Image related to Tommy leaves and takes a chunk of history with him
Created Thu 15/12/2011, Last Updated Fri 20/01/2012

Tommy leaves and takes a chunk of history with him

After a long and successful career as a union official, Assistant Secretary Tommy Watson has retired. (Tribute article from December issue of Construction and General Worker)

Image related to Crowds flock to revamped picnic
Created Tue 6/12/2011, Last Updated Wed 7/12/2011

Crowds flock to revamped picnic

Record numbers of construction workers and their families converged on Caulfield Racecourse yesterday for Melbourne's annual building unions picnic.

The decision to shift across town from Moonee Valley proved to be a correct one as more rides could be accommodated and conditions weren’t as crowded.

Families spread themselves out on the grass and soaked up the spring sunshine.

Image related to New  OHS Alerts
Synthetic soft slings continue to tear causing accidents. One of 4 new safety alerts advises on their safe use.
Created Wed 23/11/2011, Last Updated Fri 2/12/2011

New OHS Alerts

Image related to Baillieu exposed by his construction code
Created Wed 9/11/2011, Last Updated Wed 9/11/2011

Baillieu exposed by his construction code

The State Government could have used its new construction ‘Code of Practice’ to tackle the real issues facing the industry:

Image related to Elevated Work Platform accidents cause death, injury
Created Wed 26/10/2011, Last Updated Wed 26/10/2011

Elevated Work Platform accidents cause death, injury

The CFMEU is saddened to report that member Kosal Chhen died in hospital on Saturday October 22 from injuries sustained in a workplace accident.

He was removing asbestos roofing sheets at the Toyota factory in Altona when he was crushed between the basket of the knuckle boom EWP he was using and a roof purlin.

Kosal had worked for ATS asbestos removal for 15 years.

Image related to Pathetic! AWU sells out then lies
Created Wed 19/10/2011, Last Updated Thu 20/10/2011

Pathetic! AWU sells out then lies

Since AWU Secretary Cesar Melhem did his dirty deals with the companies bidding for the Regional Rail Link he has been feeling the heat. 

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To get coverage, Melhem sold out industry standards including the 26 day RDO calendar and double time for all overtime. The CFMEU is seeking to have the agreements overturned.

After the West Gate dispute in 2009 the ACTU brokered a deal between unions to prevent a repeat.

Created Tue 18/10/2011, Last Updated Tue 18/10/2011

United Steelworkers return favour to CFMEU

In a fine example of international solidarity, Canada's United Steelworkers have put the wind up multinational construction products company Jeld-Wen.


Created Fri 14/10/2011, Last Updated Fri 14/10/2011

Great new CFMEU Film

'Constant Vigilance' is an introduction to the CFMEU produced by our Education and Training Unit.


Image related to Random Drug Tests - OHS Reps MUST be consulted
Created Thu 13/10/2011, Last Updated Thu 13/10/2011

Random Drug Tests - OHS Reps MUST be consulted

Despite the recent full bench decision of Fair Work Australia which found employees can be forced into random drug and alcohol tests, all employers have a legal obligation to fully consult with the CFMEU OHS rep before any changes.

Image related to ABCC Bill must axe coercive powers
Created Wed 12/10/2011, Last Updated Thu 13/10/2011

ABCC Bill must axe coercive powers

The Gillard Government has a clear mandate for its new legislation to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission, the CFMEU said today.