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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

Media Statement: Second Diagnosis

Media Statement: Second Diagnosis

March 31, 2020

A worker on a South Melbourne Multiplex Construction site has been diagnosed with COVID-19.  

A week ago, the worker’s partner was unwell, displaying symptoms of COVID-19. She was subsequently tested and received a positive diagnosis. 

After his partner was diagnosed, the worker immediately self-isolated. Upon showing symptoms, he was also tested and received a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 at 6:00pm, Monday 30th March.

Following the ‘Confirmed Covid-19 Case Process’ in line with recommendations provided by the Chief Health Officer and DHHS, he immediately contacted his employer, who then contacted the construction company, Multiplex, who notified the CFMEU, PPTEU, ETU and the AMWU. The site was immediately shut down and DHHS was made aware. 

All workers on this site were notified and the entire site was thoroughly sanitised by professional cleaners. It was also then cleaned by a forensic cleaning company with Multiplex, the CFMEU, PPTEU, ETU and AMWU taking all measures to protect the safety of all construction workers. 

After an investigation from DHHS, only two of these workers were identified as having been in close contact with the individual and are now in self isolation for the next 14-days.

 

For further information: pr@bossmanmedia.com.au | 03 9421 2886

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INCOLINK COVID-19 PAYMENT FAQ’S

INCOLINK COVID-19 PAYMENT FAQ’S

March 28, 2020

Please see below for all important questions regarding Incolink COVID-19 payments

Q. Do we need to reapply for the GRA with the merger of the two accounts?
A. No, you don’t, and you also no longer have to wait 14 days. If you were in the Severance Account, there was no option to claim this tax free. Now, you can if you are made redundant. Also, Initial Claims were capped at $5,673 and this has been increased to up to $8,000.

Q. Why can’t I get my GRA tax free money now?
A. If you are made redundant and wish to receive your tax-free GRA, you will need to wait a short period while the accounts are merged into a single account. The merge is taking place to make it simpler for workers and for Incolink to accommodate for all the COVID-19 hardship payments.

Q. Can I get hardship payments if I’m forced into isolation or stood down by my employer under government direction and how much will I get?
A. Yes, you can receive the COVID-19 Hardship payment of $2,000 if you have to self-isolate or if you are stood down. And it is taxed at the ATO rate of 32%. You can re-apply for this every 28-days if you continue to be eligible.

Q. Why do I have to pay 32% tax on a hardship payment if I have to self-isolate or am stood down?
A. Because it is Federal Government Law.

Q. Will my account balance be affected by any of these changes?
A. No, this is your money and your balance will only reduce if you make a claim to withdraw any of your funds.

Q. Why have Incolink merged the Severance & Genuine Redundancy Accounts?
A. Incolink is simply moving to one account to make it easier and fairer for workers and had to do this as part of making the Incolink COVID-19 payments available. The tax that a worker pays doesn’t change; genuine redundancies are still tax-free. However, due to the system change, until the 24th April, Incolink have to withhold tax of 32%. After the 24th April, all genuine redundancies will continue to be tax-free. Incolink will support workers to get their tax back at tax time.

Q. Why do we have to wait until 24th April to get the genuine redundancy benefit of the new merged account?
A. Incolink are working around the clock to merge these accounts as quickly as possible and ensure all members get paid correctly. We will keep you notified of the process at all times.

Q. Will the creation of a single account affect my claim if I am made redundant?
A. No, the merging of the accounts means you will no longer have to wait for the usual 14-days to move from a severance account to a redundancy account, in order to receive your claim. Those who previously were in a severance account can also now apply for a genuine redundancy payment with no tax.

Q. Does taxing the hardship payment benefit Incolink?
A. No, Incolink withholds and pays this tax to the ATO twice weekly as this is federal government law. There is no financial benefit to Incolink at all.

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Incolink COVID-19 Payment Changes and Information

Incolink COVID-19 Payment Changes and Information

March 27, 2020

We are here for you whenever you need us through this uncertain period, as your safety net. 

The Incolink COVID-19 payment is available. Please click below button for all detailed information. 

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Coronavirus: Construction firms stagger shifts on building sites to keep tradies safe

Coronavirus: Construction firms stagger shifts on building sites to keep tradies safe

March 26, 2020

Building sites are operating under new regulations to ensure workers stick to social distancing guidelines.


The biggest construction companies are splitting break times and locations as well as staggering shifts to keep works across the country running and on schedule.


The sector employs 1.2 million people and is among the biggest provider of full-time jobs in the national economy.

Construction companies have also suspended all domestic travel and totally banned international travel. Face-to-face training has also been axed.

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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

Media Release: CFMEU and Construction Companies Follow Solid Plan for Coronavirus Diagnosis

Media Release: CFMEU and Construction Companies Follow Solid Plan for Coronavirus Diagnosis

March 26, 2020

A Melbourne construction worker has tested positive for COVID-19, with the CFMEU and the relevant construction company working together to immediately implement necessary procedures to mitigate any further cases.

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Building and Construction Industry Working Party Guidelines: COVID-19

Building and Construction Industry Working Party Guidelines: COVID-19

March 26, 2020

Guidelines for the Building and Construction industry in Victoria, providing direction to employers and workers, for the steps required to be taken to best provide a safe and healthy environment, and the actions available in the event of interruption to building and construction work, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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to employers
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to be taken
to best
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and
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environment,
and
the
actions
available
in the
event
of interruption
to building
and
construction
work,
as a
result
of the
COVID
-19
pandemic.
Categories
CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

Media Release: Building & Construction Industries COVID-19 Safety Message

Media Release: Building & Construction Industries COVID-19 Safety Message

March 25, 2020

Building and Construction Industry Employers and Unions Unite on COVID-19 Safety Message

The Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA), Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), Civil Contractors Federation (CCF), Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Master Builders Victoria (MBV), Master Plumbers, National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU), Property Council Victoria and the Urban Development Institute of Australia [Victoria] (UDIA) have united to send a strong message to the building and construction industry: Treat this situation very seriously and with the highest importance by adhering to all the recommended safety procedures.

The united group stress the need to follow appropriate measures and guidelines which stipulate strict hygiene practices, social distancing and separation of workers on meal breaks, in addition to other measures, to ensure sites can be kept safe and stay open.

Employer groups and unions have worked together to develop guidelines in line with government recommendations and they should be adhered to immediately and followed dutifully by all employers and employees.

The united group has and will continue to follow guidelines from both the National Cabinet and Victorian State Government, which confirms that stage two restrictions do not apply to construction sites and electrical and plumbing services – as these are considered essential activities.

As vital constituents of the economy, it is critical that all stakeholders of the building and construction industry work together to ensure the protection of employers, workers, their families and our community.

The group will continue to work with all relevant leadership and government bodies – including following the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer – to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their collective memberships and the community.

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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

Media Release: CFMEU COVID-19 SITE SAFETY

Media Release: CFMEU COVID-19 SITE SAFETY

March 24, 2020

Construction sites must adhere to safety & hygiene practices

The CFMEU National Construction Division is calling on builders to adhere to the enhanced health and safety and hygiene practices that are necessary to combat the spread of coronavirus, as some union members report workplaces that are failing to properly comply.

“Maintaining the health and safety of construction workers is our absolute priority during this pandemic crisis and we need the entire industry to act responsibly and collectively to minimise the risk of infection on worksites,” said Dave Noonan, CFMEU National Construction Secretary.

“The union has heard from members that some worksites are not changing their practices or setups to meet the hygiene and safety measures that have been advised by medical authorities and mandated by the government.”

“This is not good enough. It is essential that the industry maintain all of the health and hygiene precautions that are required for construction workers to remain safe at work.”

“Members who are concerned that correct hygiene and safety practices are not being followed on worksites should contact the union immediately.”

“This includes measures like frequent hand washing; it means proper social distancing; it could mean the staggering of meal breaks; and, it may mean some situations where shifts are implemented in order to minimise the number of workers on sites in working areas at any one time.”

“All the amenities areas on sites such as lunchrooms, break rooms, and toilet areas need to be kept scrupulously clean and we need repeated cleaning on sites to ensure there is minimal opportunity for the virus to spread.”

“If our members believe that is not happening, if that there are breaches of hygiene or over- crowding on sites it is important they let the union know and we will come to the job.”

“It is absolutely critical that if anyone in the industry believes they may have the virus they must self-isolate and seek medical advice immediately.”

“The shut down of the construction industry would be devastating to workers and the economy. The key to keeping workers safe and the industry functioning and able to support all its people is enacting stringent health and safety protocols immediately.”

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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

Media Release: CFMEU VIC/TAS & MASTER BUILDERS

Media Release: CFMEU VIC/TAS & MASTER BUILDERS

March 18, 2020

Collaborative Partnership Pathway for Construction Industry

The leadership duopoly of John Setka, Secretary CFMEU VIC/TAS branch and Rebecca Casson, CEO Master Builders Victoria (MBV) agree that during these challenging times, in the spirit of industry co-operation, it is critical that all stakeholders work together to ensure the protection of both workers and the building and construction industry.

The MBV and CFMEU VIC/TAS are committed to working together to ensure there is a pipeline of work in place for the building and construction industry, to guarantee jobs are kept, as far as is reasonably practicable and businesses remain solvent. Additionally, considerable measures must be made by the State Government to consider the protection of the building and construction industry, which contributes to 45% of tax revenue for the state.

It is essential that decisions made in relation to building and construction sites are done so in the context of a rigorous understanding of the environment in which people work, and that the controls that are currently in place are being implemented. The building and construction environment is significantly different from many others, with the ability to socially distance on sites and isolate groups.

Mr Setka and Ms Casson also agree that special consideration be given to the building and construction industry in regard to blanket closures related to COVID-19. Both parties are committed to not only protecting community health, but also limiting the broader community impact if the industry is brought to a standstill. However, if there is a requirement for a site closure, or closures, due to community health reasons, the MBV and CFMEU VIC/TAS should be jointly consulted to enable forward planning.

Mr Setka and Ms Casson will continue to work with all relevant leadership and government bodies – including following the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer – to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their collective memberships and the community.

The CFMEU and MBV joined a united delegation including the AMWU, CCF, ETU, Master Plumbers, NECA, PPTEU this afternoon to put this case forward to the Premier’s office. A detailed copy of the recommendations is available upon request.

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For further information: pr@bossmanmedia.com.au | 03 9421 2886