians expect our government to be away the rights of all workers whose jobs
hamper the work of unions. writing the laws that make our country more touch the construction industry.
The bill sets up a whole new commission, equal, not tying the hands of the A second anti-union commission would do
headed by whoever the Liberals appoint, that organisations that do the heavy lifting to get nothing to fight corruption, but it will ban
can impose huge fines on volunteers and there. EBAs that require minimum numbers of
their unions. The Liberals’ new commission is all about apprentices on site, and any caps on
right now corporate power is out of draining the resources union members temporary migrant workers in construction.
control in Australia, and across the world. would rather spend fighting worker It will open the floodgates to a limitless
Working people can’t get decent pay rises, exploitation, organising and campaigning for number of casual labour-hire positions.
there is mass exploitation of workers at Medicare, schools and a better life for all. Now more than ever is the time to stand up
places like 7-Eleven and inequality is Instead, they want our unions to be and fight back.
rapidly on the rise. subjected to a restrictive regime of In his great rush to diminish the rights of
Rather than tackle these issues, the Turnbull regulations and fines that could bankrupt working people, Malcolm Turnbull seems to
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
government is hell-bent on attacking union ordinary union volunteers just for downing have forgotten something very important:
members – the very people who can help get tools if their workplace is unsafe. We are the Australian union movement, we
wages growing and end exploitation. This law, and its bunkmate the ABCC, is all are not going away, and we will never stop
Creating a Registered Organisations about the Turnbull government’s drive to being united in fighting for what is right.
8
▲ cfMeU : state electiOn neWs with Mia Onorato-Sartari
IMPORTANT STATE ELECTION ALERT
are yOU enrOlled tO vOte? We need tO ask OUrselves,
What dO We Want in the
There will be a State Election on 11 March
next year. To have your say, you must be fUtUre?
can yOU help
enrolled to vote. Have you checked your Do we want a Liberal National Government
dUring the
enrolment recently? that is increasing TAFE fees, cutting state electiOn?
You can update and check your enrolment is opportunities for our kids and attacking our This Liberal Government has:
correct at www.elections.wa.gov.au – click right to a safe working environment by • Overseen massive job losses;
on the CHECK YOUR ENROLMENT button or cutting WorkSafe funding? They are also • Cut WorkSafe;
if you need to enrol for the first time go to the trying to introduce harsh laws that attack • Increased tAfE fees;
WAEC website: www.aec.gov.au/enrol/. your right to peacefully protest or take • Decimated the training budget;
You can also call the WAEC on 13 63 06 or action. and
ask your union organiser for an enrolment • failed to act on the issues impacting
We have seen this from Liberal National
form. the construction industry.
Governments before and we have stood
This election, we need to fight to protect our This election we need to fight back, but
together and fought hard against their cuts
industry, our jobs and our kids’ future. This is we can’t do it without yOU. Let’s fight
that threaten our way of life and hurt workers
your opportunity to send a strong message back together.
and their families. But we need to make our
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
to Colin Barnett and his cronies, that you If you can spare some time and can help
voice heard. Don’t miss your opportunity to
won’t support a State Government that or you would like more information, call
have a say, make sure you are enrolled to
wants to sell off our assets and has no plan Mia on 0407 628 996.
vote and make your voice count!
for jobs.
9▲ cfMeU : Black arM Band day
A day we wish we Black Arm Band Day on November 3rd saw construction
workers and communities all over Australia pay their
respect to those recently killed at work on construction
sites.
It was great to see so many workers from big and small
sites in WA get behind this commemorative event.
5 construction workers were killed in October in just 3
weeks, taking the total deaths so far in 2016 to 23. Our
industry had 29 in 2015 and 31 in 2014. It needs to stop.
Black arm bands worn silently by workers and the wider
community sent a loud message that enough is enough,
safety has to be treated as a priority and without the
hindrance of draconian laws and those that police them at
the expense of lives.
that aside, the day was about the victims and their
families, those who won’t get to hear, kiss, play, hug, share
a meal or laugh with their loved ones, one last time. rIp.
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
please report unsafe sites: the life you save maybe you own.
10with Mick Buchan
didn’t need to have
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
call us on 9228 6900 or email safety@cfmeuwa.com
11▲ cfMeU : UniOn neWs
Joe McMilitant
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
12with Mick Buchan
Joe McDonald was born a proud militant.
This pictorial tribute is a walk down memory
lane for some and a nightmare for the many
bosses whom Joe Mac has taken up the fight
to every day of his working life. Joe has been
an outstanding union official and assistant
secretary. He vacates the position on
January 1st but will remain involved as
National President until ironically Black
Friday October 13th 2017. By which time he
hopes he would have at least outlasted Colin
Barnett (Bad luck for Barnett?)
This quote from a hero of Joe’s, James
Connolly, perhaps sums up his commitment
to the union cause the best:
“If you strike at, imprison, or kill us, out
of our prisons or graves we will still evoke
a spirit that will thwart you, and perhaps,
raise a force that will destroy you! We defy
you! Do your worst!”
Thanks Joe!
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
13▲ cfMeU : safety shOcker aWards 2016
GOLDEN TURD AWARD
the cOntenders are...
John hollands. Not only did they import cheap roof
Multiplex, innovation
panels from China containing asbestos they exposed
workers to the potentially life threatening asbestos fibres. Fall from heights prevention???
Then during remediation of the roof panels it rained and
water leaked into the ceiling causing ceiling panels to
soak up the water resulting in panels falling eight levels to John Holland, profile of panel
with 2 sheets of ACM
the Atrium below. Luckily no one was injured. It doesn’t
stop there, JH somehow managed to contaminate the
water supply with lead again hushing it all up. They knew
about the problem in early July but it did not become
public until September when the CFMEU tried to
investigate. The Government, WorkSafe and Comcare
have protected John Holland all the way through this
project.
hanssen pty ltd. This builder persists with a building
model that has resulted in 2 fatalities in just over five
years. They risk the lives of workers every day by
employing minimum safety standards, non compliance to
OS&H regulations in relation to high risk work, employing
unskilled inexperienced workers, not providing adequate
training and intimidating and sacking workers who dare to
speak up about safety issues. The industry including the
EMCO quality Diploma Enough said!!!!
Government and WorkSafe know how Hanssen Pty Ltd
operate but won’t do anything to bring them to account.
Multiplex. What can you say about a company that was
once considered the industry leader when it came to As per the Hanssen
training manual!!
establishing safety standards and working conditions?
Unfortunately Multiplex have slipped to what can best be
described as a tier 2 builder, by joining the race to the
bottom and employing the cheapest subcontractors who
tender the job, minimum safety standards and work
Hanssen, why aren’t you
practices. The industry has witnessed Multiplex’s decline wearing your harness?
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
over recent years. We can only hope that other builders
take on the responsibility of setting an industry standard
that everyone can aspire to. Hanssen, what about
a working platform??
14with Bob Benkesser
2016 Multiplex who needs a crane?
Multiplex, minimum standard
dangerous chain angle and
using a forklift, not a crane
John Hollands is that asbestos?
Typical Hanssen Pty Ltd site –
complete mess – NO safety controls!
John Holland, asbestos sample
John Hollands Asbestos won’t hurt you!!
Diploma, edge protection???
Pindan fall prevention systems
This is why we need traffic retardant barricading
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
EMCO examples of safe work platforms ...andthewinneris
15▲ cfMeU : safety shOcker aWards 2016 with Bob Benkesser
...and the WINNER is...
Worksafe Western australia!
Unfortunately for workers in this state WorkSafe Western Australia are not a proactive body. Inspectors
do not go out and enforce compliance to the OH&S Act and Regulations, they rely on complaints from
unions, workers and the public before they take action. On rare occasions they will conduct targeted
inspection programs in the construction sector.
When they receive a complaint they prioritise the complaints and may or may not follow up on it. If they do follow up they may issue notices
or verbal directions to the employer or a worker, however they don’t necessarily go back to ensure the issues have been rectified. They
actually follow up on about 5% of the notices issued. Instead they rely on the employer sending back compliance slips for all the notices that
were issued, stating that the notices have been complied – with meaning everything has been fixed. WorkSafe do not provide feedback on a
complaint unless you apply through the Freedom of Information process.
WorkSafe operate on a model that allows builders to self-regulate their own work places. They rely on the honesty of an employer who is not
complying with the law in the first place.
WorkSafe are the major reason the level of safety in Western Australia has deteriorated to the current low levels we work under and they need
to be overhauled before we will see any improvement in safety standards in the construction industry in this state. If they did their job like we
are expected to, these situations wouldn’t happen. Congratulations WorkSafe...Winner of the 2016 Golden turd Award!!!
toyourunion,
Report unsafe practteicctesyo
f WorkSafe wont
’ pro u the CFMEU will
i
▲
cfMeU : UniOn neWs with Vinnie Molina
BARNETT GOVT:
Another project delayed.
dn’t happen ifit was made locally
it Woul
Where have we heard this before? DELAYS are plaguing the much-vaunted $54 million footbridge linking East Perth to the new Perth Stadium at
Burswood. Which has now gone $17 million over budget – another disaster under the watch of Mike nahan! The Barnett Government has quietly
pushed back its time frame for opening the bridge, which will span the Swan River, to possibly the middle of next year.
That would be up to six months later than first announced and comes after criticism that the bridge was being manufactured in Malaysia instead of WA.
It’s understood the timetable for completion has been put back by months because of delays in Malaysia, where the bridge is being fabricated using
Chinese steel. The Barnett government has failed local jobs at a time of record unemployment in WA.
Transport Minister Bill Marmion yesterday confirmed the bridge would not be “operational” until “early to mid-2017”, rather than the previously
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
announced “early 2017”.
Remember this at the state election. Delays + cheap imported products, maybe he should name it the 'John Holland Bridge'!!! And Surprise! Surprise!
Speaking of John Holland the Barnett Government has come out and said that the NEW Perth Children’s Hospital will now open next Easter 2017!
What a joke! Kick the LIBS out!
16▲ cfMeU : seasOn’s greetings from Mark McGowan
A Christmas Message to
CFMEU Members
from Mark McGowan
Leader of the Opposition WA Labor
My family, my Labor colleagues and I send our very best
Christmas wishes to CFMEU members and staff.
Christmas is a time when we give special thanks to our
families and reflect with gratitude on the opportunitie
s this
great State has afforded us. In this special season I hope
your homes are filled with joy and laughter, as you enjoy
the time spent with family and close friends. I also recog
nise the FIFO workers across WA, who will not be able
spend this Christmas with their families. to
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the
role of the union movement in advancing workplace safety
in this State. The CFMEU has a long history of achiev
ement in making sure workers come home safely to
families, just as there is a long tradition in the Labor Party their
of working with unions to safeguard workers’ health.
This Christmas will be a difficult time for many Weste
rn Australian families. Too many have lost loved ones
circumstances that could have been prevented. Condi in the workplace this year in
tions have improved in this State but we must recognise
We must do more to support WA’s FIFO workforce and that there is still more to do.
ensure their mental health and wellbeing is placed above
Government would work with resource companies to all else. A McGowan Labor
provide choice and support for FIFO workers, create strong
long term employment opportunities in regional centre regional communities and
s.
As we edge closer to the March State election, let me
offer this assurance to CFMEU members -A McGowan
committed to a joint safety agenda with the unions in Labor Government will be
WA.
WA Labor was founded by the union movement and
improving circumstances for workers will always be centra
share with the union movement the belief in fairness l to our core values. We also
and a fair go for all, not just certain sections of our societ
With that in mind, we must also acknowledge that many y.
families are doing it tough. Too many people have misse
boom and we’ve somehow emerged from the biggest d out on the benefits of the
period of wealth creation in WA’s history with little to
show for it.
Unemployment is at the highest levels in recorded histor
y. Communities are struggling and many Western Austra
‘how did it come this?’ We should have been more prepa lians will rightly be asking,
red for the changing economy and worked harder to
Perhaps the greatest commitment I can give to you is divers ify and create new jobs.
that I will get our economy back on track. There’s no easy
Barnett Liberal Government. It will take years of good fix to the mess created by the
financial management and discipline.
Getting our State back on track is not impossible. But
it’s crucial to come up with innovative, smart and, most
to create a more diverse and sustainable economy and importantly, affordable policies
jobs for the future.
That’s exactly why WA Labor has developed a Plan for
Jobs. It’s an affordable and achievable plan that will create
of industries across WA. Industries like manufacturing, 50,000 new jobs in a range
tourism, innovation and ICT, agriculture, science and
industry has been hit hard by job losses and our plan technology. The construction
will create more opportunities, particularly on governmen
I am committed to helping young Western Australians t projects.
find work. Under the current government, the training
sector has been decimated, with
a massive decline in apprenticeships and traineeships
. Helping young Western Australians to get the skills they
a priority of a government I lead. need to get decent jobs will be
We are serious about building a stronger economy and
creating new jobs. Focusing on enduring Labor values
those who need it and looking after the most vulnerable , like giving a helping hand to
people in our community.
This is what Labor is all about.
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
Let me assure you that my team and I will be doing everyt
hing we can to elect a McGowan Labor Government in
efforts this year. I wish all members a Merry Christmas March. Thank you for all your
and a safe and prosperous New Year.
17▲ cfMeU : seasOn’s greetings
MERRY CFMEU
St.Nick!
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
18Construction Worker : Summer 2016
19
with Mick Buchan
CHRISTMAS▲ cfMeU : aBcc with Anne Aly
ABCC spells contempt for workers
anne aly stood strong with the cfMeU to even economic rationality. Instead, it is about Another one of the government’s erratic
fight against the advent of the aBcc. this is drawing political battle lines between Labor arguments is that the re-introduction of the
her assessment written prior to the aBcc and a Liberal government that is undeniably ABCC will resolve unlawfulness and illegal
Bill being passed. anne was spot on. people anti-worker. activities on worksites. It beggars belief that
like anne and others including ourselves While the government continues to attack the the government doesn’t know how the
will continue to remain vigilant in the face CFMEU with accusations of thuggery, workers judicial system or existing law enforcement
of these draconian laws. continue to die. When Malcolm Turnbull was agencies could work to rectify these
The government called an election over this scrambling together the anti-worker ABCC concerns.
controversial law, but what does it mean for legislation, the CFMEU was protecting These false arguments put forward by the
Aussie workers? workers from asbestos-containing material in government that somehow the ABCC will
First we were told that young people couldn’t Perth’s Children’s Hospital. Every worker boost productivity while solving problems of
afford to buy into the housing market deserves to get home safe to their families, corruption and excessive costs have been
because they didn’t have rich parents. and the ABCC will put that safety at risk. disproven time and time again. Make no
Then, last week in Parliament, Scott Morrison During the Howard era when the ABCC was mistake, the ABCC will not improve
tried to tell Australia that young people first introduced, construction worker deaths productivity, create new jobs or stamp out
couldn’t afford housing because of the were at a 10 year high. The proposed ABCC corruption. What it will do is make
CFMEU. 2.0 threatens the safety and security of every construction sites less safe and strip away
In trying to mount its argument for the ABCC, single worker and their fundamental human workers’ rights.
the government has blamed the CFMEU for right to a safe workplace. It would also This is Australia. This is 2016. A fair and equal
everything from increasing housing prices undermine other workers’ rights because it society – the kind of Australia I am proud to
and building costs, to intimidating and could introduce extraordinary powers of law be a part of and the kind of Australia the Labor
bullying, to over inflating workers’ wages. The enforcement that only apply to a single Party wants to see – does not compromise
latter is particularly bizarre, considering that industry including: the rights of its workers for the sake of a bitter
the Attorney General’s Department employed • forcing workers to give evidence and and contemptuous political war against
no less than 37 new appointments just before produce documents without Unions.
the election at salaries of over $300,000 each representation of a chosen lawyer; These workers are not just collateral damage
with no checks, no processes and no • allowing ABCC representatives to enter in the government’s war against Unions. They
examination of possible conflicts of interest. premises without a warrant and impose are real people with families and children
But then again, this is the government of ‘do extraordinary fines reserved only to the who deserve to have their voices heard, who
as I say, not as I do’. building and construction industry; deserve a decent wage, and who deserve to
According to the Liberal government, the • reversing the onus of proof onto workers; get home safe.
ABCC will not only increase profits, it will also and And let me tell you this: if my boys were
decrease prices, and it will stop excessive • Most disturbingly, introducing penalties working on construction sites, I would be
wages while also increasing wages. for picketing and industrial action damn glad the CFMEU
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
Confused? You should be. The argument for effectively silencing workers and their was there looking out for
the ABCC is not built on reason, logic, need or Unions. them.
Dr Anne Aly is the Federal Member for Cowan and a world-renowned counter terrorism expert. Dr Aly is a WA Women’s Hall of Fame
inductee, has received the prestigious Australia Security Medal, and in 2016 was nominated for Australian of the Year.
20▲ cfMeU : cOMMent with Joe McDonald
National CFMEU C&G President
Don’t let Barnett off the hook!
During his reign as Premier (Emperor) of
Western Australia, Colin Barnett and his
Liberal coalition government have taken WA
‘the Wa liberal
from being Australia’s leading economy to
now being in last place, behind even
government
Tasmania.
is like a full
That’s no reflection on our Tassie cousins, in
fact we take out hats off to them. For years nappy and
they have been diversifying their economy
from an apple isle to arguably being must be
Australia’s leading state for aqua-culture,
fresh food exports, world famous whisky changed.’
distilleries, super-fast ferry construction and
tourism among other things. It’s also good to people and a boom in service cuts. The Barnett Government all but decimated
see the great work the CFMEU is now doing Emperor Barnett and Nitwit Nahan like to our local manufacturing industry with their
representing workers in Tasmania. argue that it’s an unfair GST Revenue System lack of support for local content during the
The Barnett government on the other hand that has made our revenue intake worse, but ‘boom’. Entire skill sets were lost as workers
failed to plan for any life after the resources remember, it was a Court Liberal were left to join dole queue as companies
boom. They have also wasted billions of Government (with Barnett) that signed off on got rich off the back of imported, and in most
dollars and the opportunities that go with it. the GST deal, with many at the time cases, inferior products.
Sure, we have some nice building,s but the forecasting that it wasn’t in WA’s best The Barnett government kowtowed to the
majority of those have gone over budget interests. GST has nothing to do with it. multi-nationals, as if they were ‘Mother
under their auspices. For instance, the new In simple terms they spent more than they England’ upon which WA was dependent
Children’s Hospital, the Perth Arena, water made. They acted like pigs at a trough that before discovering massive resources. It’s
problems at Elizabeth Quay, which put stretched from Parliament House in West our rocks, our gas, and our resources! The
children’s health at risk. Perth all the way to China. Barnett led government should have stood
Who knows how the new the stadium will Blind Freddy could’ve seen the resources strong and demanded a better deal.
end up? boom coming to an end, nothing lasts Putting all that aside, we have endured a
There are those who say Barnett wanted his forever. But not an arrogant Barnett and his State Government which has also made lying
legacy to be that of the ‘Great Builder’, the band of ‘head-in-the-sand Ostriches’. an art form.
one who changed the face of Perth, with him Along the way they have put up costs for just We have seen broken promise after broken
perhaps believing that in a 100 years no one about everything, power, water, motor promise. In the process, trust has become a
would remember the mismanagement and vehicle licenses and TAFE courses which victim in their pursuit to retain power at any
the extraordinary waste, only the have economically locked out those who cost. If honesty is the first chapter of the
monuments to himself. How wrong they are. need it most. TAFE enrolments have fallen for book of wisdom then the Barnett
While our state was experiencing a once in a the last 2 years since Barnett increased Government may as well tear up the
generation resources Boom, the Barnett costs,z with some course costs trebling. manuscript.
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
government was overseeing its own boom. A Indeed, costs have gone up and blown out to paraphrase Mark twain, ‘the WA Liberal
boom in debt, as WA accounts reached by so much, the Barnett Government should Government is like a full nappy and must
‘Great Depression’ proportions. A boom in pay the ultimate cost and be thrown out of be changed.’
unemployment, especially among young office at the State election in 2017.
21▲ cfMeU : laBOUr hire neWs with Luke Collier
Dodgy Labour Hire
has become a scourge
hire now!
Far too many companies still perceive
r’
End‘Slavou
labour-hire workers as a cheap, disposable
labour force. In some cases this approach
has contributed to poor safety attitudes,
serious injuries and even death… but that’s don’t even bother to check if the workers
not all! they place have the proper ‘tickets’ to work in
Labour hire seems to have become a law construction and related industries.
unto itself. At best they help companies find They may seek to ensure their placements
the right workers for the right job. have a ‘White Safety Card’ but as we know,
Unfortunately, many are involved in White Card safety applications are open to
scurrilous deals that see workers hired out mass rorting, where answering questions on
and being paid way under the award, with no a computer can be done by anyone and for
protections and little regard for workplace as many people as needed, often by the
conditions. If there is one ‘Industry’ that same person 10 or 20 at a time.
needs stringent government regulation, It can be effectively argued that Labour hire
labour hire is it! leads to an unproductive workforce.
It is time to weed out all the dodgy players, Productivity is not achieved by kids doing
backyard operators and those labour hire jobs out of their depth, apprentices being
companies set up as a front by builders used as slave labour or worse, thrust into Worksafe or the Fair Work Ombudsman do
themselves as a means to employ cheap supervisor roles. Workers are being forced to not have the resources to police such a
labour on ABN’s and/or to exploit visa work long hours – up to 10 12 hours a day, massive widespread problem. The ABCC
workers at the expense of local jobs. including weekends. doesn’t give a stuff. The FWBC doesn’t either.
Labour hire is a practice that, amongst other Unscrupulous builders take a ‘no care, no Workers call it ‘slavour hire’ and it’s hard to
things, sees billions of dollars a year in tax responsibility approach’. They don’t see argue against that. For many unqualified
avoidance and no compliance of community themselves as a host which needs to provide workers, such as backpackers, Labour hire
standards in the workplace, such as sick adequate supervision and conditions, all companies are often their first port of call,
leave, holidays, overtime, redundancy, they care about is enough bodies on site to when looking for work.
SUPER etc. do the work for a cheap as possible, and Gumtree is usually their drug of choice when
Labour hire does not provide job security. collect a big fat fee. looking for cheap underpaid labour.
They deal in insecurity and use that to further They treat workers as commodities, not In a lot cases Labour Hire Agents with
exploit workers. Many workers don’t know if participants. Inductions are a joke. Good exorbitant fee structures make more than the
they have work until the day before. They labour-hire agents should ensure safe workers they place.
can’t plan, build a future, they are left workplaces for their workers, and also It’s time for politicians and law makers to
hanging in the wind. They take advantage of influence host employers to provide a safe ACT! Labour hire companies who place or
those in need of work and simply say –‘take work environment for labour-hire staff, or employ people without proper qualifications
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
it or leave it’, paying extremely low flat rate withdraw them. However, Labour hire agents and pay below the award or enforce dodgy
per hour wages (often under the award) with are reluctant to bite the hand that feeds ABN’s and Safety Cards should face the full
no entitlements them. If they won’t or can’t do it, then LAWS force of new legislated laws. Better still, have
Many labour hire companies don’t care and need to be in place to ensure it. laws in place to close them down.
22▲ cfMeU : UniOn neWs with Cam McCullough
IS YOUR JOB ON THE LIBERAL HIT LIST?
tiMe fOr a crackdOWn On 457 visas
Is your occupation on this prized Turnbull
government list? Are you or someone you apparently the elite liBs think there’s NO
know out of work? Do you have kids that lOcal WOrkers tO fill these pOsitiOns!
can’t get an apprenticeship?
Sheetmetal Trades Worker Panel beater Solid Plasterer
Well, you won’t be happy to know that these
Metal Fabricator Bricklayer Wall and Floor Tiler
occupations are on the Turnbull Liberal
Pressure Welder Stonemason Plumber (General)
Government’s priority list for workers from
Welder (First Class) Carpenter and Joiner Air-conditioning and
overseas in 2016-17, to be given access to a
Fitter (General) Carpenter Mechanical Services
range of special visas to come here and work.
Fitter and Turner Cabinet maker Plumber
The Barnett government is also a big fan of
Fitter-Welder Joiner Drainer
bringing in visa workers too. All at a time of
Metal Machinist (First Painting trades workers Gasfitter
record unemployment and NO investment in
Class) Glazier Roof plumber
real training opportunities to develop future
Locksmith Fibrous Plasterer Electrician (General)
skills sets.
you have every right to be angry,
but how do you get even?
How do you change it? Vote for a party that Our kids
can make decisions and introduce legislation
for workers, not radical populist parties, only deserve a
LABOR will take up the fight together with
workers and their unions for local jobs and to future!
train our kids so they have a future.
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
fight back for local jobs and a future for our kids.
support your union and kick out Barnett and nahan’s Wa liBs!
23▲ cfMeU : UniOn neWs with Vinnie Molina
WA Work death rate rising
UnionsWA has commented on the recent SafeWork Australia found that WA’s average Everyone – working people, unions,
release by SafeWork Australia of the latest work fatality rate over the period 2003 to employers and governments – have a role in
data on work fatalities in Australia, including 2015 was 2.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers.” preventing work fatalities.
WA. These are the most reliable figures In 2015 the work fatality rate in WA was found However, the Barnett Government lags
available on work fatalities and provide data to be exactly the same at this thirteen-year behind others States.
on work fatality rates per 100,000 workers average, at 2.6. There have been funding cuts to WorkSafe,
over thirteen years to 2015. Any fatality, at work or otherwise, is a tragic including a cut in funds for WorkSafe
They show the fatality rate in WA worsened loss for family, friends, co-workers and Inspectors. WA has among the weakest
from 1.6 in 2014 to 2.6 in 2015. WA is the only communities. penalties for workplaces that break work
state or territory in Australia where the work Time and again West Australians read media health and safety laws.
fatality rate actually worsened between 2014 reports of horrific work fatalities. Law reforms needed to address WA poor
and 2015. Sadly, this data does suggest that those record have been tied up in endless
Meredith Hammat, Secretary UnionsWA said: reports are indeed more frequent than they consultation without decisions by
“WA is the only state or territory in Australia have been in the past. government.
where the work fatality rate actually The West Australian economy relies on there is an urgent need to ensure that the
worsened in 2015 compared with 2014. industries that are inherently dangerous – WA Government does more to prevent
Just as worrying is that the long-term trend construction, mining, transportation and work fatalities.”
for work fatalities in WA is not improving. agriculture being among these.
Construction Worker : Summer 2016
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