Poll
The union is advocating that mining companies should have to prove there is no reasonable alternative before being allowed to fly in transient workforces. Have your say, do you agree?
Total votes: 68
Defend Democracy in Queensland
The LNP Government has introduced unprecedented and extreme legislation to restrict your right to have your voice heard on issues that affect you. Worse still, the laws will prevent organisations - that you chose to join - from speaking out on behalf of the community about important issues such as safety, pay and conditions and essential services.
Stand up to Save Your Say and defend democracy in Queensland. Visit the website:
May Day Celebrations 2013
A good attendance of CFMEU & BLF members, and their families, turned up at this year's May Day marches and celebrations. In Brisbane they marched to the RNA Showgrounds for a Family Fun Day.
In the News
Media Release - 22.5.13
Make the 457 visa system fair for all workers
The CFMEU's submission to the Senate inquiry into 457 visas and enterprise migration agreements aims to make the system fairer for all workers - both Australian and overseas workers. National CFMEU Construction Secretary Dave Noonan said that labour market testing was a necessary step to stop the undercutting of wages and conditions.
"We need to ensure that Australian workers are not missing out on jobs because employers can bring in workers from overseas on cheaper rates. We need to ensure that young people have access to training and jobs so that we have skilled workforce and we need to ensure that those who do come here are employed under improved conditions". Click here to read full story.
Northern Territory News, Darwin 08.05.13
Skills lag blamed on corps
ACTU President Ged Kearney has blamed the Territory's skills shortage on big corporations not hiring enough apprentices. "It's a huge indictment on large companies," she said. "They have not invested."
Ms Kearney said she knew of one "massive" infrastructure project that only had four apprentices. Not enough Territory residents have been trained in the past decade for skilled trades such as carpenters, boilermakers, builders or plumbers despite high unemployment rates in remote areas. Click here to read full story.
Canberra Times Article 07.05.13 by Emma Macdonald
Asbestos: builders warned of spot fines
ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe will seek approval from the ACT government to slap $5,000 fines on builders who fail to dispose of asbestos properly, saying too many were risking the health of their workers and members of the public to avoid the time and cost of safe removal. Mr McCabe on Monday lifted a prohibition notice on a home in Murray Crescent in Griffith after stopping work last week after the ACT Planning and Land Authority discovered uncontained bonded asbestos on the site. Click here to read full article.