Major political parties slammed for turning their backs on industrial manslaughter laws
Australian construction workers have today slammed both sides of politics for turning their backs on moves towards nationwide industrial manslaughter laws.
The criticism follows a decision by both the major parties in the Australian Senate today to vote down a motion in support of tougher action against employers whose negligence results in the death of a worker.
The Australian Greens’ motion put up in the Senate today noted the need for strong national industrial manslaughter laws.
CFMEU pitches in to help Indigenous Australians living under the Govt’s NT Intervention
The CFMEU has pitched in to help Indigenous Australians who say the Federal Government’s Intervention in the Northern Territory has failed to tackle their basic needs, building one community a new home.
More than two years since the Federal Government declared the situation among Indigenous communities a national emergency, fewer than a handful of houses have been built.
CFMEU raised concerns about Govt’s Home Insulation Scheme
The CFMEU said today that it was critical of training standards across unregulated sections of the building and construction industry.
The union’s comments follow the tragic deaths of four young workers involved in the Federal Government’s Home Insulation Scheme.
CFMEU Construction National Secretary Dave Noonan said the union had raised concerns about the level of training around the scheme through its involvement in the government’s Home Insulation Scheme steering committee.
CFMEU members support Indigenous protest
CFMEU volunteers from around the country are assisting members of an Indigenous protest camp in the Northern Territory to build a prefabricated house at the camp.
The ‘working bee’ coincides with protest rallies on February 13 against the failure of the Federal Government’s Northern Territory Intervention strategy.
Less than $15 per older Australian won’t cut it - say construction workers
The Federal Government needs to do more than throw less than $15 per person at training initiatives, if it is serious about increasing workforce participation among mature age Australians, construction workers say.
The CFMEU Construction and General Division, which represents tens of thousands of workers employed in the construction industry, says the $43 million retraining package unveiled by the Government yesterday would to little to improve the plight of mature age construction workers.
Rights for migrant workers - petition
To mark International Migrants Day, Dec 18, Amnesty International has launched a petition to the Australian Government, that Australia sign the UN Migrant Workers’ Convention.
By signing the UN Convention, Australia would strengthen its protection for all workers in this country and demonstrate to the Asia Pacific region the importance of protecting the human rights of some of our most vulnerable workers.
CFMEU members can support the petition on the Amnesty International Website.
CFMEU looks after its members
Seven hundred Wideform workers and their families in NSW and Qld are having a happier Christmas thanks to direct action by CFMEU Branches in both States.
Wideform, one of the biggest construction employers failed to pay wages in early December. But the CFMEU has ensured that every one of their workers has been paid all wages and entitlements owed them. The union has also helped Wideform workers secure jobs with other employers to complete the projects they were working on.
Picnic Day draws thousands of families
Thousands of construction workers and their families enjoyed the construction unions’ Picnic Day in on Monday December 7.
The annual event drew huge crowds to venues as diverse as Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, the Blue Mountains attractions, and Jambaroo in Sydney; Bonython Park in Adelaide and Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne.
Ark Tribe back in court today
Ark Tribe faced another hearing at Adelaide Magistrates' Court today, Friday, December 18. South Australian construction workers and the community rallied outside the court from 11.00am, with a sausage sizzle of support - see CFMEU SA Branch website report.
Ark also thanked all his supporters and the CFMEU before entering the court - see CFMEU Vic Branch website report.
The hearing set the date for the South Australian rigger's full trial in 2010. Mark June 15, 16 & 18, 2010 on your calendar. Ark has been charged with failing to attend an ABCC interrogation about a safety meeting on an Adelaide construction site. He faces penalties of up to 6 months' jail.
Meanwhile, watch Ark's family's message of thanks to everyone who has supported him and call for the Rudd Government to change the laws that leave the South Australian rigger with a 6-month jail sentence hanging over his head for another Christmas.
Watch their video message here or on You Tube. Then send a Card to Kevin Rudd to give Australia one law for all workers.
Ark Tribe woz here 30-10-2009
Watch the latest video from the rally in support of Ark Tribe at Adelaide Magistrate's Court on October 30, 2009.
South Australian rigger, Ark Tribe's next court appearance is Dec 18, 2009. Keep up to date on support actions at Rights on Site and with Ark's Tribe.
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