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Construction returns to 100% workforce capacity

Construction returns to 100% workforce capacity

November 2, 2020

100% workforce capacity. Site visit limit on specialist contractors removed. Other additional obligations remain in place.

From 11.59 on Sunday, November 8:

Employers must have a COVIDSafe Plan in place for each workplace/site and ensure that employees comply with those plans including physical distancing and face mask requirements.

A Permitted Worker Permit is only required for workers who need to travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria (in both directions) for work.

Read the VIC Gov construction sector guidance here:  https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-construction

Read what the latest restrictions mean for construction and business here: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/what-the-latest-restrictions-announcement-means-for-business-20201025-p568be.html

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An important message for all Hazaragi and Dari speaking construction workers

An important message for all Hazaragi and Dari speaking construction workers

September 28, 2020
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An important message for Chinese construction workers

An important message for Chinese construction workers

September 28, 2020
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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

CFMEU VIC & MBAV: Joint statement addressing the roadmap released by the Victorian Government

CFMEU VIC & MBAV: Joint statement addressing the roadmap released by the Victorian Government

September 7, 2020

“Since March, we have been committed to lead workers safely through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority has always been to protect the safety and livelihoods of our members, their families, and the broader community.

The roadmap announced today is a good start to getting workers back to work with a clear plan to return to full capacity.

The safety measures we have in place are there for the protection of all construction workers, and we are confident we can continue to do just that, so with a clear road map, we will lead the recovery of the Victorian economy.

– John Setka

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The Victorian Government releases the roadmap to reopen construction

The Victorian Government releases the roadmap to reopen construction

September 6, 2020

We will be at 85% from September 28th and ready for the green light to move to 100% capacity shortly after.

Be proud to be union and proud to lead the recovery of our economy.

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Setka demands construction workers be allowed to return to their jobs

Setka demands construction workers be allowed to return to their jobs

September 4, 2020

Article as seen in The Age- by Nick Bonyhady

“As the backbone of this country, the 300,000 plus Victorian construction workers across all sectors must go back to work now,” Mr Setka wrote in the public letter.

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John Setka’s letter to the Premier and Chief Health Officer

John Setka’s letter to the Premier and Chief Health Officer

September 4, 2020

CFMEU VIC put forward a strong case to the government to get our members back to work. 

See John Setka’s letter to the Premier and Chief Health Officer here

News coverage across Channel 7 below:

 

 

 

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FAQ’s on JobKeeper, being stood down and redundancies

FAQ’s on JobKeeper, being stood down and redundancies

August 14, 2020

I have been stood down for the next few weeks. My employer has indicated that we will be back to work and on site, so this is not a redundancy. What should I do and what am I entitled to during this time?

  • Keep in touch with your employer so they can have you back at work when restrictions are eased.
  • You can apply for the Incolink Covid-19 payment of $2,000 per month or $1,000 per month for apprentices, providing your account balance covers the amount being claimed. You can still receive this payment even if you are receiving JobKeeper.
  • You have the option of applying for any annual leave owing, this will be paid directly by your employer.
  • You may also receive JobKeeper payments if your employer meets the eligibility criteria, or, if you are self employed (contractor) you can apply directly to the ATO for JobKeeper.

I have been made redundant. My former employer has indicated that we will not be back to work. What should I do and what am I entitled to?

  • In the case you are made redundant, you can claim up to $8,000 a month through your Incolink redundancy entitlement, providing your account balance covers the amount being claimed.
  • You may qualify for Job Seeker payments if you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • If you have concerns about your redundancy and whether it is genuine speak with your union delegate or Fair Work.
  • As you have now been made redundant, some insurances with Incolink may no longer be available to you. You can find out details about COVID-19 and your Incolink entitlements here: https://incolink.org.au/workers/covid-19-information-for-members
  • Note: Under the Fair Work Act, an employer cannot make their employee redundant with the intent to rehire them in 6 weeks’ time.

My employer is eligible and is receiving JobKeeper payments. I am working full time. What should my salary be?

  • If you are working your regular full-time hours, your employer needs to be paying you your full wage.
  • If your employer is receiving the JobKeeper payment of $750 a week, they must still pay you the difference to make up your normal salary.

My site has been temporarily shut down. My employer has asked me to take my Annual Leave during this time. Is my employer allowed to do this?

  • Your Employer can ask you to take Annual Leave down to a minimum balance of 2 weeks.
  • Employees cannot unreasonably refuse, but should a member have a genuine reason they do not want to use their accrued entitlements they should raise this with the Union.
  • If your employer is eligible and receiving JobKeeper, and you are also eligible, you should be receiving your JobKeeper payment of $750 a week. If you are not working during this time, you can ask that your pay is topped up to your ordinary weekly wage by deducting from your accrued entitlements.
  • You can also apply for the Incolink Covid-19 payment of $2,000 per month or $1,000 per month for apprentices, providing your account balance covers the amount being claimed. You can still receive this payment even if you are receiving JobKeeper.
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COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

August 10, 2020

Your union is working for YOU. 

We are driving solutions for the government to keep our industry going through Stage 4 restrictions in Victoria, but at the end of the day, the decision is theirs, not ours.

While the office is closed, our members department is working and here to help.

Call us (03) 9341 3444

Part of protecting you is having safety nets.

Here are yours:

Incolink (Income Protection)
Cbus (Superannuation)
CoINVEST (Long Service Leave)

If you are stood down:

• You have the option of applying for any annual leave owing, this will be paid directly by your employer.

• If your site closes or you are stood down due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can access the Incolink COVID-19 payment. You can apply for the Incolink Covid-19 payment of $2,000 per month or $1,000 per month for apprentices, providing your account balance covers the amount being claimed.
You will need to re-apply every 28 days here: https://incolink.org.au/workers/covid-19-information-for-members

If you are made Redundant:

• In the case you are made redundant, you can claim up to $8,000 a month through your Incolink redundancy entitlement, providing your account balance covers the amount being claimed. You need to re-apply every 28 days here: https://incolink.org.au/workers/worker-entitlements#incolink-redundancy-account

Other entitlements you may be eligible for:

JobKeeper:
• If your employer is eligible, you may be entitled to a JobKeeper payment of $1,500 per fortnight. Speak to your employer to see if this option is available.

• If you are self-employed, speak directly to the ATO to see if you are eligible for JopKeeper: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/JobKeeper-Payment/Sole-traders/

JobSeeker:
• In the case that you find yourself out of work you can apply for JobSeeker. If you are eligible you can receive $1,100 per fortnight.
Apply here:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/jobseeker-payment/how-claim#dc-52713-s-208060 

Early super withdrawal:
• $10,000 is available to withdraw until December 31st. Please consider this option carefully. Apply through my.gov.au 
(If you don’t have $10,000 in your account, you can access what you have but it’s important to understand that if you take out the balance of your superannuation you will lose all your insurances and effectively close your account down. This means when you go back to work you will have no Death and Total Permanent Disability insurance.)

To learn more, go to: https://www.cbussuper.com.au/about-us/news/cbus-news/cbus-response-to-covid-19 or discuss your options with a VIC Cbus coordinator on 1300 361 784.
Or contact the ATO to confirm your eligibility for early super withdrawal here:
https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/in-detail/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/covid-19-early-release-of-super/

Long Service Leave:
• All construction workers within the state of Victoria are covered by the CoINVEST Long Service Leave scheme. If you have accrued 7 years of service with CoINVEST and have more than 5 days of service in your account you may apply to claim your long service leave. You are only eligible if you have at least 7 years accrued service with CoINVEST.

You can check your balance and claim online – log in or register here https://www.coinvest.com.au/

Our priority is YOU.
Stay Safe, Stay Strong.
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Our top priority is your safety and job security. We are working through the government’s announcements as quickly as possible

Our top priority is your safety and job security. We are working through the government’s announcements as quickly as possible

August 4, 2020

“Be assured, your union is working for you. 

Your safety and your job security is our number one priority.”