
ACT Bridge Collapse Sparks Safety Blitz
In the wake of Saturday's bridge collapse in the city's north, the CFMEU is planning a crack down on of safety audits on construction jobs around Canberra, starting this morning.
The half-built bridge, part of the Gungahlin Drive Extension project, collapsed on Saturday during a concrete pour, injuring 15 workers with nine of them being treated in hospital.
CFMEU ACT branch secretary Dean Hall said, ''They heard a crack, there was a three-second delay and then it gave way.''
Dean Hall said on Sunday that the formwork contractor at the Gungahlin Drive job was also working on the Russell roundabout project and union officials planned to be auditing safety systems at the Russell site by 8am today.

CFMEU C&G National Secretary's Message - The Election
Tony Abbott is the most hard line right wing politician who has ever sought the support of the Australian people.
Abbott was a minister in the John Howard led Government who sat at the table as they forced WorkChoices on Australians without telling the public about the policy before the 2004 elections.
Now he is trying to con us that he has changed.
He now says he opposed WorkChoices in cabinet. Well he never said so publicly at the time. It was only after WorkChoices cost the Liberals the last election that he shared that story with the voters.
He now says WorkChoices is “dead, buried and cremated.” But in his recent book, ‘Battlelines’ he said “WorkChoices was good for workers”.
He also admitted on national television that he lies to the public when it suits him.
Barangaroo - Sydney Icon or Safety Risk for Building 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.

Not Everything I Say Is The Gospel Truth
This year’s Federal election is again a referendum on workers’ rights. The question on everybody’s mind is: Who is going to stand up for my rights?
One thing is certain - Tony Abbott and the Liberals cannot be trusted.
That's why the CFMEU in conjunction with the rest of Australia's construction unions - AMWU, ETU, Plumbers Union, AWU - have created these great Tony Abbott posters and sticker.
Poster 1: Bad Boss? Bad Luck! - I'm Tony Abbott
Poster 2: Not everything I say is the gospel truth
Sticker: Bad Boss? Bad Luck!

Hardhat Express August 2010 - The Election Issue
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...

Ark Tribe Trial - Adjourned Again
On Thursday, Ark Tribe's trial heard all the evidence from key witnesses and will now be adjourned until September 13.
Magistrate David Whittle will receive written and oral submissions on the day. He’ll announce his findings after that on a later date to be determined.
Ark’s lawyers throughout the three day hearing have continually objected to the evidence brought forward, maintaining the case is not only unlawful and illegal but outside of the powers of the ABCC.
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.
Support, Sign, Follow, View
Show your support, sign the Don't Jail Ark petition, follow us on Twitter or for more information view the Rights On Site website. View photos from rallies held across the country below.

Ark Tribe Trial Latest – Day 2
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.

Ark Tribe Back In Court - July 20
Ark Tribe will be back in court Tuesday July 20 after the matter was adjourned 16 June.
During that time the magistrate twice adjourned the case after the defence, who originally argued the case should be thrown out on the grounds the ABCC had not correctly begun the prosecution – as the proper authority did not exist.
Lawyers for the Commonwealth DPP contested the argument and the magistrate moved for an adjournment. Both sides made written submissions on the matter.
The magistrate conceded that although the proceedings were vaildly brought by the defence, he asked that the case continue as planned.
Support, Sign, Follow, View
To show your support for Ark, sign the Don't Jail Ark petition, follow us on Twitter or for more information view the Rights On Site website.

Worker Dies During Construction of Adelaide's Desalination Plant
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.

Tom McDonald's 'Creating A Super Union' Book Launch
Tuesday night saw former Building Workers Industrial Union (BWIU) National Secretary Tom McDonald, launch his book 'Creating a Super Union' at Trades Hall, Sydney, NSW.
One of the key figures who helped amalgamate several unions into the CFMEU, the launch was attended by 200 former and current union members, CFMEU Construction and General National Secretary Dave Noonan, ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence, along with many friends, supporters and family members.
Speaking at the launch, Tom described the early problems in trying to reach workable agreements among the various unions as well as providing some more light hearted moments during what were some very tumultous struggles over those years.
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