CFMEU - The Union for Australian Construction Workers

Barangaroo, located on Sydney harbour, will convert a vacant 22 hectare industrial site into a new precinct for Sydney. It’s one of the most ambitious and important Sydney harbour greening projects about to begin development.

This site should also provide plenty of apprenticeship opportunities for local young people.

The CFMEU has a major campaign to try and win back for our members some decent standards and conditions on what will become one of the biggest construction sites in Sydney.

We need your help in support of building workers because on average every week a building worker is killed. Often these workers are inadequately covered by insurance.

In a recent fatality, one worker's employer had not paid superannuation for him or any of his workmates. This meant his widow was denied access to a $200,000 superannuation death benefit.

Please click on the link below – it only takes one minute to send an email of support to the premier. Please help.

Barangaroo project

The August Hardhat Express - the Election Issue, is hot off the press.

This issue deals with the upcoming Federal Election and relevant information for members to make an informed choice come August 21.

Download the Hardhat Express August - The Election issue here for stories on:

The Parties and the Candidates, Labor to introduce National Trade Cadetships, Labor's GFC stimulus package helps saves jobs, Abbott to bring in more cheap foreign labour, Ark Trial trial latest, CFMEU now on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, plus pay your dues online, CFMEU online shop and more...

Day two ended on Wednesday with no outcome or decision reached on the matter. Ark Tribe's defence lawyers tested whether the ABCC inspectors had the authority to investigate and use coercive powers.

The trial, now into its third day continues with witness evidence likely to be concluded Thursday. The Magistrate will then receive written submissions and a date will be set for final submissions.

Ark's lawyers argued on Wednesday that the persons who conducted the investigation lacked the proper authority therefore he should not be convicted.

During the first day at Adelaide’s Magistrates court, Ark’s lawyers were on the front foot as they argued the case brought against him was unlawful and illegal.

It was also revealed during the course of proceedings, that Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) inspector Seamus Flynn admitted he had no evidence that Ark Tribe even attended the union meeting in question. Yet the ABCC’s coercive powers were used anyway.

Michael Abbott, QC, for Ark, said “the law required investigators to believe, on reasonable grounds a unionist could assist a hearing before requiring them to attend.”

The key witness’s testimony was frequently interrupted as Federal prosecutors objected to questions asked by Ark’s lawyer. He had to leave the court several times as counsel argued points of law.

The trial, before Magistrate David Whittle, continues.

The man was allegedly crushed after a crane lifting a large steel beam slipped and fell.

The 35-year-old man died on the scene, while another man was also injured during the accident.

Martin O'Malley, CFMEU C&G State Secretary, said the beam was being lifted with soft slings when the sling broke.

He said the workers had allegedly been instructed to use the slings instead of chains so the beams would not be scratched, avoiding the need for any rework.