CFMEU Tasmanian Worker - Spring 2015

TASMANIAN WORKER SPRING 2015

100% UNION

s been inery ha at Vos Jo r 19 months m a te e fo h s T down ation in negoti recently votedr down and theypany’s EBA offe O vote.

N the com unding 100% so with a re f the workers 100% o Joinery are at Vos he CFMEU! in t

RALLY: yes to local jobs On Wednesday 2 September, 400 workers and supporters turned out to call on the State Government to give Tassie Workers a Fair Go, and also to say no to Abbott’s dud China Free Trade deal.

It was a fantastic turnout, and there was unanimous support for mandating local content on major projects and that jobs be offered to locals first.

Stop-work big effort The Formwork Mobile crew who stopped work for rally, a first for them, were just one outstanding example. It’s a huge effort to pull up stumps and take a stand – full credit to them.

ys from JMK 99 Some of the bo ments art Ap Hobart Baths

mandate a reasonable level of local content on major projects.

Our letter pointed out that Tasmanian contractors had been bypassed at Parliament Square; glass and the building’s outer perimeter were fully imported and will probably be installed by mainland labour.

Unless you count four lines from a ‘Departmental Liaison Officer’ promising another reply, the Government has

not responded to us – and we certainly haven’t seen the Liberals take any action on this issue.

The Union sent another letter on 20 August – still no proper response.

Members signing up in support of campaign!

Four new members signed up on the spot at the Vos Old Hobart Baths site, mainly because they’re seeing the Union having a crack for local jobs and local content on major projects.

No to CHAFTA

Government ignores Union letters for Tassie jobs The CFMEU had written to the Hodgman Government on 4 August, calling on them to 99 Andrew Wilkie MP

speaks to the crowd.

Old

AS WASHO SEES IT

AS WASHO SEES IT

Fair Go for Tassie Workers Noel Washington Senior Vice President

Workers really did themselves a treat with a turnout of 400 at the Fair Go for Tassie Workers rally. It shows just how strongly people feel about ensuring major projects in Tassie use as much local content and labour as possible.

T

wo-thirds of those attending the rally would have been new to this, and it’s a strong endorsement of our Union’s campaign. Ensuring that materials and products – such as concrete panels, furniture and joinery work – are Tasmanian will keep local jobs secure and allow companies to take on apprentices to give the next generation a go.

Most developers and builders just take the lowest bid, seeking only to maximise their own profits while ignoring the social benefits that flow from using a

minimum level of local content. But now, the Northern Territory Government has mandated that 90% of labour and materials on major projects be sourced locally.

I know members will continue to support our Union’s campaign, as we pressure the Tasmanian Government to act also.

We’re going hard on local content and training The State Government’s procurement policy requires a minimum of 20% apprentices and trainees be employed, but the Hodgman Government is not enforcing it.

It’s no use complaining about a lack of local labour if you’re not willing to enforce your own policies to give young people the opportunity to develop skills and get into our industry.

Nyrstar sent packing over unfair dismissals Nyrstar management’s attempts to undermine the unity of one of our strongest sites have backfired. When CFMEU members stood up for themselves in the face of an assault on their conditions, Nyrstar tried every trick in

‘There is no reason why virtually all local construction in Tasmania shouldn’t be done by local workers,’ Andrew Wilkie told the rally. ‘They are available, and have the skills and the knowledge to get the job done. That work linked to the State Government includes so much interstate and foreign content is appalling and a sign of the Government’s disregard for local jobs,’ he added.

‘It’s a disgrace that the Parliament Square rebuild in Hobart is using cheap Chinese-made glass and mainland plasterers. And the State Government has not explained convincingly why foreign workers are

02

CFMEU WORKER

This isn’t about racism as the Government is claiming. It’s about a fair deal for all workers. being used on the Spirit of Tasmania refurbishment, when these jobs were promised to Tasmanians. This is all set to get worse, with the introduction of the AustraliaChina Free Trade Agreement, which will allow unskilled Chinese workers to work on high-value Chinese projects in Australia, without any requirement for labourmarket testing.’

taxpayers’ money, but will deliver nothing for workers and their families.

The subsequent Fair Work conciliation process didn’t get anywhere, and the company’s offer was rejected on two occasions by all members. The Union brought in our lawyers, Slater & Gordon, to run an unfair dismissal case. In the court hearing, our lawyers cut the Nyrstar management’s evidence to pieces. Nyrstar members should be very proud of this result – it was a great example of the power of our Union when members stick together.

They’ve sent a very strong message to all Tasmanian workers.

Assault reflects attitude to safety

Royal Commission descends into farce If there was ever a question that the Trade Unions Royal Commission was anything but a political ploy from the Abbott Government, revelations that Commissioner Dyson Heydon was a special guest speaker at a Liberal Party fundraiser have settled it. The Commission has descended into a farce, and any findings will be seen as tarnished and of no merit.

Royal Commissions come with every government. Lots of talk, but the government only acts on whatever’s on its agenda. This one could cost $80 million of

More EBAs, better wages all round

Wilkie backs jobs campaign Along with our own Richie Hassett, Andrew Wilkie MP spoke strongly for local jobs at the recent rally.

the book, eventually standing them down, pending an ‘independent’ investigation.

‘This isn’t about racism – as the Government is claiming. It’s about a fair deal for all workers. The fact is that Chinese workers will take jobs from Australians, and that those Chinese workers will almost certainly be underpaid by Australian standards.

The Federal Government must go back to the drawing board on the China FTA, to protect local jobs.’

SPRING 2015

We’ve had some significant wins for CFMEU members that have sent out a powerful message and demonstrated the power of sticking together.

Members are doing a great job of progressing EBA negotiations around the state. Supported by the CFMEU team of Washo and Richie, we now have pattern agreements with the biggest plastering company in Hobart and we’re pursuing the next two. Combine that with the recent success in Burnie – where members have won an agreement on a job where others are on award rates – and things are really looking up.

Don’t tell Victoria – too many plasterers in Melbourne are the only ones on sites WITHOUT an EBA!

Management’s physical assault on an elected CFMEU OHS Rep at Parliament Square reflects a disturbing approach to safety on site. Workers did themselves a treat in standing strongly by their Rep to ensure the removal of the offending manager. Safety is Union business – stand up, speak out, come home.

Wage Claim service Shelley in the Union office has been working hard for members claiming outstanding wages.

In one recent win, a redundancy payout had ignored a rollover amount that should have come with the member as he moved from mining to civil with the

same company. After going back through the records, we found evidence to recover $8000–$9000 for him.

If you have any wage problems, ring Shelley on 6228 9595.

Steady growth, focused on basics The Union is re-establishing itself, and we’re stronger than ever. Focused on the basics of safety, wages and conditions, we’re seeing steady growth in membership.

We can now start looking to improve the services we offer to members. The, December issue of Tassie Worker will include a form to survey your feedback and ideas.

One possibility is for the Union to get into training next year, starting with the basics such as First Aid and Traffic Management.

The member interest is clearly there – we just need to start building it up.

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

The CFMEU will always stand up for you AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU Stand up.

Speak out. Come home.

WORKER

Nyrstar EBA vote Nyrstar members are about to vote on a short-term EBA to allow time for more intense negotiations. Some matters will be referred to the Fair Work Commission.

They’re certainly a hard-working group of delegates doing a great job at Nyrstar, and they deserve a pat on the back.

Delegates spent a lot of their own time on

negotiations and talking with workmates.

As shift workers, giving up their own time is an even bigger deal, and thanks should go to them and their families.

99 CFMEU Nyrstar site organiser Marshall Reeves

The pattern agreement covering many commercial jobs in Hobart is now 18 months old. In another 18 months we’ll have the opportunity to negotiate a new agreement – and we’re in a more powerful position this time, with more companies signed up and more members involved.

SPRING 2015

CFMEU WORKER

03

AS WASHO SEES IT

AS WASHO SEES IT

Fair Go for Tassie Workers Noel Washington Senior Vice President

Workers really did themselves a treat with a turnout of 400 at the Fair Go for Tassie Workers rally. It shows just how strongly people feel about ensuring major projects in Tassie use as much local content and labour as possible.

T

wo-thirds of those attending the rally would have been new to this, and it’s a strong endorsement of our Union’s campaign. Ensuring that materials and products – such as concrete panels, furniture and joinery work – are Tasmanian will keep local jobs secure and allow companies to take on apprentices to give the next generation a go.

Most developers and builders just take the lowest bid, seeking only to maximise their own profits while ignoring the social benefits that flow from using a

minimum level of local content. But now, the Northern Territory Government has mandated that 90% of labour and materials on major projects be sourced locally.

I know members will continue to support our Union’s campaign, as we pressure the Tasmanian Government to act also.

We’re going hard on local content and training The State Government’s procurement policy requires a minimum of 20% apprentices and trainees be employed, but the Hodgman Government is not enforcing it.

It’s no use complaining about a lack of local labour if you’re not willing to enforce your own policies to give young people the opportunity to develop skills and get into our industry.

Nyrstar sent packing over unfair dismissals Nyrstar management’s attempts to undermine the unity of one of our strongest sites have backfired. When CFMEU members stood up for themselves in the face of an assault on their conditions, Nyrstar tried every trick in

‘There is no reason why virtually all local construction in Tasmania shouldn’t be done by local workers,’ Andrew Wilkie told the rally. ‘They are available, and have the skills and the knowledge to get the job done. That work linked to the State Government includes so much interstate and foreign content is appalling and a sign of the Government’s disregard for local jobs,’ he added.

‘It’s a disgrace that the Parliament Square rebuild in Hobart is using cheap Chinese-made glass and mainland plasterers. And the State Government has not explained convincingly why foreign workers are

02

CFMEU WORKER

This isn’t about racism as the Government is claiming. It’s about a fair deal for all workers. being used on the Spirit of Tasmania refurbishment, when these jobs were promised to Tasmanians. This is all set to get worse, with the introduction of the AustraliaChina Free Trade Agreement, which will allow unskilled Chinese workers to work on high-value Chinese projects in Australia, without any requirement for labourmarket testing.’

taxpayers’ money, but will deliver nothing for workers and their families.

The subsequent Fair Work conciliation process didn’t get anywhere, and the company’s offer was rejected on two occasions by all members. The Union brought in our lawyers, Slater & Gordon, to run an unfair dismissal case. In the court hearing, our lawyers cut the Nyrstar management’s evidence to pieces. Nyrstar members should be very proud of this result – it was a great example of the power of our Union when members stick together.

They’ve sent a very strong message to all Tasmanian workers.

Assault reflects attitude to safety

Royal Commission descends into farce If there was ever a question that the Trade Unions Royal Commission was anything but a political ploy from the Abbott Government, revelations that Commissioner Dyson Heydon was a special guest speaker at a Liberal Party fundraiser have settled it. The Commission has descended into a farce, and any findings will be seen as tarnished and of no merit.

Royal Commissions come with every government. Lots of talk, but the government only acts on whatever’s on its agenda. This one could cost $80 million of

More EBAs, better wages all round

Wilkie backs jobs campaign Along with our own Richie Hassett, Andrew Wilkie MP spoke strongly for local jobs at the recent rally.

the book, eventually standing them down, pending an ‘independent’ investigation.

‘This isn’t about racism – as the Government is claiming. It’s about a fair deal for all workers. The fact is that Chinese workers will take jobs from Australians, and that those Chinese workers will almost certainly be underpaid by Australian standards.

The Federal Government must go back to the drawing board on the China FTA, to protect local jobs.’

SPRING 2015

We’ve had some significant wins for CFMEU members that have sent out a powerful message and demonstrated the power of sticking together.

Members are doing a great job of progressing EBA negotiations around the state. Supported by the CFMEU team of Washo and Richie, we now have pattern agreements with the biggest plastering company in Hobart and we’re pursuing the next two. Combine that with the recent success in Burnie – where members have won an agreement on a job where others are on award rates – and things are really looking up.

Don’t tell Victoria – too many plasterers in Melbourne are the only ones on sites WITHOUT an EBA!

Management’s physical assault on an elected CFMEU OHS Rep at Parliament Square reflects a disturbing approach to safety on site. Workers did themselves a treat in standing strongly by their Rep to ensure the removal of the offending manager. Safety is Union business – stand up, speak out, come home.

Wage Claim service Shelley in the Union office has been working hard for members claiming outstanding wages.

In one recent win, a redundancy payout had ignored a rollover amount that should have come with the member as he moved from mining to civil with the

same company. After going back through the records, we found evidence to recover $8000–$9000 for him.

If you have any wage problems, ring Shelley on 6228 9595.

Steady growth, focused on basics The Union is re-establishing itself, and we’re stronger than ever. Focused on the basics of safety, wages and conditions, we’re seeing steady growth in membership.

We can now start looking to improve the services we offer to members. The, December issue of Tassie Worker will include a form to survey your feedback and ideas.

One possibility is for the Union to get into training next year, starting with the basics such as First Aid and Traffic Management.

The member interest is clearly there – we just need to start building it up.

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

The CFMEU will always stand up for you AUTUMN 2015

CFMEU Stand up.

Speak out. Come home.

WORKER

Nyrstar EBA vote Nyrstar members are about to vote on a short-term EBA to allow time for more intense negotiations. Some matters will be referred to the Fair Work Commission.

They’re certainly a hard-working group of delegates doing a great job at Nyrstar, and they deserve a pat on the back.

Delegates spent a lot of their own time on

negotiations and talking with workmates.

As shift workers, giving up their own time is an even bigger deal, and thanks should go to them and their families.

99 CFMEU Nyrstar site organiser Marshall Reeves

The pattern agreement covering many commercial jobs in Hobart is now 18 months old. In another 18 months we’ll have the opportunity to negotiate a new agreement – and we’re in a more powerful position this time, with more companies signed up and more members involved.

SPRING 2015

CFMEU WORKER

03

PARLIAMENT SQUARE

PARLIAMENT SQUARE

Parliament Square

Loading bays: another safety win Parliament Square management refused for weeks to fix safety issues with crane loading bays on the site.

Workers in the loading bays were exposed to fast-moving traffic behind their backs, separated only by plastic water barriers – without any water in them.

When a Union organiser raised our legitimate concerns over this grossly inadequate protection, this boss was quick to get on the phone.

from the start

Q u i c k, t h e pa r c a l l i n sp e ct ki n g C FM EU o rs - t h e a re h e r e!

sbestos exposure Crane shutdown over  Abuilder  prosecuted safety concerns, no emergency rescue plan eveloper reneged on  Dagreed Elected OHS Rep $5 site allowance  assaulted by construction Daily safety concerns manager after raising safety  around construction wiring issues. Union members showed and working at heights

Sadly, instead of making the call to fix the problem (or dob himself into WorkSafe), the manager rang a parking inspector to book our organiser.

The Myer project shows everyone how decent, safe bays can be arranged.

After dogged persistence by the Union, Parliament Square management have finally installed concrete barriers for the loading bay.

99 Here’s ou r mate, abou call the pa rking inspec t to tors.

Assault on safety WAS AN ACTUAL ASSAULT When the elected Union OHS Rep at Parliament Square did his job and reported a safety concern, he was physically assaulted by the project manager.

Workers on the project weren’t having a bar of this. They were willing to sit in the sheds, and after a couple of days the project manager was fired.

Well done to everyone at Parliament Square – another strong demonstration of strength in unity and refusing to back down over safety.

Local jobs, no more exploitation The use of 457 Visa overseas workers at Parliament Square by a NSW contractor is a stark example of locals missing out. Every Tassie local who needs a job should have a chance before mainlanders. Overseas workers, who are vulnerable to exploitation because their visas are tied to their employment, should be a last resort.

This is why the CFMEU is leading the push for local content and jobs. Hobart Aluminium and Glass, (see member profiles on next page), are an example of local glaziers that could be in line for Parliament Square work.

he resigned, workers elected their own Union OHS Rep

Elected OHS Rep in July, Simon’s also on crane crew at Parliament Square.

When asked why he put his hand up, Simon says he considers it a moral responsibility and an obligation to the industry that’s given him a life well spent.

Safety improvements are good for whole industry and while Simon says safety is still behind the times in Tassie, he says the hard line approach from the union is the only thing that’s improving anything.

The job certainly has its challenges and all Tassie workers would see that. Simon utilises the best of his hard and soft skills in his role and takes on whatever comes.

‘People from the mainland have higher standards – but don’t always think we’re entitled to it,’ he reckons. ‘Does that mean Tassie workers are second-rate, our lives aren’t as important? Or is it just because they think they can get away with it?’

Simon knows interstate management wouldn’t treat their workers in their state in the same way, even if they wanted to.

Adding to Simon’s challenges is that as part of crane crew he spends one day up in the tower crane and one day on the ground crew, but it provides some variety and a break from driving.

solidarity for their Rep, and construction manager was sacked

anagement inability to  Mmanage safety issues Engaging subcontractors in Worker hospitalised  breech of award  after being hit by falling 2-tonne steel gate that had no Only 2 apprentices engineering drawings  employed through a subcontractor Management’s refusal  to consult with CFMEU Engaging NSW over Health and Safety Rep,  plastering contractor appointing a boss instead. After who employs no apprentices

Simon Hughes OHS rep

E R O F BE

To relax and de-stress, Simon enjoys gardening, chess and Russian literature.

99 Empty plastic barriers – with no ing chance of stopp a vehicle.

en g betwe ty p only thin 99 The traffic is this em d Jack an rrier. a plastic b

ughes

99 Simon H

or locals.

AFTER 99 Concrete barriers – a m safer worki ng environm uch ent.

04

CFMEU WORKER

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015

CFMEU WORKER

05

PARLIAMENT SQUARE

PARLIAMENT SQUARE

Parliament Square

Loading bays: another safety win Parliament Square management refused for weeks to fix safety issues with crane loading bays on the site.

Workers in the loading bays were exposed to fast-moving traffic behind their backs, separated only by plastic water barriers – without any water in them.

When a Union organiser raised our legitimate concerns over this grossly inadequate protection, this boss was quick to get on the phone.

from the start

Q u i c k, t h e pa r c a l l i n sp e ct ki n g C FM EU o rs - t h e a re h e r e!

sbestos exposure Crane shutdown over  Abuilder  prosecuted safety concerns, no emergency rescue plan eveloper reneged on  Dagreed Elected OHS Rep $5 site allowance  assaulted by construction Daily safety concerns manager after raising safety  around construction wiring issues. Union members showed and working at heights

Sadly, instead of making the call to fix the problem (or dob himself into WorkSafe), the manager rang a parking inspector to book our organiser.

The Myer project shows everyone how decent, safe bays can be arranged.

After dogged persistence by the Union, Parliament Square management have finally installed concrete barriers for the loading bay.

99 Here’s ou r mate, abou call the pa rking inspec t to tors.

Assault on safety WAS AN ACTUAL ASSAULT When the elected Union OHS Rep at Parliament Square did his job and reported a safety concern, he was physically assaulted by the project manager.

Workers on the project weren’t having a bar of this. They were willing to sit in the sheds, and after a couple of days the project manager was fired.

Well done to everyone at Parliament Square – another strong demonstration of strength in unity and refusing to back down over safety.

Local jobs, no more exploitation The use of 457 Visa overseas workers at Parliament Square by a NSW contractor is a stark example of locals missing out. Every Tassie local who needs a job should have a chance before mainlanders. Overseas workers, who are vulnerable to exploitation because their visas are tied to their employment, should be a last resort.

This is why the CFMEU is leading the push for local content and jobs. Hobart Aluminium and Glass, (see member profiles on next page), are an example of local glaziers that could be in line for Parliament Square work.

he resigned, workers elected their own Union OHS Rep

Elected OHS Rep in July, Simon’s also on crane crew at Parliament Square.

When asked why he put his hand up, Simon says he considers it a moral responsibility and an obligation to the industry that’s given him a life well spent.

Safety improvements are good for whole industry and while Simon says safety is still behind the times in Tassie, he says the hard line approach from the union is the only thing that’s improving anything.

The job certainly has its challenges and all Tassie workers would see that. Simon utilises the best of his hard and soft skills in his role and takes on whatever comes.

‘People from the mainland have higher standards – but don’t always think we’re entitled to it,’ he reckons. ‘Does that mean Tassie workers are second-rate, our lives aren’t as important? Or is it just because they think they can get away with it?’

Simon knows interstate management wouldn’t treat their workers in their state in the same way, even if they wanted to.

Adding to Simon’s challenges is that as part of crane crew he spends one day up in the tower crane and one day on the ground crew, but it provides some variety and a break from driving.

solidarity for their Rep, and construction manager was sacked

anagement inability to  Mmanage safety issues Engaging subcontractors in Worker hospitalised  breech of award  after being hit by falling 2-tonne steel gate that had no Only 2 apprentices engineering drawings  employed through a subcontractor Management’s refusal  to consult with CFMEU Engaging NSW over Health and Safety Rep,  plastering contractor appointing a boss instead. After who employs no apprentices

Simon Hughes OHS rep

E R O F BE

To relax and de-stress, Simon enjoys gardening, chess and Russian literature.

99 Empty plastic barriers – with no ing chance of stopp a vehicle.

en g betwe ty p only thin 99 The traffic is this em d Jack an rrier. a plastic b

ughes

99 Simon H

or locals.

AFTER 99 Concrete barriers – a m safer worki ng environm uch ent.

04

CFMEU WORKER

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015

CFMEU WORKER

05

NEW INSERT DELEGATES COPY

higher wages not a crime

10 new delegates in 1 year!

Construction in Tasmania has picked up noticeably in 2015.

A

lot of that growth is on the back of larger projects in the South of the state, but there is also a number of projects in the pipeline elsewhere that will hopefully materialise soon. In this environment, we should be cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the construction sector and opportunities for better wages and conditions for CFMEU members.

There’s plenty of big jobs happening – with three $100m jobs, four $20-$70 million jobs, and of course, the $400m hospital redevelopment – along with many smaller but significant projects. Hotels and student accommodation make up most of the larger jobs.

Soon after Christmas we’re likely to see six tower cranes on the skyline, which is huge for Tasmania and provides good opportunities for members.

Member prOFILES

A year ago there was just one site delegate in Tassie. There are now 11.

I

Mark Denny

Andrew Wise

Crane Operator Statewide Cranes

Plasterer TPP

Years in Industry?

25

Years in Industry: 24

Reason for becoming a delegate?

To help others

Reason for becoming a delegate?

Need for a plastering representative so I volunteered

Biggest problem in the industry?

Wages and unskilled labour Biggest improvement in the industry?

Safety

t’s an impressive effort and will make a big difference for members on those jobs. Delegates will soon go through the Union training which will arm them to tackle the issues that matter most to members – safety, wages and conditions.

Outside of work I enjoy: Football, the beach, reno’s

Anne Duggan from the CFMEU Training and Education Unit will be coming down to do our first delegates course in October. That will be sure to pump them up before we let them loose.

Four people I would have to dinner?  Lou Richards  Sam Newman  Eddie McGuire  Brian Taylor

Dream car?

Any Ford Favourite holiday destination?

Bali

99 Anne Duggan from the Victorian

Biggest problem in the industry?

Sham contracting/interstate contractors Biggest improvement in the industry?

Standardised EBA Outside of work I enjoy: Golf, cooking and beer Dream car?

One that doesn’t break down Favourite holiday destination?

Mexico/San Diego Four people I would have to dinner?  Parents  Luke Hodge  Michael Jordan  Leigh Matthews

meet two of our up-and- s te coming delega

Training and Education Unit.

Peter Mitchell from Statewide Cranes - read his full profile at cfmeu.asn.au/branch/tas

Ben Setchell, Footy Star Foreman with Fairbrothers.

Starting with his home town of Ocean Grove, Ben has travelled around and played in a bunch of footy teams. This included Hawthorn in 1997, where Ben was on the sub list and playing for the Two’s in the Jason Dunstall years. He also played with North Adelaide in the SANFL for a couple of years – and of course, with Tasmania in the VFL.

CFMEU flag flies in Burnie Tasmanian Professional Plaster employees in Burnie, paid-up and proud!

Werribee was one of his favourite VFL clubs, but Ben really enjoyed Tassie, because it was unaligned. Good players too often missed out in the AFL-aligned clubs.

Who’s the rover on site?

Father & Son team Stephen and Dylan Bacon from Hobart Glass & Aluminium - read their full profile at cfmeu.asn.au/branch/tas 06

CFMEU WORKER

Ben played as a rover and centreman, which he reckons compares well on site to a carpenter or one of the older guys that just gets in and gets jobs done. Different to some of the younger workers, who might compare better to pretty half-forwards who just want to kick goals!

SPRING 2015

99 Happy to be employed full-time on a new Union EBA. This is the first CFMEU flag hoisted on a job in Burnie in a very long time.

Congrats, boys – the wheel is slowly turning, and you boys are playing a big part! CFMEU, here to stay in Burnie!

ALL WORKERS SHOULD BE TREATED EQUAL Vos is the second-biggest construction company in Tasmania. While Vos has an EBA covering workers in Hobart, it has a different and inferior

agreement for workers in the North – and in the North West, it only pays award rates. Every other big company pays their workers the same, no matter where they are in the State. Why does Vos think workers up North aren’t worth as much?

99 Vos workers on the harbour in Hobart.

NEW INSERT DELEGATES COPY

higher wages not a crime

10 new delegates in 1 year!

Construction in Tasmania has picked up noticeably in 2015.

A

lot of that growth is on the back of larger projects in the South of the state, but there is also a number of projects in the pipeline elsewhere that will hopefully materialise soon. In this environment, we should be cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the construction sector and opportunities for better wages and conditions for CFMEU members.

There’s plenty of big jobs happening – with three $100m jobs, four $20-$70 million jobs, and of course, the $400m hospital redevelopment – along with many smaller but significant projects. Hotels and student accommodation make up most of the larger jobs.

Soon after Christmas we’re likely to see six tower cranes on the skyline, which is huge for Tasmania and provides good opportunities for members.

Member prOFILES

A year ago there was just one site delegate in Tassie. There are now 11.

I

Mark Denny

Andrew Wise

Crane Operator Statewide Cranes

Plasterer TPP

Years in Industry?

25

Years in Industry: 24

Reason for becoming a delegate?

To help others

Reason for becoming a delegate?

Need for a plastering representative so I volunteered

Biggest problem in the industry?

Wages and unskilled labour Biggest improvement in the industry?

Safety

t’s an impressive effort and will make a big difference for members on those jobs. Delegates will soon go through the Union training which will arm them to tackle the issues that matter most to members – safety, wages and conditions.

Outside of work I enjoy: Football, the beach, reno’s

Anne Duggan from the CFMEU Training and Education Unit will be coming down to do our first delegates course in October. That will be sure to pump them up before we let them loose.

Four people I would have to dinner?  Lou Richards  Sam Newman  Eddie McGuire  Brian Taylor

Dream car?

Any Ford Favourite holiday destination?

Bali

99 Anne Duggan from the Victorian

Biggest problem in the industry?

Sham contracting/interstate contractors Biggest improvement in the industry?

Standardised EBA Outside of work I enjoy: Golf, cooking and beer Dream car?

One that doesn’t break down Favourite holiday destination?

Mexico/San Diego Four people I would have to dinner?  Parents  Luke Hodge  Michael Jordan  Leigh Matthews

meet two of our up-and- s te coming delega

Training and Education Unit.

Peter Mitchell from Statewide Cranes - read his full profile at cfmeu.asn.au/branch/tas

Ben Setchell, Footy Star Foreman with Fairbrothers.

Starting with his home town of Ocean Grove, Ben has travelled around and played in a bunch of footy teams. This included Hawthorn in 1997, where Ben was on the sub list and playing for the Two’s in the Jason Dunstall years. He also played with North Adelaide in the SANFL for a couple of years – and of course, with Tasmania in the VFL.

CFMEU flag flies in Burnie Tasmanian Professional Plaster employees in Burnie, paid-up and proud!

Werribee was one of his favourite VFL clubs, but Ben really enjoyed Tassie, because it was unaligned. Good players too often missed out in the AFL-aligned clubs.

Who’s the rover on site?

Father & Son team Stephen and Dylan Bacon from Hobart Glass & Aluminium - read their full profile at cfmeu.asn.au/branch/tas 06

CFMEU WORKER

Ben played as a rover and centreman, which he reckons compares well on site to a carpenter or one of the older guys that just gets in and gets jobs done. Different to some of the younger workers, who might compare better to pretty half-forwards who just want to kick goals!

SPRING 2015

99 Happy to be employed full-time on a new Union EBA. This is the first CFMEU flag hoisted on a job in Burnie in a very long time.

Congrats, boys – the wheel is slowly turning, and you boys are playing a big part! CFMEU, here to stay in Burnie!

ALL WORKERS SHOULD BE TREATED EQUAL Vos is the second-biggest construction company in Tasmania. While Vos has an EBA covering workers in Hobart, it has a different and inferior

agreement for workers in the North – and in the North West, it only pays award rates. Every other big company pays their workers the same, no matter where they are in the State. Why does Vos think workers up North aren’t worth as much?

99 Vos workers on the harbour in Hobart.

ONSITE Cockram Construction

99 The fellas from Cockram Construction - Fish farm in Huonville.

CFMEU Vic-Ta s 10,000 strong on Face book: faceboo

k.com/cfmeu vic

Fairbrothers

99 BBQ for the workers put on by Fairbrothers.

Myer Hobart. Brock Plastering: an EBA company on a big job.

99 Zabreen Manjerovic, a 16year-old 1st year apprentice from Midway Point.

99 The team at Brock Plastering have had an increase in wages and conditions, and the Union is happy to see EBA companies getting work on big jobs. Membership has grown significantly in the last couple of months, on the back of representation and the benefits that come with Incolink membership.

CFMEU TAS 37699

CFMEU Tasmania

33A New Town Road New Town TAS 7008 Ph 03 6228 9595 Fax 03 6228 9594 Email office@tas.cfmeu.asn.au

cfmeu.asn.au/branch/tas

Steve Little Formworkers BBQ

99 BBQ was attended by Incolink and the Union.