OH&S

Tower crane 30 metre limit

now effective Harness
saves
life
You won’t see young rigger
Robert Farmillo working
without a harness for the rest of
his career in the industry.
During erection of a Potain
415 tower crane at Probuild’s
Builders and crane massive HarveyNorman/Ikea
suppliers had been on site in Clayton, his life was
notice for some time that hanging in the balance for
after July 1 operators would several minutes after a huge jolt
not be required to climb threw him overboard.
more than 30 metres to their ‘All of a sudden, 35 tonne
cab. of counterweights shifted,
Still, when the deadline passed, the crane shook one way and
some bosses were shocked to ejected me in the other,’ recalls
find that their crane had a ban Robert.
slapped on it. This 38 metre crane What followed were a couple
stood idle on SMA construction’s of minutes he will never forget,
Footscray job for two weeks while as he dangled by his lanyard
a solution was found. 30 metres high. Fortunately, a
Modern technology has allowed quick-thinking Sergi operator
tower cranes to be erected in free slewed his 200-tonner across,
standing mode to unacceptable allowing Robert to put his foot
heights for safe access and egress. in the chains and be lifted onto
the Potain’s deck.
It is not OK that an operator has to
climb over 30 metres up to 6 times After a deep breath, he
a day. What a lot of those forced to climbed down the ladder and
climb these heights do is stay in was mighty relieved to put his
their cab all day. This causes OH&S feet on solid ground.
problems such as sanitation and Robert was back up working at
fatigue. heights soon enough, but with a
There are plenty of options for whole new appreciation of the
solving this importance of his harness. ‘Keep
problem, it on and keep it locked on,’ he Young rigger Robert Farmillo in the harness that saved his life,
says. with CFMEU organiser Steve Long
including fitting
a hoist. This
is common in

Synthetic sling main suspect in death

many countries
and gives
safer egress if
an operator is The tragic death of a CFMEU
injured or taken member at the Adelaide
ill. desalination plant on 16 July
has put synthetic slings in the
spotlight.
While investigations are
continuing, it appears that a
synthetic sling being used to lift a
heavy beam into place snapped.
Any use of synthetic slings must
Keep up-to-date with health and safety. be part of a Safe Work Method
Statement that takes into account
Go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au/ohs possible hazards and potential
damage to the sling. There should
fety Unit also be a lifting gear register and

!
l Health & Sa

ert
d Occupationa

Al
l an relevant paperwork for each sling.

S
menta

&
Environ

OH July 2010
Inspection
Synthetic slings must be
inspected before each use. They
This damaged synthetic sling had to be thrown out when found onsite

ional
by CFMEU safety officers recently.

ran e Operat must also be inspected at least

Tower c ones (OSZ) once every three months. If a sling frequent. Send each sling for a  Discard a synthetic sling if:

Safety Z
is subject to severe conditions, proof load test at least once every • The label has been removed or
crAne consu
ltAtive comm
itte e (vtccc)
the inspections should be more 12 months. destroyed
er
victoriAn tow
Approved by
the
Combinations
of the above
are
on
•  There is any damage to the
es used red depending
ually
Common ind
ustry practic
OSZ include:
to be conside cted, including:
interface/s affe
sleeve or protective coating
Crane operator fined $8,000
for defining an
osZs are individ operation e.g. handrailing, • operational area
h
specific to eac – what is
tion
• barrica ding
parawebbing
–
and screening • building leve
ls • A nylon sling comes into contact
and app lica securing doors, • extent of site
area may not • barring – e.g. metry of building
/
with acid
suitable for one ances etc. • layout and geo

over collapse
adequate for stairwells, entr
necessarily be • signag e structure
another.
Environmenta
ration
each ope
• spotters
s/exclusion zon
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• A polyester sling comes into

OH&S Alert!
ads
For this reason • permit system • public paths/ro
must be plannedof and consultation
l and Occupat
thoroughly with restricted or this document
is written as
contact with alkaline substances
ional Health &
NB: Operations ject/site , and is not
A crane operator in Western Australia has been fined $8,000
ent a guideline only
the invo lvem
ment, confined with Safety Unit
in pro
much as pos
sible
between man age
ee, employee
safety committ crane companies/
boundaries as exhaustive .
All operational
aspects must
be • A polypropylene sling comes into
representatives
,
lved, and whe
re risk-managed
at all times.
conjunction with
over a crane collapse. contact with an organic solvent
operatives invo neighbours plea se read in
required, clients/ relevant parties).
(referre d to as the
as
osZ proposal
(overleaf).
Bruce Bannister pleaded guilty to charges of failing to such as paint, coal tar or paint
be consulted
worksafe may
ensure his own safety and failing to ensure the safety of stripper
Synthetic We
required.
August 2010
others, over a March 2009 accident on a Perth housing site.
bbing Slings
• There are any visible cuts on the
His mobile crane was set up incorrectly on soft ground, and sling.
The tragic death
on the Adelaide of a worker Look for:
tipped over, taking out the house and scaffolding. NB. A nylon sling will lose more
plant is a sad desalination . Any externa
Although this took place interstate, it is a reminder to all
inherent dang
reminder of the
ers of synthetic
l wea
abrasion or cuts r such as
and contusions
. A polyester
sling
contact with alka comes into than 10% of its strength when it
slings.
The accident
. Internal wea
indicated by a
r, which is ofte
n
. A polypropyle
con
line substances
ne sling
tact with an org comes into
workers, especially holders of licences to undertake high- is wet.
thic
synthetic sling
occurred whe
failed.
na sling or the pre kening of the
dirt
sence of grit and such as paint,
stripper
anic solvent
coal tar or pain
t
risk work, that under OH&S laws they are required to take For more info see
Any use of syn
be part of a ‘Sa thetic slings must
Statement’ tha
fe Work Metho
d
. Damage to
of the sling
any protective
coating
. The re
sling.
are any visible
cuts on the reasonable care for the safety of others. the CFMEU OHS
t takes into acc
possible hazard
s
damage to the and potential
sling. There sho
ount . Damage cau
temperatures,
sed by high
sunlight or
NB. A nylon slin
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g will lose more
ngth when it is than If found guilty, you can be fined up to $188,000. Alert on our website
also be a liftin uld chemicals (ind After six month wet.
relevant paperw
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r and
ork for each slin
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discolouration)
. Damage to
icated by s
exposure to sun continuous
ligh t, a sling should
www.cfmeuvic.com.au/ohs
the label or stitc be sent for test
ing.
Inspection . Damage to hing Synthetic slin
the eye gs must be sto
Synthetic slings terminal attachm s or any . in a clean, dry, red:
must be ents or end wel l ventilated
inspected bef fittings place
ore each use.

www.cfmeuvic.com.au
must also be They . Where the slin . away from the
g is
sleeve, the slee covered by a
For more information, go to
insp ground or floo
once every thre ected at least ve must cover . away from dire r.
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is subject to sev slin
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sling for the full
length from eye
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10 ON THE JOB

Bendigo A sharp learning curve

Construction unions have
always been part of the scene
in Bendigo and have current
sites well covered, says area
organiser Jason Bell.
At the Mercy Nursing Home
site in Golden Square –which is
about to be rebuilt by Walton - Ken
Hopley is happy to talk up the
union. Despite now running his
own demolition company, Ken is a
union member and has been since
joining the Operative Bricklayers
Society in 1968.
“Through all the ups and
downs I’ve always had a working
relationship with the union,” says
Ken, who is Bendigo born and
bred. “They play a positive role and Paul Hetherington, organiser Jason Bell, Ken Hopley, site steward
we need them in the industry.”
Ken was on the executive of the
Victorian State Building Trades
Union (Bricklayers Division) when
they signed the membership over
to the CFMEU in 1995.
There is a bit of work on around
Bendigo at the moment, most of it
government-funded. Across town
at the TAFE redevelopment, also
being done by Walton, painter Roy
Bullimore is still going strong after
40 years on the end of a brush.
He has been a union member
continually through that time.
“I’ve worked in a lot of places
and met plenty of great people,”
he says. “The only thing I’d like
to do now is finish my career as a
peggy.”
Di Dave from Wales and Ray Cowell from Robertson’s Coatings.
By John Ayers
Organiser
It was a sharp learning curve
for the maintenance workers
at Melbourne University
this year when they fought
and won their joint union
EBA against determined and
well financed management
opposition.
Led by joint shop stewards,
Murray Bear and Steve Rout, the
Maintenance delegates joined
with representatives from the
National Tertiary Education Union
to achieve a stunning victory: a
16.5% pay rise over three years
and vastly improved working
conditions.
John Allen, organiser Mark Travers and Josh Fitzgibbon.
‘The way the unions – the
CFMEU, the Plumbers and the
NTEU – all worked together just
shows what you can do when
workers join forces,’ says Murray
Bear.
‘Doing EBAs with these semi-
government funded outfits can be
a long, hard road to hoe,’ explains
CFMEU Organiser John Ayers.
‘And, in the past, the maintenance
crews, because of their small
numbers at these places, have
been overlooked.’
‘But here the delegates stuck
with me through thick and thin
over 18 months. The management
even dragged in a high powered
law firm to try and split the unions,
Bendigo TAFE site shop steward Matt Dillon with Roy Bullimore, Dinky playing one off against the other.
‘But the guys saw through the
scam and held tight.’
Senior Industrial Officer with
the NTEU, Linda Gale, praises the
unity among the workforce, which
carried the day.
‘Management thought they
could play us off against each
other, but came smack bang up
against genuine union solidarity,’
she says. ‘Steve and Murray
helped us win an excellent deal
for everyone who works at The
University of Melbourne.’
Long grind wins high
distinction
Looking back, Steve Rout reckons
he had never been through such a
long and tedious experience.
‘I thought it would never end’,
he recalls with a sigh. ‘But it was
great the way the lecturers’ union
and ourselves stuck together.
Even when the management tried
the tactics of only discussing
one union’s demands at a time
- probably hoping those left out
would walk out of the talks.’
‘But we all stayed and helped
each other so that, in the end,
we finally broke through,’ smiles
Murray Bear.
‘I have to admit, me and Steve
had never done anything like this
before. But it was a great learning
experience and taught us just
what workers can do with a bit of
fight and determination. And what
better place to learn something?’

Grand Prix
‘Maddos’
Back in March, CFMEU
stewards at the Grand Prix
track, Jeff Lawson and
Matt Dillon, met champion
motorbike stunt rider Robbie
Madison. ‘Maddo’ was at
Albert Park for a 200-foot
jump over the track’s start
gantry. Maddo fan and
CFMEU safety officer Peter Successful Melbourne Uni Maintenance staff Steve Rout, Colin
Clark (inset) also arranged Crawford, Michael Fechner & Murray Bear.
for Robbie to sign a flag and

Sunbury day Hospital

one of his competition shirts
for the Union.

Hooker Cockram’s Sunbury Day Hospital site will be a hive

of activity leading up to its opening in mid-October. The
government-funded facility will provide operating theatres and
Mortlake a Union stronghold treatment rooms to this growing area.
There is great unity among all workers on the power station. Credit is due to our stewards
Peter Castles and Peter Booth and all the blokes who back them up. The fundraising committee
also deserves recognition, having now distributed over $100,000 to worthy causes in the local
community.

Ronnie Ballandis, CFMEU shop steward (pictured, right, with Tony

Petkovski) says: “Incolink, travel, site allowance. Sometimes you’ve got
Some of the big-hearted building workers at Mortlake Power Station, to remind blokes the bosses or the government didn’t give’em these
from left Laurie, Spike, Donga, Peter and  Cocky, things. The union did.”

For more information, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au

 ON THE JOB 11

Kevin O’s Massive shopping opportunity

old school If you live on the east side of Melbourne and your wife or
partner has trouble finding something for you to do on a
Harvey Norman at Clayton. Despite having to pull things
into line occasionally, organiser Steve Long says the job is

lessons
Sunday, a solution is at hand. progressing OK thanks to shop stewards John Constantinou
Probuild is a building a massive IKEA and and Rod Ramsay.

The CFMEU prides itself on

looking after its own. Industry
veterans can be found driving
hoists, pushing brooms and
working as peggys.
And they don’t come much more
old school than Kevin O’Connor. He
got his first start on a Transfield job
at Barry Beach when he was 17,
and now, at 67, is still a builder’s
labourer, working as the peggy on
Romano’s site in Flemington.
Kevin, who was raised an orphan,
was instantly drawn towards
the mateship among unionised
construction workers. He still
clearly remembers his first Union
meeting in Melbourne, on a KG
Hooker site.
‘It was the best thing I’d ever
seen. No one called anyone wogs
or pommy bastards; we were all
brothers,’ he recalls. ‘The Italians,
the Greeks, the Irish, the Scots –
for once, we were one.’’
It was on this site where young
Kevin first met Norm Gallagher,
who had a great impact on him.
‘A lot of people bag him now but
he was the greatest thing that ever
happened to builders labourers,’
says Kevin. ‘Y’see he was smart
but gutter smart, a streetfighter.’
Strong make the weak
stronger
‘Gallagher’s thing was the stronger
members look after the weak
members, then the weaker members
become stronger, and then they look
after the weakest members.’
Pat Malone, who headed up
the BLF before Gallagher, was a
different type of leader but also left
a big impression.
‘Pat was a gentleman,’ says
Kevin. ‘I think he was going to be
a priest before he left Ireland. He
used to ride around Melbourne on
a pushbike.
‘Being a kid, to me he looked like
a politician,’ he adds. ‘He really
looked the part. He didn’t come
across as aggressive, but didn’t
have to – he was well respected
and a great man.’
Kevin was there during the
great battles of the 1960s and 70s,
when construction workers won
a lot of the basic rights that can
be taken for granted: things like
workers comp, site sheds and
the boss issuing boots and bluey
jackets. As well as marching up
and down Melbourne’s streets,
‘...the older members
are the backbone and
the young are the
lifeblood.’
these campaigns employed some
creative tactics.
‘Sure, we’d stop a concrete pour
if it came to that,’ says Kevin.
‘Then they’d get the jackhammers
out, and we’d go on strike because
there were no ear muffs.
‘You couldn’t do that now, but
that’s how you’ve got a lot of your
conditions.’
Involvement with the BLF gave
Kevin and many like him a great
sense of pride.
‘Someone would ask “Are you
a builders labourer?” and you’d
say, “fucken oath I am”. My
Union ticket was the most the
most precious thing I had. I still
remember my number – 3811. I’ve
got it on my leg.’
Despite the fond memories, Kev
has done too much hard yakka
and been through too many tough
blues – all while raising six kids –
to believe in any ‘good old days’.
‘Give me the young blokes’
‘What makes me laugh is
when people say that times have
changed. Well, bosses haven’t
changed, their motive’s the same.
But if you’re gonna start talking
about all this back in the old days
stuff, that’s shit. You’re only as
good as your last blue,’ he declares.
‘You get blokes saying the young
kids aren’t like they used to be.
That’s bullshit too. I’ve been in the
trenches and you don’t know who
you’re standing alongside until the
whistle goes. If I have to go to war,
give me the young blokes.’
‘You’ve gotta look after the
young, because the older members
are the backbone and the young
are the lifeblood. One without the
other doesn’t work.’
When Kevin speaks, it is clear
he is drawing on his experience
alongside blokes who looked after
him all those years ago. These
days he’s happy to do the same for
a new generation of workers, and
has a refreshing outlook on his life
in the building industry.
‘I’ve had some fun I can tell
you. You can’t take it too serious.
You’ve got be careful getting bent
and twisted at my age because
you’ll only turn on yourself. The
world goes on.’
Desal workers’
generosity
recognised
Desalination plant workers’
fundraising for the Wonthaggi
community has been recognised
by the local paper. Once again,
construction workers have shown
their generosity, using a levy to
fund local community groups and
two young kids with cancer. Top
stuff!
Owner Operators
Regular meetings of Owner Operators are proving popular.
The CFMEU is determined to see that this section
of the workforce is not overlooked. Advice is
available on common concerns including:
• Insurance
• Security of payment laws
• Contracts and other legal matters.
The meetings also provide an opportunity for
members to discuss industry issues and exchange information.
Upcoming meetings:
• Wednesday 8 September, 6.30pm
• Wednesday 6 October, 6.30pm
• Wednesday 10 November, 6.30pm
All Owner Operator meetings are held at the union’s Port Melbourne
training facility, Unit 8-9, 41 Sabre Drive, Port Melbourne.

For more information, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au

12 OH&S
EBA try on
Abi back down on drug and alcohol tests
Abigroup have been forced
to withdraw a strict drug and
alcohol testing regime.
In early July they caused an
unnecessary stink with plans to
subject all their staff, employees
of subcontractors and site visitors
to random saliva and breath tests.
A positive test would have seen a
worker stood down and ultimately
sacked.
Abi made things worse when
they tried to dock workers four
hours pay for holding toolbox
meetings to discuss the policy.
They only backed down when
WorkSafe stepped in over the lack
of consultation.
The badly written policy dictated
that:
• Workers must inform on others
whom they suspect of being
affected by drugs or alcohol,
Drug testing methods remain inaccurate
Despite the growth of drug
testing, it does little to
improve safety and raises a lot
of problems.
C&G Worker spoke to Ken Pidd,
Deputy Director of the National
Centre for Education and Training
on Addiction at Flinders University,
to find out more.
Q: Is the growth in drug
testing driven by a false
belief by employers in its
ability to improve safety?
KP: There’s a misunderstanding
of what drug testing can achieve.
With alcohol, breath tests are a
good indicator – and at .05 you’re
likely to be intoxicated or impaired.
All onsite drug testing can detect
– whether its saliva, urine, sweat
or, hair – is that the person has
used a drug at some time in the
past. It can’t determine the amount
of drug use and how recently it
was consumed, nor can it detect
impairment.
The growth in drug testing is
largely due to good marketing
by companies doing the testing
rather than any ability to improve
workplace safety.
Q: What are some common
responses to drug-testing
regimes?
KP: Urine analysis – which is
most common at the moment – can
pick up marijuana use after three
or four weeks. The metabolites
created by marijuana get stored
in body fat. The more body fat you
have and the more you smoke, the
longer it is stored.
Even an irregular user can use it on
the weekend and still test positive
long after any effect or impairment
has worn off. But because it can
still be detected, what they may
do is shift to using drugs like
amphetamines which have a much
narrower window of detection.
The behaviours associated
with those sorts of drugs include
injecting them, so you start looking
at other issues like hepatitis and
needle-stick injuries.
It also often leads to the issue
being forced underground and a
• A construction worker with the CFMEU, is a party to have always accepted the need for people get named and shamed
must have a breath alcohol the Victorian Building Industry a drug and alcohol policy, but one as users and have trouble getting
concentration of 0.00% at all times Alcohol and other Drugs Policy. that is about making sure everyone another job,’ Ralph adds. ’That
(i.e. if you come into work While this recognises that can work safely and people who way they the issue doesn’t get
and blow 0.01 after a drug and alcohol use can need help can get it confidentially addressed and they end up being
few drinks the night affect safety, it gives without being judged. an OH&S problem in less regulated
before you will be workers a chance ’We don’t want a situation where parts of the industry.’
stood down), to sort their
• A person issues out.
returning a CFMEU
positive drug President
test will be Ralph Edwards
stood down coordinated
until they the union’s
can provide a response to
negative test the policy and
at their own says it was never
expense, going to get up.
• Abigroup will ’Quietly, some of
keep results of all tests the smarter heads within
on file for seven years. Abigroup knew they were
Abigroup, like every other breaching the EBA and wanted the
company that signs an EBA whole thing dropped,’ he says. ’We
No place like Hame
Pictured is Geelong CFMEU member Davie Thomason with his son
Spotlight
sufficiently reliable to detect
marijuana, although it’s good at Magnus Che at the recent Shetland Hamefarin, or homecoming.
Around 600 hamefarers made the trek from all parts of the world to
detecting amphetamine use. The
first person they booked using it connect with their family roots in the Shetland Islands, which lie off
the north coast of Scotland. For Davie, taking his son back home had
in Victoria turned out to be a false
positive for marijuana, and he sued special significance, as he attended the first Hamefarin in 1960 with
his dad.
the Victorian police and won.
Davie presented local unionists with flags from the CFMEU and
Q: What privacy issues does other Australian unions. These are now on display in the Shetland
drug testing raise? office of Unison, the largest union on the islands. A feature on
KP: When taking a test, you Davie and Magnus Che in The Shetland Times also explained the
need to tell your employer about significance of the Eureka flag and the legacy of John Cummins.
DRUGS any medication you’re taking, as
it can show up as a positive test.
TESTING
So your employer is aware of any
health problems you may have Ambassador reports on
Cuban Five
and that could affect your future
employment.
culture of cover-up. The other thing that’s a big
concern now is DNA testing. You The CFMEU was espionage. They were
Q: What problems are there have no real control over what
with saliva testing? recently paid a actually monitoring
the employer does with that test. visit by Abelardo activities of Miami-
KP: I like to point out that Using your saliva, they can get a
Australia and India are the only Padrón, Cuban based terrorist groups.
full DNA profile of you if they want. Ambassador to For more than 40 years,
countries that conduct roadside Then there’s the fact that, if
saliva testing. We’re also the only Australia. terrorist organisations
someone happens to use marijuana He outlined the based in Miami have
place that introduced it without on a Sunday afternoon and they
evaluating it first. Most police challenges his nation engaged in countless
come to work the next morning is overcoming despite terrorist activities against
forces around the world that took and fail the test, they’re facing
the time to evaluate it decided it the trade blockade Cuba, and against anyone
the loss of their livelihood. Now imposed by the United States. who advocates normal relations
wasn’t a good idea the normal penalty for that use is
The small socialist country between the U.S. and Cuba.
This was done mostly on a fine, so it’s not consistent with
the grounds that the test isn’t continues to punch above its More than 3,000 Cubans have
society’s views. weight in areas like health care. died as a result of these terrorist
Abelardo also discussed the attacks.
outrageous imprisoning in the More information: www.
U.S. of 5 Cubans accused of freethefive.org
Incolink provides help for
substance abuse
The Construction Industry Drug and Alcohol Program was
developed to assist workers and family members who are
experiencing difficulties with substance use.   
Incolink’s Drug and Alcohol worker is able to visit CFMEU
members at home or on their work site if necessary to offer
counselling and support or assist with referral to another
specialist agency.
The Drug and Alcohol Worker is available to
assist workers and employers and to offer
advice on the harm associated with the misuse
of mind-altering substances.  The Construction
Industry Alcohol and Drug Policy encourages
members to take responsibility for their
actions and to ensure that they are able to
function safely at work.  From left, CFMEU President Ralph Edwards, former Labor MP and
Contact Gary Wright, Incolink’s President of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, Joan Coxsedge,
Drug and Alcohol Worker on Cuban Ambasador Abelardo Padrón, CFMEU Senior Vice President
9668 3069 or 0419 560 958. Noel Washington and Vice President Shaun Reardon
For more information, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au

September Day of Action
to fight austerity measures
in Europe
The European Trades Union
Congress has called for a
continent-wide day of action
on 29 September to fight
the austerity cuts affecting
millions of European workers.
The action follows countless
protests and general strikes that
have been taking place in Europe
since the beginning of the year.
Two million Spanish workers
and half a million in Portugal went
on strike in June, and there have
been general and specific industry
Unions in Mexico fighting
under threat of death in
lawless state
The growth in the Mexican
drug trade and the massive
social problems that have
arisen as a result are a
consequence of the North
American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) with
the United States, according
to radio journalist, Colm
McNaughton.
Forrmerly a building worker and
CFMEU member in Victoria for
seven years, McNaughton recently
completed a documentary a bout
the plight of the Mexican people
living in the border town of Juarez.
La Frontera, which was
broadcast on ABC Radio National,
investigates the consequences of
NAFTA on Mexican society – and
it’s not a pretty picture. Since
the mid 1990s, 2 million farmers
are no longer able to grow corn
and people have been forced into
the Free Trade zones, known as
maquiladoras, in order to survive.
Fifty per cent of the population live
on under US $2 a day.
Lawlessness and corruption
characterise life on a daily basis in
Juarez, where the murder of some
30 journalists has occurred over
Gaza blockade – a man-
made humanitarian crisis
A kind of apartheid is being
practiced in Israel, where
Palestinian workers are
refused membership of Israeli
unions, according to human
rights lawyer, Diana Buttu.
Ms Buttu visited the CFMEU
while on a recent trip to Australia,
to discuss the problems faced by
Palestinian workers in Israel and to
increase awareness of the plight of
people living in Gaza.
Born and raised in Canada, she
is a spokeswoman for the Institute
of Middle East Understanding. She
explained the difficulties faced
by Palestinian workers in their
attempt to join Israeli unions.
‘Israeli unions won’t represent
Palestinian workers, although
most of the work is in Israel, so
strikes in Greece for the last four
months. Workers are fighting huge
cuts in their pay, and there has
been a rise in the value added
tax (VAT) on all goods in many
countries.
The destruction of living
standards, after decades of
struggle, is what is at stake.
Greece is being forced to adopt
the most savage cuts – forcing
pensioners to struggle to survive
on a meagre income.
The Italian government has
Former CFMEU member turned
radio documentary maker, Colm
McNaughton
several years and not one arrest
has been made.
‘Free Trade has meant free trade
for drugs. The Narcos are now
embedded in the economy and
have permeated the army, the
police force and the government,’
says Colm.
One of the protagonists of La
Frontera is Marta Ojeda, a union
Palestinians face an uphill battle
in their basic fight for fair wages
and against unsafe working
conditions.’
Ms Buttu toured Australia and
spoke to several unions, the media
and the public in order to highlight
the situation in Palestine and to
influence the way the Palestinian
issue is depicted in the media.
She describes Israel’s blockade
of Gaza as a humanitarian disaster
that is entirely man-made.
‘People there are suffering
malnutrition on par with sub-
Saharan Africa, but this has not
been caused by a natural disaster
or a failure of crops. It’s totally
imposed by Israel in order to bring
Gaza to its knees,’ she said.
While much reporting of the
For more information, go to
INTERNATIONAL 13
announced cuts of 24 billion euros
by 2012. These include a major
reduction in public service jobs,
salary cuts, raising the retirement
age, and cuts in the health care
system. France plans to reduce
its budget deficit from 8 per cent
to 3 per cent of GDP by 2013.
This will be achieved by raising
the retirement age, cutting
housing benefits, employment
compensation and museums
organiser who heads the Coalition
for Justice in the Maquiladoras.
‘Marta and the organisers that
work with her, mainly young
women in their 20s, do this job
under the threat of death. They
sleep in a different house every
night, and they don’t even get paid
for it. Their pay is a bed to sleep in
and food.’
Colm says that the work of the
Coalition and the people who
organise at risk to their lives, gave
him hope.
‘They are totally committed to
fighting for a better world.’
Many countries threatened
Colm won a Walkely award for
his 2008 documentary Awakening
from History, which dealt with the
psychological impact of the conflict
in Northern Ireland. He was drawn
to the NAFTA issue because he
sees that it has implications for the
future in many other places, not
just Mexico.
‘The US/Mexico border is where
the first and third world meet. It’s
about the impact of globalisation
situation in Israel in Australia
tends to favour Israel, Israel’s
raid on a Turksih-led aid flotilla
to Gaza which caused the death
of nine people in May caused
outrage around the world and drew
attention to the plight of ordinary
Palestinians in Gaza, who live in
apartheid-like conditions.
An independent activist who
is a member of neither Hamas or
Fatah (the two Palestinian political
parties), Diana Buttu currently
represents many Palestinians who
are fighting the demolition of their
homes by the Israeli defence forces
and Israeli settlers in Jerusalem,
the West Bank and Gaza.
www.cfmeuvic.com.au
funding, as well as 10 per cent of
administrative costs.
Italian unions responded with a
major day of action on 12 March ,
to protest billionaire PM Silvio
Berlusconi’s attacks on workers’ WORLD S
TOUGHEST
jobs and rights.
Head of the European Federation
of Public Sector Unions, Carola
Fischbach-Pyttel said workers
are being forced to pay for an
economic and financial crisis that
UNIONISTS
was created by a runaway banking
system. without building a consensus, it
‘Citizens across Europe will suffer can lead to a phenomenon of blind,
as a result as the provision of public uncontrollable clashes.’
services is slashed,’ she said. He said that those who are
Head of the General responsible for the crisis should be
Confederation of Greek Workers, made to pay for the crisis, namely
Yannis Panagopoulos said in those who evade taxes and evade
a recent interview that ‘if the making contributions to the social
government continues this policy security funds.
Battling workers from Mexico, Gumercinda, Ernesto and their kids.
and the dramatic transformation of of Irish descent, is returning
a society in just fifteen years.’ to Mexico to work on a new
While La Frontera paints a grim documentary about the Saint
picture, Colm says that there are Patrick’s battalion – Irishmen who
people fighting back and workers deserted the US army during the
and unions are engaged in several 1846 war with Mexico and fought
strategic actions, including alongside the Mexicans.
shutting down one of the main La Frontera can be heard
transport corridors between online at www.abc.net.au/
Mexico and the US. rn/360/stories/2010/2844252.
Colm McNaughton, who is htm?site=darwin
Impressive Palestinian leader Diana Buttu on a recent visit to the
CFMEU. Pictured with Diana are President Ralph Edwards, Assistant
Secretary Tommy Watson, Vice President Frank O’ Grady, State
Secretary Bill Oliver, Assistant Secretary John Setka and Senior Vice
President Noel Washington.
‘The demolishing of houses is continues to do it, unpunished,’
another way of driving more and she added.
more Palestinians out of these areas. Ms Buttu was a guest speaker
‘While human rights at a Parliamentary dinner in
organisations and the United Canberra, where she argued for
Nations have condemned this boycotts and sanctions against
officially sanctioned practice, Israel Israel to end the Gaza blockade.
14 SMILE!

Brodene Graham,
CFMEU National
Secretary
Dave Noonan
and organiser
Rob Graauwmans.

Dean McClean,
Hacer Group,
Watergardens

Marshy & Hoola,

Mortlake Power Station Boxing champ Barry Michael popped by the 3CR
‘Concrete Gang’ studio recently to talk about his life.
In a career spanning 60 professional bouts, Barry was Australian and
Commonwealth Lightweight Champion before winning the World-Junior
Vice President Shaun Lightweight crown.
Reardon (third right)
with members at Nowadays, Barry helps out a lot of good causes and is still involved with
Romano Flemington the fight game as a promoter. Look out for his new venue – The House of
Stoush – opening up soon in Flemington. He also has a book about his
battles in the ring, and some colourful stories from outside it, due out
before Christmas.

The Concrete Gang.

Members at Wontahaggi Ark Tribe rally Industry news, views and
including organiser Tom Malone (2nd left)
and Desal plant steward Fergus O’Hea scallywags. Sundays 9.30am.
(centre)
3CR855AM.
Vice president Matt Hudson (left)
and steward Joe Angelino with
members on the Royal Children’s
Hospital site.

Aussie and
Mal (steward),
Warrnambool The boys
hospital on Walton’s
Bouverie St
Apartments

SMA Footscray.

For more information, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au

 Kids Club 15

G C O M P E T IT ION
s i e Tr a v e l S a v e r ! DRAWIN ORK
Aus DA D / M U M A T W

KID S C L U B
issue we have an
Hey kids, in this prizes
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for all the family
to enjoy!

ONE NIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION

make your drawing as IN MELBOURNE
for 2 adults and 2 children at
creative as possible to Mantra Hotel

WIn! WIN A FAMILY PASS TO

MELBOURNE AQUARIUM

A $100 MEAL VOUCHER

–
TO PICCOLO MONDO RESTAURANT
Lygon Stree t, Carl ton

proudly supported by
Aussie TravelSaver!
stickers

paint HOW TO enTer THe

cOmpeTITIOn
glitter Find out about your parents' wor
k,
by asking them our 4 questions.
Their answers will give you a
glue good idea of what to draw in you
r
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cellophane make up your picture however

you like. You can paint or cut and
paste, or use things like sand,
sticks, fabric, glitter or stickers
Before — whatever you think looks best
4 QUESyou start dra Then send your masterpiece in
.
TIONS wing– to:
1 W here cFmeU Kids club
2 Do th does your D pO Box 226,
ey nee ad
for the d to we /Mum work carlton South VIc 3053
ir jo a r specia ?
3 Do th b? e l
ey wor g. Safety gog clothing 4 years
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Aussie Slater & Gordon launches multicultural service

TravelSaver! Established 75 years ago,
Slater & Gordon has built
Saves you money on: a powerful reputation as a
All types of accommodation law firm which fights for the
throughout Australia inc. the best outcomes for everyday
biggest chains Australians.
Meals and drinks at over 1,000 Today, Slater & Gordon offers
restaurants its broad range of legal services
Tours, day spas, golf, fishing trips, at more locations than any other
gym membership and much more law firm in the country, delivering
Australia wide affordable legal advice and justice
to more Australians.
Typical savings from Special O Slater & Gordon recognises
to speak to clients in a variety of
languages and are actively involved
More information about this
service is available online at
in their respective communities. www.slatergordon.com.au/
Slater & Gordon believes this multicultural. Or, to speak with
important initiative will provide a consultant in one of these
greater access to the legal system for languages, call Slater & Gordon’s
those often most at risk and unaware free Multilingual Legal Help Line on
of their legal rights, ensuring that 1800 659 905.
they get the right legal advice when Members seeking assistance with
they need it, in their own language a workplace issue should still call
and in a comfortable environment. CFMEU Legal Services on 9341 3444.

Aussie TravelSaver Buy your ffer Australia’s unique and diverse

cultural framework – and in an effort
C CF
MEU
A ON • F
H
TravelSa ussie
TI
C
ON

UC OR
T O RIA N B RA N

R
• $230 on gym memberships ve to ensure that all Australians are
STR

and Save r card now

T

ES
CONS

able to access the law when they

TRY •

receive a 30% plus

U C TIO N A

• 15% discount at Sea World and

fr need it – has recently announced
• MI

Wet ‘n’ Wild, Gold Coast for a frie ee card

ON

nd or you the launch of the ‘We Speak Your

N

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NI

• $960 at Far Away Bay Bush Camp partner. r

VIC

G U
I

& EN RGY
Language’ multicultural service.
N

GE E
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• $100 at Boroka Downs bed and NE ON

At the core of the ‘We Speak RAL D IV ISI
breakfast
Your Language’ service is Slater
• $65 on the Daylesford Naturals & Gordon’s Multilingual Legal
Pamper Pack Help Line, which offers trained
• $18 at the Federal Golf Club bilingual legal consultants who are
Championship Course experienced in helping to discuss
• $400 a night at the luxurious legal issues in a variety of languages.
Orpheus Island Resort
Six languages
• Up to $40 with Aspen Caravan
Parks and resorts This free service is currently
offered in these languages:
• Up to $140 on White water rafting
• Arabic
• Up to $100 on Fishing Trips • Cantonese
• Up to $89 on Surfing lessons • Greek
• Over $1,000 on selected tours with Banksia Adventures • Italian
• Mandarin
CW 16/2

• Vietnamese.
GO TO: www.aussietravelsaver.com.au and quote the
Slater & Gordon also employs a
promotional code CFMEU on the Buy Now page to access number of lawyers from varying
1000’s of discounts. ethnic backgrounds who are able

For more information, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au

20 WAGES

From 1 July, the EBA superannuation weekly You don’t bludge

contribution to Cbus is $138.35, or 9% of off Your mates
ordinary wages at the pub...
Wage rates and benefits Apprenticeship rates
On-site rates 36 hour week
On-site rates 36 hour week
Operative from the first pay period on or after 1 March 2010 [Second agreement increment 4.5%].
Operative from the first pay period on or after 1 March 2010. These are CFMEU/Industry certified These are CFMEU/Industry certified agreement rates of pay.
agreement rates of pay based on the following National Building Construction Awards classifications
that now incorporate the FEDFA classifications. The following rates of pay represent a 4.5% wage WAGES PER DAILY FARE WEEKLY PRO- WEEKLY PRO-
and allowances increase negotiated by your Union. It is the second instalment of a 15% wage and WEEK ALLOWANCE RATA ANNUAL RATA ANNUAL
allowances increase over the three-year agreement (2008-2011). LEAVE LEAVE LOADING
RATE PER RATE PER WEEKLY SATURDAY OVER- CARPENTERS/JOINERS, STONEMASONS, TILELAYER, PLASTERER etc
HOUR WEEK* Pro-Rata TIME (INCLUDING First three months** 422.30 23.20 35.19 7.85
(36 HOUR HOLIDAY PAY 20 MINUTES CRIB)
WEEK) (INCLUDING Next nine months## 528.70 23.20 44.06 9.40
17.5% Loading)
Second year 635.20 26.30 52.93 11.18
Tradespersons
Third year 848.10 27.85 70.68 14.40
Carpenter, Shopfitter, Joiner 30.95 1114.20 111.36 474.56 Fourth year 1007.80 29.40 83.98 16.84

Authorised by bill oliver, secretAry, And tommy WAtson And John setkA, AssistAnt secretAries of the cfmeu construction And GenerAl division. cfmeuv 29409
Tile-layer
Onsite Stonemason BRICKLAYER
Artificial Stoneworker
Marble & Slate Worker
Plasterer
First three months**
Next nine months##
361.10
467.40
23.20
23.20
30.09
38.95
6.66
8.51 ...so don’t do it
Solid Plasterer
Sign Industry Worker
Bricklayer
Second year
Third year
680.00
892.60
26.30
27.85
56.67
74.38
11.83
15.05
at work!
DON’T BE A FREELOADER.
MEU
CF
Painter – new work 30.26 1089.36 108.92 463.98 C
CTI
ON • F
H

C
ON
PAINTER
O
RU

T O RIA N B RA N
R

STR
Painter – re-paint 30.21 1087.56 108.74 463.21

ES
CONS
BE PAID UP AND PROUD.

TRY •
U C TIO N A
A. WITH NO PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

• MI

ON
Marker/Setter-out 32.21 1159.56 115.79 493.88

N
N

NI

VIC
G U

I
& EN RGY

First three months 400.80 23.20 33.40 7.54

ND
For more info, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au
GE E

–
NE N
R A L DIV ISIO
Signwriter 31.54 1135.44 113.43 483.60
Roof-tiler Next nine months 506.80 23.20 42.23 9.08 CFMEUV 29409 Beer_final.indd 1 25/03/10 4:50 PM

Special Class Tradesperson 33.44 1203.84 120.13 512.74 Second year 612.70 26.30 51.06 10.85
Carver Third year 824.50 27.85 68.71 14.05
Carpenter Diver 41.80 1504.80 640.92 Fourth year 983.40 29.40 81.95 16.49
*Weekly rates includes tool allowance at 100% rate
B. WITH PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
Labourers First year 559.70 23.20 46.64 9.85
GROUP ONE Second year 824.50 26.30 68.71 13.94
Rigger 30.09 1083.24 108.32 461.37 Third year 983.40 27.85 81.95 16.37
Dogman
DLI Certified Operator (Boom or Tower pump) UNION FEES FOR APPRENTICES
Stationary Pump Operator
First year: Second year: Third year: Fourth year: No joining fee
GROUP TWO
Free $20 per ticket $30 per ticket $40 per ticket applies.
Hoist Driver 29.08 1046.88 104.76 446.04
Line Pump Operator ** Start rate for an apprentice who has not completed an approved pre-apprenticeship course. ##
(Truck or Trailer mounted) Start (first year) rate for an apprentice who has completed an approved pre-apprenticeship course.
Scaffolder Further information: CFMEU Apprentice Officer (03) 9341 3444.
Steel Fixer
Concrete Finisher etc. MEU
CF
For full up-to-date
C
GROUP THREE ON • F
H
CTI
C
ON

O
RU
T O RIA N B RA N

R
STR

ES
CONS

Pile Driver 28.20 1015.20 101.66 429.63

allowance rates, visit
TRY •
U C TIO N A
• MI

Aluminium Alloy
ON

www.cfmuevic.com.au
N

N
NI

VIC

G U
I

Structural Erector & EN RGY

N

GE E
D

NE N
R A L DIV ISIO
Gantry Hand
Drilling Machine Operator
Dump Cart Operator
Hoseman & Trainee Operator
Skilled Labourer and all others
Crane crews
Tower crane crew
Operator and Dogman/Crane hands 35.04 1261.44 125.77 537.27
Trainee Dogman/Crane hand (fixed cranes) 32.59 1173.24 117.13 499.70
Plant operators building and construction (weekly hire)
OPERATOR GRADES ONE AND TWO
Mechanical plant operator Groups 1 & 2 29.15 1049.40 105.01 446.96
Winch driver
Mobile hydraulic platform operator
OPERATOR GRADE THREE
Mechanical plant operator Groups 3 & 4 30.38 1093.68 109.34 465.82
Mobile crane drivers up to 15 tonnes
OPERATOR GRADE FOUR
Mechanical plant operators Groups 5 & 6 31.58 1136.88 113.57 484.22
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.
Benefits
The Union negotiated EBA also provides for:
Travel allowance: $30.95 per day
Superannuation: $138.35 per week or 9% of ordinary wages whichever is greater, payable monthly.
Incolink payments (redundancy pay): $64.40 per week. Income protection, trauma insurance and
portable sick leave are also available (paid into Incolink).
Long service leave: 13 weeks after ten years, pro rata after seven years (paid into CoInvest).
Overtime meal allowance: $11.90, when required to work overtime for one and a half hours or
more on an ordinary working day.
Transfer during working hours: Where an employer requests a worker to transfer from one site to
another site during working hours, with his or her own vehicle, an extra 0.89 cents per kilometre
must be paid. Where a worker uses his/her car to travel to a job outside the required work
boundaries, an extra 0.47 cents per kilometre must be paid.
Site allowance: Check the CFMEU Allowances Schedule for more information.

Your wages and conditions come from the struggle of your mates
CFMEUV 30772

and of those who have gone before us. Don’t be a freeloader!