Cg Worker Vol 16 n0 2 August 2010b

Keep up-to-date with health and safety. Go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au/ohs

OH&S 9

SAFETY IS UNION BUSINESS

Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Unit

OH&S Alert!July 2010

Tower crane Operational

Safety Zones (OSZ)Approved by the victoriAn tower crAne consultAtive committee (vtccc)

osZs are individually

specific to each operation

and application – what is

suitable for one area may not

necessarily be adequate for

another.For this reason each operation

must be planned thoroughly with

the involvement of and consultation

between management,

safety committee, employee

representatives, crane companies/

operatives involved, and where

required, clients/neighbours

(referred to as the relevant parties).

worksafe may be consulted as

required.

Common industry practices used

for defining an OSZ include:

• barricading – e.g. handrailing,

parawebbing and screening

• barring – e.g. securing doors,

stairwells, entrances etc.

• signage

• spotters

• permit systems/exclusion zones

NB: Operations restricted or

confined within project/site

boundaries as much as possible

Combinations of the above are

to be considered depending on

interface/s affected, including:

• operational area

• building levels

• extent of site

• layout and geometry of building/

structure

• site access and egress

• public paths/roads

this document is written as

a guideline only, and is not

exhaustive.

All operational aspects must be

risk-managed at all times.

please read in conjunction with

osZ proposal (overleaf).

SAFETY IS UNION BUSINESS

Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Unit OH&S Alert!August 2010Synthetic Webbing SlingsThe tragic death of a worker on the Adelaide desalination plant is a sad reminder of the inherent dangers of synthetic slings.

The accident occurred when a synthetic sling failed.Any use of synthetic slings must be part of a ‘Safe Work Method Statement’ that takes into account possible hazards and potential damage to the sling. There should also be a lifting gear register and relevant paperwork for each sling.Inspection

Synthetic slings must be inspected before each use. They must also be inspected at least once every three months. If a sling is subject to severe conditions the inspections should be more frequent. Send each sling for a proof load test at least every 12 months.

Look for: . Any external wear such as abrasion or cuts and contusions . Internal wear, which is often indicated by a thickening of the sling or the presence of grit and dirt

. Damage to any protective coating of the sling . Damage caused by high temperatures, sunlight or chemicals (indicated by discolouration)

. Damage to the label or stitching . Damage to the eyes or any terminal attachments or end fittings . Where the sling is covered by a sleeve, the sleeve must cover the sling for the full length from eye to eye.

Discard a synthetic sling if: . The label has been removed or destroyed . There is any damage to the sleeve or protective coating . A nylon sling comes into contact with acid

. A polyester sling comes into contact with alkaline substances . A polypropylene sling comes into contact with an organic solvent such as paint, coal tar or paint stripper . There are any visible cuts on the sling.

NB. A nylon sling will lose more than 10% of its strength when it is wet.After six months continuous exposure to sunlight, a sling should be sent for testing.Synthetic slings must be stored: . in a clean, dry, well ventilated place . away from the ground or floor. . away from direct sunlight ultra-violet light and fluorescent lights . away from extremes of heat . away from sources of ignition . away from atmospheric or liquid chemicals

. away from the possibility of mechanical damage.The working life of synthetic slings will be shortened if exposed to any of the above.

The CFMEU OH&S Unit gratefully acknowledges the support of Incolink. Authorised by Bill Oliver, Secretary, Tommy Watson and John Setka, Assistant

Secretaries of the CFMEU Construction and General Division. www.cfmeuvic.com.au

Crane operator fined $8,000 over collapseA crane operator in Western Australia has been fined $8,000 over a crane collapse.

Bruce Bannister pleaded guilty to charges of failing to ensure his own safety and failing to ensure the safety of others, over a March 2009 accident on a Perth housing site.

His mobile crane was set up incorrectly on soft ground, and tipped over, taking out the house and scaffolding.

Although this took place interstate, it is a reminder to all workers, especially holders of licences to undertake high-risk work, that under OH&S laws they are required to take reasonable care for the safety of others.

If found guilty, you can be fined up to $188,000.

Harness saves lifeYou won’t see young rigger Robert Farmillo working without a harness for the rest of his career in the industry.

During erection of a Potain 415 tower crane at Probuild’s massive HarveyNorman/Ikea site in Clayton, his life was hanging in the balance for several minutes after a huge jolt threw him overboard.

‘All of a sudden, 35 tonne of counterweights shifted, the crane shook one way and ejected me in the other,’ recalls Robert.

What followed were a couple of minutes he will never forget, as he dangled by his lanyard 30 metres high. Fortunately, a quick-thinking Sergi operator slewed his 200-tonner across, allowing Robert to put his foot in the chains and be lifted onto the Potain’s deck.

After a deep breath, he climbed down the ladder and was mighty relieved to put his feet on solid ground.

Robert was back up working at heights soon enough, but with a whole new appreciation of the importance of his harness. ‘Keep it on and keep it locked on,’ he says.

Synthetic sling main suspect in deathThe tragic death of a CFMEU member at the Adelaide desalination plant on 16 July has put synthetic slings in the spotlight.

While investigations are continuing, it appears that a synthetic sling being used to lift a heavy beam into place snapped.

Any use of synthetic slings must be part of a Safe Work Method Statement that takes into account possible hazards and potential damage to the sling. There should also be a lifting gear register and relevant paperwork for each sling.

InspectionSynthetic slings must be

inspected before each use. They must also be inspected at least once every three months. If a sling is subject to severe conditions, the inspections should be more

frequent. Send each sling for a proof load test at least once every 12 months.

Discard a synthetic sling if:• The label has been removed or

destroyed• There is any damage to the

sleeve or protective coating• A nylon sling comes into contact

with acid• A polyester sling comes into

contact with alkaline substances• A polypropylene sling comes into

contact with an organic solvent such as paint, coal tar or paint stripper

• There are any visible cuts on the sling.NB. A nylon sling will lose more

than 10% of its strength when it is wet.

For more info see the CFMEU OHS Alert on our website www.cfmeuvic.com.au/ohs

Tower crane 30 metre limit now effective

Builders and crane suppliers had been on notice for some time that after July 1 operators would not be required to climb more than 30 metres to their cab.

Still, when the deadline passed, some bosses were shocked to find that their crane had a ban slapped on it. This 38 metre crane stood idle on SMA construction’s Footscray job for two weeks while a solution was found.

Modern technology has allowed tower cranes to be erected in free standing mode to unacceptable heights for safe access and egress.

It is not OK that an operator has to climb over 30 metres up to 6 times a day. What a lot of those forced to climb these heights do is stay in their cab all day. This causes OH&S problems such as sanitation and fatigue.

There are plenty of options for solving this problem, including fitting a hoist. This is common in many countries and gives safer egress if an operator is injured or taken ill.

For more inFormation, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au

Young rigger Robert Farmillo in the harness that saved his life, with CFMEU organiser Steve Long

This damaged synthetic sling had to be thrown out when found onsite by CFMEU safety officers recently.


Bendigo

Construction unions have always been part of the scene in Bendigo and have current sites well covered, says area organiser Jason Bell.

At the Mercy Nursing Home site in Golden Square –which is about to be rebuilt by Walton - Ken Hopley is happy to talk up the union. Despite now running his own demolition company, Ken is a union member and has been since joining the Operative Bricklayers Society in 1968.

“Through all the ups and downs I’ve always had a working relationship with the union,” says Ken, who is Bendigo born and bred. “They play a positive role and we need them in the industry.”

Ken was on the executive of the Victorian State Building Trades Union (Bricklayers Division) when they signed the membership over to the CFMEU in 1995.

There is a bit of work on around Bendigo at the moment, most of it government-funded. Across town at the TAFE redevelopment, also being done by Walton, painter Roy Bullimore is still going strong after 40 years on the end of a brush. He has been a union member continually through that time.

“I’ve worked in a lot of places and met plenty of great people,” he says. “The only thing I’d like to do now is finish my career as a peggy.”

10 ONTHEJOB

Grand Prix ‘Maddos’

Back in March, CFMEU stewards at the Grand Prix track, Jeff Lawson and Matt Dillon, met champion motorbike stunt rider Robbie Madison. ‘Maddo’ was at Albert Park for a 200-foot jump over the track’s start gantry. Maddo fan and CFMEU safety officer Peter Clark (inset) also arranged for Robbie to sign a flag and one of his competition shirts for the Union.

Mortlake a Union strongholdThere is great unity among all workers on the power station. Credit is due to our stewards Peter Castles and Peter Booth and all the blokes who back them up. The fundraising committee also deserves recognition, having now distributed over $100,000 to worthy causes in the local community.

Sunbury day Hospital Hooker Cockram’s Sunbury Day Hospital site will be a hive of activity leading up to its opening in mid-October. The government-funded facility will provide operating theatres and treatment rooms to this growing area.

Ronnie Ballandis, CFMEU shop steward (pictured, right, with Tony Petkovski) says: “Incolink, travel, site allowance. Sometimes you’ve got to remind blokes the bosses or the government didn’t give’em these things. The union did.”

Paul Hetherington, organiser Jason Bell, Ken Hopley, site steward John Allen, organiser Mark Travers and Josh Fitzgibbon.

Bendigo TAFE site shop steward Matt Dillon with Roy Bullimore, Dinky Di Dave from Wales and Ray Cowell from Robertson’s Coatings.

Some of the big-hearted building workers at Mortlake Power Station, from left Laurie, Spike, Donga, Peter and Cocky,

Successful Melbourne Uni Maintenance staff Steve Rout, Colin Crawford, Michael Fechner & Murray Bear.

A sharp learning curveBy John AyersORGANISER

It was a sharp learning curve for the maintenance workers at Melbourne University this year when they fought and won their joint union EBA against determined and well financed management opposition.

Led by joint shop stewards, Murray Bear and Steve Rout, the Maintenance delegates joined with representatives from the National Tertiary Education Union to achieve a stunning victory: a 16.5% pay rise over three years and vastly improved working conditions.

‘The way the unions – the CFMEU, the Plumbers and the NTEU – all worked together just shows what you can do when workers join forces,’ says Murray Bear.

‘Doing EBAs with these semi-government funded outfits can be a long, hard road to hoe,’ explains CFMEU Organiser John Ayers. ‘And, in the past, the maintenance crews, because of their small numbers at these places, have been overlooked.’

‘But here the delegates stuck with me through thick and thin over 18 months. The management even dragged in a high powered law firm to try and split the unions, playing one off against the other.

‘But the guys saw through the scam and held tight.’

Senior Industrial Officer with the NTEU, Linda Gale, praises the unity among the workforce, which carried the day.

‘Management thought they could play us off against each other, but came smack bang up against genuine union solidarity,’ she says. ‘Steve and Murray helped us win an excellent deal for everyone who works at The University of Melbourne.’

Long grind wins high distinction

Looking back, Steve Rout reckons he had never been through such a long and tedious experience.

‘I thought it would never end’, he recalls with a sigh. ‘But it was great the way the lecturers’ union and ourselves stuck together. Even when the management tried the tactics of only discussing one union’s demands at a time - probably hoping those left out would walk out of the talks.’

‘But we all stayed and helped each other so that, in the end, we finally broke through,’ smiles Murray Bear.

‘I have to admit, me and Steve had never done anything like this before. But it was a great learning experience and taught us just what workers can do with a bit of fight and determination. And what better place to learn something?’


ONTHEJOB 11

Desal workers’ generosity recognisedDesalination plant workers’ fundraising for the Wonthaggi community has been recognised by the local paper. Once again, construction workers have shown their generosity, using a levy to fund local community groups and two young kids with cancer. Top stuff!

Owner OperatorsRegular meetings of Owner Operators are proving popular.

The CFMEU is determined to see that this section of the workforce is not overlooked. Advice is available on common concerns including:

• Insurance• Security of payment laws• Contracts and other legal matters.The meetings also provide an opportunity for

members to discuss industry issues and exchange information.

Upcoming meetings:• Wednesday 8 September, 6.30pm• Wednesday 6 October, 6.30pm• Wednesday 10 November, 6.30pm

All Owner Operator meetings are held at the union’s Port Melbourne training facility, Unit 8-9, 41 Sabre Drive, Port Melbourne.

Kevin O’s old school lessons

The CFMEU prides itself on looking after its own. Industry veterans can be found driving hoists, pushing brooms and working as peggys.

And they don’t come much more old school than Kevin O’Connor. He got his first start on a Transfield job at Barry Beach when he was 17, and now, at 67, is still a builder’s labourer, working as the peggy on Romano’s site in Flemington.

Kevin, who was raised an orphan, was instantly drawn towards the mateship among unionised construction workers. He still clearly remembers his first Union meeting in Melbourne, on a KG Hooker site.

‘It was the best thing I’d ever seen. No one called anyone wogs or pommy bastards; we were all brothers,’ he recalls. ‘The Italians, the Greeks, the Irish, the Scots – for once, we were one.’’

It was on this site where young Kevin first met Norm Gallagher, who had a great impact on him.

‘A lot of people bag him now but he was the greatest thing that ever happened to builders labourers,’ says Kevin. ‘Y’see he was smart but gutter smart, a streetfighter.’

Strong make the weak stronger

‘Gallagher’s thing was the stronger members look after the weak members, then the weaker members become stronger, and then they look after the weakest members.’

Pat Malone, who headed up the BLF before Gallagher, was a different type of leader but also left a big impression.

‘Pat was a gentleman,’ says Kevin. ‘I think he was going to be a priest before he left Ireland. He used to ride around Melbourne on a pushbike.

‘Being a kid, to me he looked like a politician,’ he adds. ‘He really looked the part. He didn’t come across as aggressive, but didn’t have to – he was well respected and a great man.’

Kevin was there during the great battles of the 1960s and 70s, when construction workers won a lot of the basic rights that can be taken for granted: things like workers comp, site sheds and the boss issuing boots and bluey jackets. As well as marching up and down Melbourne’s streets,

Massive shopping opportunity

these campaigns employed some creative tactics.

‘Sure, we’d stop a concrete pour if it came to that,’ says Kevin. ‘Then they’d get the jackhammers out, and we’d go on strike because there were no ear muffs.

‘You couldn’t do that now, but that’s how you’ve got a lot of your conditions.’

Involvement with the BLF gave Kevin and many like him a great sense of pride.

‘Someone would ask “Are you a builders labourer?” and you’d say, “fucken oath I am”. My Union ticket was the most the most precious thing I had. I still remember my number – 3811. I’ve got it on my leg.’

Despite the fond memories, Kev has done too much hard yakka and been through too many tough

blues – all while raising six kids – to believe in any ‘good old days’.

‘Give me the young blokes’‘What makes me laugh is

when people say that times have changed. Well, bosses haven’t changed, their motive’s the same. But if you’re gonna start talking about all this back in the old days stuff, that’s shit. You’re only as good as your last blue,’ he declares.

‘You get blokes saying the young kids aren’t like they used to be. That’s bullshit too. I’ve been in the trenches and you don’t know who you’re standing alongside until the whistle goes. If I have to go to war, give me the young blokes.’

‘You’ve gotta look after the young, because the older members are the backbone and the young are the lifeblood. One without the other doesn’t work.’

When Kevin speaks, it is clear he is drawing on his experience alongside blokes who looked after him all those years ago. These days he’s happy to do the same for a new generation of workers, and has a refreshing outlook on his life in the building industry.

‘I’ve had some fun I can tell you. You can’t take it too serious. You’ve got be careful getting bent and twisted at my age because you’ll only turn on yourself. The world goes on.’

If you live on the east side of Melbourne and your wife or partner has trouble finding something for you to do on a

Sunday, a solution is at hand. Probuild is a building a massive IKEA and

Harvey Norman at Clayton. Despite having to pull things into line occasionally, organiser Steve Long says the job is progressing OK thanks to shop stewards John Constantinou and Rod Ramsay.

‘...the older members are the backbone and the young are the lifeblood.’

Ambassador reports on Cuban Five

No place like HamePictured is Geelong CFMEU member Davie Thomason with his son

Magnus Che at the recent Shetland Hamefarin, or homecoming.Around 600 hamefarers made the trek from all parts of the world to

connect with their family roots in the Shetland Islands, which lie off the north coast of Scotland. For Davie, taking his son back home had special significance, as he attended the first Hamefarin in 1960 with his dad.

Davie presented local unionists with flags from the CFMEU and other Australian unions. These are now on display in the Shetland office of Unison, the largest union on the islands. A feature on Davie and Magnus Che in The Shetland Times also explained the significance of the Eureka flag and the legacy of John Cummins.

sufficiently reliable to detect marijuana, although it’s good at detecting amphetamine use. The first person they booked using it in Victoria turned out to be a false positive for marijuana, and he sued the Victorian police and won.

Q: What privacy issues does drug testing raise?

KP: When taking a test, you need to tell your employer about any medication you’re taking, as it can show up as a positive test. So your employer is aware of any health problems you may have and that could affect your future employment.

The other thing that’s a big concern now is DNA testing. You have no real control over what the employer does with that test. Using your saliva, they can get a full DNA profile of you if they want.

Then there’s the fact that, if someone happens to use marijuana on a Sunday afternoon and they come to work the next morning and fail the test, they’re facing the loss of their livelihood. Now the normal penalty for that use is a fine, so it’s not consistent with society’s views.


12 OH&S

EBAtryon

Abi back down on drug and alcohol tests

Incolink provides help for substance abuseThe Construction Industry Drug and Alcohol Program was developed to assist workers and family members who are experiencing difficulties with substance use. Incolink’s Drug and Alcohol worker is able to visit CFMEU members at home or on their work site if necessary to offer counselling and support or assist with referral to another specialist agency.

The Drug and Alcohol Worker is available to assist workers and employers and to offer advice on the harm associated with the misuse of mind-altering substances. The Construction Industry Alcohol and Drug Policy encourages members to take responsibility for their

actions and to ensure that they are able to function safely at work.

Contact Gary Wright, Incolink’s Drug and Alcohol Worker on 9668 3069 or 0419 560 958.

Drug testing methods remain inaccurateDespite the growth of drug testing, it does little to improve safety and raises a lot of problems.

C&G Worker spoke to Ken Pidd, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction at Flinders University, to find out more.

Q: Is the growth in drug testing driven by a false belief by employers in its ability to improve safety?

KP: There’s a misunderstanding of what drug testing can achieve. With alcohol, breath tests are a good indicator – and at .05 you’re likely to be intoxicated or impaired.

All onsite drug testing can detect – whether its saliva, urine, sweat or, hair – is that the person has used a drug at some time in the past. It can’t determine the amount of drug use and how recently it was consumed, nor can it detect impairment.

The growth in drug testing is largely due to good marketing by companies doing the testing rather than any ability to improve workplace safety.

Q: What are some common responses to drug-testing regimes?

KP: Urine analysis – which is most common at the moment – can pick up marijuana use after three or four weeks. The metabolites created by marijuana get stored in body fat. The more body fat you have and the more you smoke, the longer it is stored.

Even an irregular user can use it on the weekend and still test positive long after any effect or impairment has worn off. But because it can still be detected, what they may do is shift to using drugs like amphetamines which have a much narrower window of detection.

The behaviours associated with those sorts of drugs include injecting them, so you start looking at other issues like hepatitis and needle-stick injuries.

It also often leads to the issue being forced underground and a

Spotlight

DRUGS TESTING

Abigroup have been forced to withdraw a strict drug and alcohol testing regime.

In early July they caused an unnecessary stink with plans to subject all their staff, employees of subcontractors and site visitors to random saliva and breath tests. A positive test would have seen a worker stood down and ultimately sacked.

Abi made things worse when they tried to dock workers four hours pay for holding toolbox meetings to discuss the policy. They only backed down when WorkSafe stepped in over the lack of consultation.

The badly written policy dictated that:

• Workers must inform on others whom they suspect of being affected by drugs or alcohol,

• A construction worker must have a breath alcohol concentration of 0.00% at all times (i.e. if you come into work and blow 0.01 after a few drinks the night before you will be stood down),

• A person returning a positive drug test will be stood down until they can provide a negative test at their own expense,

• Abigroup will keep results of all tests on file for seven years.

Abigroup, like every other company that signs an EBA

with the CFMEU, is a party to the Victorian Building Industry Alcohol and other Drugs Policy.

While this recognises that drug and alcohol use can

affect safety, it gives workers a chance

to sort their issues out.

CFMEU President Ralph Edwards coordinated the union’s response to

the policy and says it was never

going to get up. ’Quietly, some of

the smarter heads within Abigroup knew they were

breaching the EBA and wanted the whole thing dropped,’ he says. ’We

have always accepted the need for a drug and alcohol policy, but one that is about making sure everyone can work safely and people who need help can get it confidentially without being judged.

’We don’t want a situation where

culture of cover-up.

Q: What problems are there with saliva testing?

KP: I like to point out that Australia and India are the only countries that conduct roadside saliva testing. We’re also the only place that introduced it without evaluating it first. Most police forces around the world that took the time to evaluate it decided it wasn’t a good idea

This was done mostly on the grounds that the test isn’t

people get named and shamed as users and have trouble getting another job,’ Ralph adds. ’That way they the issue doesn’t get addressed and they end up being an OH&S problem in less regulated parts of the industry.’

From left, CFMEU President Ralph Edwards, former Labor MP and President of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, Joan Coxsedge, Cuban Ambasador Abelardo Padrón, CFMEU Senior Vice President Noel Washington and Vice President Shaun Reardon

The CFMEU was recently paid a visit by Abelardo Padrón, Cuban Ambassador to Australia.

He outlined the challenges his nation is overcoming despite the trade blockade imposed by the United States. The small socialist country continues to punch above its weight in areas like health care.

Abelardo also discussed the outrageous imprisoning in the U.S. of 5 Cubans accused of

espionage. They were actually monitoring

activities of Miami-based terrorist groups. For more than 40 years, terrorist organisations based in Miami have

engaged in countless terrorist activities against

Cuba, and against anyone who advocates normal relations

between the U.S. and Cuba.More than 3,000 Cubans have

died as a result of these terrorist attacks.

More information: www.freethefive.org

INTERNATIONAL 13


September Day of Action to fight austerity measures in Europe

Gaza blockade – a man-made humanitarian crisis

Unions in Mexico fighting under threat of death in lawless stateThe growth in the Mexican drug trade and the massive social problems that have arisen as a result are a consequence of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States, according to radio journalist, Colm McNaughton.

Forrmerly a building worker and CFMEU member in Victoria for seven years, McNaughton recently completed a documentary a bout the plight of the Mexican people living in the border town of Juarez.

La Frontera, which was broadcast on ABC Radio National, investigates the consequences of NAFTA on Mexican society – and it’s not a pretty picture. Since the mid 1990s, 2 million farmers are no longer able to grow corn and people have been forced into the Free Trade zones, known as maquiladoras, in order to survive. Fifty per cent of the population live on under US $2 a day.

Lawlessness and corruption characterise life on a daily basis in Juarez, where the murder of some 30 journalists has occurred over

WORLD,S

TOUGHEST UNIONISTS

The European Trades Union Congress has called for a continent-wide day of action on 29 September to fight the austerity cuts affecting millions of European workers.

The action follows countless protests and general strikes that have been taking place in Europe since the beginning of the year.

Two million Spanish workers and half a million in Portugal went on strike in June, and there have been general and specific industry

strikes in Greece for the last four months. Workers are fighting huge cuts in their pay, and there has been a rise in the value added tax (VAT) on all goods in many countries.

The destruction of living standards, after decades of struggle, is what is at stake. Greece is being forced to adopt the most savage cuts – forcing pensioners to struggle to survive on a meagre income.

The Italian government has

announced cuts of 24 billion euros by 2012. These include a major reduction in public service jobs, salary cuts, raising the retirement age, and cuts in the health care system. France plans to reduce its budget deficit from 8 per cent to 3 per cent of GDP by 2013. This will be achieved by raising the retirement age, cutting housing benefits, employment compensation and museums

funding, as well as 10 per cent of administrative costs.

Italian unions responded with a major day of action on 12 March to protest billionaire PM Silvio Berlusconi’s attacks on workers’ jobs and rights.

Head of the European Federation of Public Sector Unions, Carola Fischbach-Pyttel said workers are being forced to pay for an economic and financial crisis that was created by a runaway banking system.

‘Citizens across Europe will suffer as a result as the provision of public services is slashed,’ she said.

Head of the General Confederation of Greek Workers, Yannis Panagopoulos said in a recent interview that ‘if the government continues this policy

without building a consensus, it can lead to a phenomenon of blind, uncontrollable clashes.’

He said that those who are responsible for the crisis should be made to pay for the crisis, namely those who evade taxes and evade making contributions to the social security funds.

A kind of apartheid is being practiced in Israel, where Palestinian workers are refused membership of Israeli unions, according to human rights lawyer, Diana Buttu.

Ms Buttu visited the CFMEU while on a recent trip to Australia, to discuss the problems faced by Palestinian workers in Israel and to increase awareness of the plight of people living in Gaza.

Born and raised in Canada, she is a spokeswoman for the Institute of Middle East Understanding. She explained the difficulties faced by Palestinian workers in their attempt to join Israeli unions.

‘Israeli unions won’t represent Palestinian workers, although most of the work is in Israel, so

Palestinians face an uphill battle in their basic fight for fair wages and against unsafe working conditions.’

Ms Buttu toured Australia and spoke to several unions, the media and the public in order to highlight the situation in Palestine and to influence the way the Palestinian issue is depicted in the media.

She describes Israel’s blockade of Gaza as a humanitarian disaster that is entirely man-made.

‘People there are suffering malnutrition on par with sub-Saharan Africa, but this has not been caused by a natural disaster or a failure of crops. It’s totally imposed by Israel in order to bring Gaza to its knees,’ she said.

While much reporting of the

situation in Israel in Australia tends to favour Israel, Israel’s raid on a Turksih-led aid flotilla to Gaza which caused the death of nine people in May caused outrage around the world and drew attention to the plight of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza, who live in apartheid-like conditions.

An independent activist who is a member of neither Hamas or Fatah (the two Palestinian political parties), Diana Buttu currently represents many Palestinians who are fighting the demolition of their homes by the Israeli defence forces and Israeli settlers in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

‘The demolishing of houses is another way of driving more and more Palestinians out of these areas.

‘While human rights organisations and the United Nations have condemned this officially sanctioned practice, Israel

continues to do it, unpunished,’ she added.

Ms Buttu was a guest speaker at a Parliamentary dinner in Canberra, where she argued for boycotts and sanctions against Israel to end the Gaza blockade.

several years and not one arrest has been made.

‘Free Trade has meant free trade for drugs. The Narcos are now embedded in the economy and have permeated the army, the police force and the government,’ says Colm.

One of the protagonists of La Frontera is Marta Ojeda, a union

organiser who heads the Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras.

‘Marta and the organisers that work with her, mainly young women in their 20s, do this job under the threat of death. They sleep in a different house every night, and they don’t even get paid for it. Their pay is a bed to sleep in and food.’

Colm says that the work of the Coalition and the people who organise at risk to their lives, gave him hope.

‘They are totally committed to fighting for a better world.’

Many countries threatenedColm won a Walkely award for

his 2008 documentary Awakening from History, which dealt with the psychological impact of the conflict in Northern Ireland. He was drawn to the NAFTA issue because he sees that it has implications for the future in many other places, not just Mexico.

‘The US/Mexico border is where the first and third world meet. It’s about the impact of globalisation

and the dramatic transformation of a society in just fifteen years.’

While La Frontera paints a grim picture, Colm says that there are people fighting back and workers and unions are engaged in several strategic actions, including shutting down one of the main transport corridors between Mexico and the US.

Colm McNaughton, who is

of Irish descent, is returning to Mexico to work on a new documentary about the Saint Patrick’s battalion – Irishmen who deserted the US army during the 1846 war with Mexico and fought alongside the Mexicans.

La Frontera can be heard online at www.abc.net.au/rn/360/stories/2010/2844252.htm?site=darwin

Battling workers from Mexico, Gumercinda, Ernesto and their kids. Former CFMEU member turned radio documentary maker, Colm McNaughton

Impressive Palestinian leader Diana Buttu on a recent visit to the CFMEU. Pictured with Diana are President Ralph Edwards, Assistant Secretary Tommy Watson, Vice President Frank O’ Grady, State Secretary Bill Oliver, Assistant Secretary John Setka and Senior Vice President Noel Washington.

14 SMILE!


Boxing champ Barry Michael popped by the 3CR ‘Concrete Gang’ studio recently to talk about his life.

In a career spanning 60 professional bouts, Barry was Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion before winning the World-Junior Lightweight crown.

Nowadays, Barry helps out a lot of good causes and is still involved with the fight game as a promoter. Look out for his new venue – The House of Stoush – opening up soon in Flemington. He also has a book about his battles in the ring, and some colourful stories from outside it, due out before Christmas.

The Concrete Gang.Industry news, views and scallywags. Sundays 9.30am. 3CR855AM.

SMA Footscray.

Brodene Graham, CFMEU National

Secretary Dave Noonan and organiser

Rob Graauwmans.

Dean McClean, Hacer Group, Watergardens

Marshy & Hoola, Mortlake Power Station

Vice President Shaun Reardon (third right) with members at Romano Flemington

Members at Wontahaggi Ark Tribe rally including organiser Tom Malone (2nd left) and Desal plant steward Fergus O’Hea (centre)

Vice president Matt Hudson (left) and steward Joe Angelino with members on the Royal Children’s Hospital site.

The boys on Walton’s Bouverie St Apartments

Aussie and Mal (steward), Warrnambool hospital


KidsClub 15

ONE NIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION IN MELBOURNE

for 2 adults and 2 children at Mantra Hotel

A FAMILY PASS TO MELBOURNE AQUARIUM

A $100 MEAL VOUCHER

TO PICCOLO MONDO RESTAURANT – Lygon Street, Carlton

Before you start drawing–4 QUESTIONS1 Where does your Dad/Mum work?

2 Do they need to wear special clothing

for their job? eg. Safety goggles?3 Do they work inside a building or

outside?4 What tools do they use for their job?

cellophane

glitter

glue

paint

stickers

KIDS CLUBDRAWING COMPETITION

DAD/MUM AT WORKHey kids, in this issue we have an

awesome competition, with BIG prizes

for all the family to enjoy!

WINWIN

HOW TO enTer THe cOmpeTITIOnFind out about your parents' work, by asking them our 4 questions. Their answers will give you a good idea of what to draw in your picture.

make up your picture however you like. You can paint or cut and paste, or use things like sand, sticks, fabric, glitter or stickers — whatever you think looks best. Then send your masterpiece in to: cFmeU Kids club pO Box 226, carlton South VIc 3053

Don't forget to include your name, address and age.

Good Luck and start drawing!

Congratulations to Kaja Perkovic, 4 years

old from St Albans, for winning the ‘Home

Renovation’ competition. You will receive

you Toys R Us voucher soon.

make your drawing as creative as possible to

WIn!

Aussie TravelSaver!

proudly supported by Aussie TravelSaver!

Slater & Gordon launches multicultural service

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Established 75 years ago, Slater & Gordon has built a powerful reputation as a law firm which fights for the best outcomes for everyday Australians.

Today, Slater & Gordon offers its broad range of legal services at more locations than any other law firm in the country, delivering affordable legal advice and justice to more Australians.

Slater & Gordon recognises Australia’s unique and diverse cultural framework – and in an effort to ensure that all Australians are able to access the law when they need it – has recently announced the launch of the ‘We Speak Your Language’ multicultural service.

At the core of the ‘We Speak Your Language’ service is Slater & Gordon’s Multilingual Legal Help Line, which offers trained bilingual legal consultants who are experienced in helping to discuss legal issues in a variety of languages.

Six languagesThis free service is currently

offered in these languages:• Arabic• Cantonese• Greek• Italian• Mandarin• Vietnamese.

Slater & Gordon also employs a number of lawyers from varying ethnic backgrounds who are able

to speak to clients in a variety of languages and are actively involved in their respective communities.

Slater & Gordon believes this important initiative will provide greater access to the legal system for those often most at risk and unaware of their legal rights, ensuring that they get the right legal advice when they need it, in their own language and in a comfortable environment.

Saves you money on: All types of accommodation throughout Australia inc. the biggest chainsMeals and drinks at over 1,000 restaurants Tours, day spas, golf, fishing trips, gym membership and much more Australia wide

Typical savings from Aussie TravelSaver• $230 on gym memberships• 15% discount at Sea World and

Wet ‘n’ Wild, Gold Coast• $960 at Far Away Bay Bush Camp• $100 at Boroka Downs bed and

breakfast• $65 on the Daylesford Naturals

Pamper Pack• $18 at the Federal Golf Club

Championship Course• $400 a night at the luxurious

Orpheus Island Resort• Up to $40 with Aspen Caravan

Parks and resorts• Up to $140 on White water rafting• Up to $100 on Fishing Trips• Up to $89 on Surfing lessons• Over $1,000 on selected tours with Banksia Adventures

Special OfferBuy your Aussie TravelSaver card now and Save 30% plus receive a free card for a friend or your partner.

GO TO: www.aussietravelsaver.com.au and quote the promotional code CFMEU on the Buy Now page to access 1000’s of discounts.

More information about this service is available online at www.slatergordon.com.au/multicultural. Or, to speak with a consultant in one of these languages, call Slater & Gordon’s free Multilingual Legal Help Line on 1800 659 905.

Members seeking assistance with a workplace issue should still call CFMEU Legal Services on 9341 3444.

Aussie TravelSaver!

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For full up-to-date allowance rates, visit www.cfmuevic.com.au

ApprenticeshipratesOn-site rates 36 hOur weekOperative from the first pay period on or after 1 March 2010 [Second agreement increment 4.5%]. These are CFMEU/Industry certified agreement rates of pay.

WAGES PER WEEK

DAILY FARE ALLOWANCE

WEEKLY PRO-RATA ANNUAL LEAVE

WEEKLY PRO-RATA ANNUAL LEAVE LOADING

CARPENTERS/JOINERS, STONEMASONS, TILELAYER, PLASTERER etc

First three months** 422.30 23.20 35.19 7.85Next nine months## 528.70 23.20 44.06 9.40Second year 635.20 26.30 52.93 11.18Third year 848.10 27.85 70.68 14.40Fourth year 1007.80 29.40 83.98 16.84

BRICKLAYER

First three months** 361.10 23.20 30.09 6.66Next nine months## 467.40 23.20 38.95 8.51Second year 680.00 26.30 56.67 11.83Third year 892.60 27.85 74.38 15.05

PAINTER

A. WITH NO PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

First three months 400.80 23.20 33.40 7.54Next nine months 506.80 23.20 42.23 9.08Second year 612.70 26.30 51.06 10.85Third year 824.50 27.85 68.71 14.05Fourth year 983.40 29.40 81.95 16.49

B. WITH PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

First year 559.70 23.20 46.64 9.85Second year 824.50 26.30 68.71 13.94Third year 983.40 27.85 81.95 16.37

UNION FEES FOR APPRENTICES

First year:Free

Second year: $20 per ticket

Third year:$30 per ticket

Fourth year:$40 per ticket

No joining fee applies.

** Start rate for an apprentice who has not completed an approved pre-apprenticeship course. ## Start (first year) rate for an apprentice who has completed an approved pre-apprenticeship course. Further information: CFMEU Apprentice Officer (03) 9341 3444.

Your wages and conditions come from the struggle of your mates and of those who have gone before us. Don’t be a freeloader!

From 1 July, the EBA superannuation weekly contribution to Cbus is $138.35, or 9% of ordinary wagesWageratesandbenefits

On-site rates 36 hOur week

Operative from the first pay period on or after 1 March 2010. These are CFMEU/Industry certified agreement rates of pay based on the following National Building Construction Awards classifications that now incorporate the FEDFA classifications. The following rates of pay represent a 4.5% wage and allowances increase negotiated by your Union. It is the second instalment of a 15% wage and allowances increase over the three-year agreement (2008-2011).

RATE PER HOUR (36 HOUR WEEK)

RATE PER WEEK*

WEEKLY Pro-Rata HOLIDAY PAY (INCLUDING 17.5% Loading)

SATURDAY OVER-TIME (INCLUDING 20 MINUTES CRIB)

tradespersOns

Carpenter, Shopfitter, JoinerTile-layerOnsite StonemasonArtificial StoneworkerMarble & Slate WorkerPlastererSolid Plasterer Sign Industry WorkerBricklayer

30.95 1114.20 111.36 474.56

Painter – new workPainter – re-paint

30.2630.21

1089.361087.56

108.92108.74

463.98463.21

Marker/Setter-out 32.21 1159.56 115.79 493.88Signwriter Roof-tiler

31.54 1135.44 113.43 483.60

Special Class TradespersonCarver

33.44 1203.84 120.13 512.74

Carpenter Diver 41.80 1504.80 640.92*Weekly rates includes tool allowance at 100% rate

LabOurersGROUP ONE

RiggerDogmanDLI Certified Operator (Boom or Tower pump)Stationary Pump Operator

30.09 1083.24 108.32 461.37

GROUP TWO

Hoist DriverLine Pump Operator (Truck or Trailer mounted)ScaffolderSteel FixerConcrete Finisher etc.

29.08 1046.88 104.76 446.04

GROUP THREE

Pile DriverAluminium AlloyStructural ErectorGantry HandDrilling Machine OperatorDump Cart OperatorHoseman & Trainee OperatorSkilled Labourer and all others

28.20 1015.20 101.66 429.63

Crane CrewsTower crane crewOperator and Dogman/Crane hands 35.04 1261.44 125.77 537.27Trainee Dogman/Crane hand (fixed cranes) 32.59 1173.24 117.13 499.70pLant OperatOrs buiLding and COnstruCtiOn (weekLy hire)OPERATOR GRADES ONE AND TWO Mechanical plant operator Groups 1 & 2Winch driverMobile hydraulic platform operator

29.15 1049.40 105.01 446.96

OPERATOR GRADE THREEMechanical plant operator Groups 3 & 4Mobile crane drivers up to 15 tonnes

30.38 1093.68 109.34 465.82

OPERATOR GRADE FOURMechanical plant operators Groups 5 & 6Mobile crane drivers 15 – 100 tonnes

31.58 1136.88 113.57 484.22

Note: If unsure if agreement applies to you, check with the Union for your company sector-specific EBA e.g. Civil.

benefits

The Union negotiated EBA also provides for:Travel allowance: $30.95 per daySuperannuation: $138.35 per week or 9% of ordinary wages whichever is greater, payable monthly. Incolink payments (redundancy pay): $64.40 per week. Income protection, trauma insurance and portable sick leave are also available (paid into Incolink).Long service leave: 13 weeks after ten years, pro rata after seven years (paid into CoInvest).Overtime meal allowance: $11.90, when required to work overtime for one and a half hours or more on an ordinary working day.Transfer during working hours: Where an employer requests a worker to transfer from one site to another site during working hours, with his or her own vehicle, an extra 0.89 cents per kilometre must be paid. Where a worker uses his/her car to travel to a job outside the required work boundaries, an extra 0.47 cents per kilometre must be paid. Site allowance: Check the CFMEU Allowances Schedule for more information.

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DON’T BE A FREELOADER.BE PAID UP AND PROUD.For more info, go to www.cfmeuvic.com.au

You don’t bludge off Your mates at the pub...

...so don’t do it at work!

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Cg Worker Vol 16 n0 2 August 2010b

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