QMCA was disappointed to have been present on Tuesday at a vitally important industry briefing from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) which was disrupted by militant activity undertaken by the CFMEU. Representatives from the union stormed the room prior to the briefing, staging a sit-in protest whilst intimidating Department of Transport and Main Roads staff and building security, calling the meeting over and that the room was now theirs.
As a result of their actions, a security guard was bowled over by CFMEU members as they charged through a door to gain access to the facility on Mary Street. This appalling conduct is not acceptable, and QMCA believes that such actions do little to build confidence in the industry’s ability to work with the union in good faith.
In addition, claims made by the union that TMR has not implemented Government policy couldn’t be further from the truth; unfortunately, what the CFMEU are after is control over every single construction project, in areas where they do not operate and the AWU have coverage. Safety is the highest priority for the industry, has been and always will be, despite the CFMEU’s utterances otherwise.
Sadly, the behaviour demonstrated this week is worse on construction sites with intimidation and standover tactics rampant. These behaviours significantly affect productivity and workers’ mental health, in times when the industry is struggling to attract and retain the talent required to deliver the state’s infrastructure pipeline. With a shortfall of 100,000 labour resources industry cannot attract people when the behaviour of an industry stakeholder continues unchecked.
The construction industry is appalled at the CFMEU’s behaviour and complete disregard for anyone other than themselves. Their appalling behaviour toward workers, employees and employers in the construction sector should not entitle them a seat at the table and targeting the Department and its employees should be condemned.
