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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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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

Multiplex site to shut down after confirmed COVID-19 cases

Multiplex site to shut down after confirmed COVID-19 cases

July 31, 2020

There have been 12 confirmed cases of Coronavirus at The Multiplex Premier Apartments site at 134-160 Spencer Street Melbourne (referred to as The Beyonce site) and up to 20 close or casual contact workers identified.

Following the ‘Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Process’ in line with recommendations provided by the Chief Health Officer and the DHHS, the construction company, Multiplex, were notified of the confirmed cases, along with the CFMEU, PPTEU, ETU and the AMWU. The site was immediately shut down for a full, hospital grade clean.

All workers identified as being in close and casual contact with the confirmed cases were immediately sent home and ordered to get tested and to self-isolate until they received their test results.

While the implementation of increased safety measures on sites has been positive, due to the increase in community virus transmissions, both Multiplex management and the collective unions agreed to a full site shut down. This measure has been taken to ensure the safety of all construction workers and Multiplex management on site.

All workers on this site were notified of the closure and the Incolink testing bus and medical team were on-site to offer tests for all workers who were asymptomatic as a further safety measure.
The CFMEU has been extremely proactive in the management and provision of COVID-19 measures, going to extensive lengths to ensure members are informed and abide by all the correct rules regarding COVID-19.

The health and safety of our members is of the utmost priority and we strongly condemn any behaviour that does not follow the appropriate measures put in place to protect our workers and the wider community.

We implore all members and construction workers to continue following all measures and guidelines put in place for their safety, including strict hygiene practices, social distancing, wearing of masks and separation of workers on meal breaks as outlined by the Premiers Office and the DHHS.

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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

CFMEU VIC/TAS to Expand On-Site COVID-19 Testing

CFMEU VIC/TAS to Expand On-Site COVID-19 Testing

July 13, 2020

While early adaptation of on-site hygiene practices, including safety, physical distancing rules and staggered break times were implemented on construction sites to provide safer workplace practices – the increase in community virus transmissions has necessitated further safety measures.

Michael Paynter, Liaison Officer, Building and Construction Industry, will brief up to 200 construction Health and Safety (H&S) representatives to ensure they are armed with all guidelines for safe work practices.

The briefing initiative will help ensure H&S representatives have the capability to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with workplace mapping of close and casual contact of workers who have tested positive to COVID-19.

Mr Paynter said, ‘By briefing on-site H&S representatives, we will be better positioned to assist with workplace mapping, all of which will further strengthen the health and safety platform for building and construction workers – and in turn – keep our Industry operational.’

CFMEU officials closed a site in Melbourne’s inner west where 11 positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed. The CFMEU in conjunction with site management immediately shut the site after the first case was confirmed (four days prior to the DHHS instruction) preventing any further opportunities for the virus to spread amongst workers.

Yesterday, DHHS contacted the relevant site management to perform further contact tracing, instructing the job to remain shut for the next two weeks, with no workers to return to the site without proof of a negative test result.

John Setka CFMEU Secretary Vic/Tas said, ‘Our commitment to the health and safety of our workers has always been paramount and we’ve done a great job so far; but we need to do more to look after each other, our families and the community. So, if you or anyone in your household is unwell, stay home and get tested.’

The CFMEU remains committed to the implementation of COVID-19 safety procedures to ensure the protection of all construction workers. The current industry guidelines are first class, with daily on-site virus testing clinics. To date, well over 6,000 workers have been tested at more than 100 construction sites around Melbourne.

It is critical that the industry continues to move forward with health and safety testing clinics for all construction workers and expanding safety measures where and when required.

 

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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

CFMEU VIC/TAS, Master Builders Victoria and industry partner Incolink successfully work together to ensure continued protection of building and construction industry

CFMEU VIC/TAS, Master Builders Victoria and industry partner Incolink successfully work together to ensure continued protection of building and construction industry

July 8, 2020

COVID-19 testing via on-site Incolink mobile clinics will remain a top priority to ensure the health and safety of all workers, with over 6,000 tests on more than 100 building and construction sites conducted so far. 

Early adaptation to the current climate by way of hygiene, safety and physical distancing rules has ensured the building and construction industry remains safe and operational during this time, with the testing clinics further bolstering these measures. 

Incolink CEO, Mr. Erik Locke has emphasised just how important the initiative has been and will continue to be, in keeping the sector in action:

‘The health and safety of workers is paramount and that’s why we acted so quickly to roll out testing. We’re pleased asymptomatic workers are voluntarily agreeing to be tested, protecting themselves and their colleagues.’

Treasurer of Victoria, Mr. Tim Pallas, has highlighted the State Government’s support of the collaborative commitment of building and construction industry partners in a formal letter written to the industry, stating: 

‘I thank the industry for their continued support in making workplaces safe and reducing the risk of coronavirus. This is integral to ensuring the ongoing operation of the construction sector.’

Furthermore, Secretary of CFMEU VIC/TAS, Mr. John Setka exclaims the importance of continuing to test amidst reintroduced lockdowns in Victoria: 

‘We thank all members who have been tested and encourage everyone to keep doing their part by getting tested and following the guidelines we have put in place like physical distancing, good hygiene and staggered break times.’ 

Master Builders Victoria CEO, Rebecca Casson highlighted the importance of everyone following the measures put into place so far: ‘Ongoing confidence and certainty in the building and construction industry is vital during these unprecedented times. All parties will continue to work collaboratively to successfully lead our industry through this pandemic and to ensure the protection of livelihoods and community health, which is of the upmost priority.’

The building and construction industry contributes to 45% of the state’s tax revenue and employs over 300,000 workers in Victoria. Maintaining workers health and safety is vital to ensure the continuation of our industry and the support of our economy. 

Builders and workers are encouraged to email the following address for testing enquiries:
OnsiteTesting@incolink.org.au 

For further information regarding the Mobile clinics, visit: http://incolink.org.au/covid19-testing/

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CFMEU VIC/TAS Media Statements

CFMEU VIC/TAS proud to support industry partner Incolink in the establishment of COVID-19 mobile testing bus

CFMEU VIC/TAS proud to support industry partner Incolink in the establishment of COVID-19 mobile testing bus

April 29, 2020

CFMEU’s industry partner and redundancy fund, Incolink is utilising their health buses to test construction workers for COVID-19 under a new initiative supported by the State Government. 


Onsite testing commences tomorrow, Wednesday 29th April at Multiplex’s Melbourne Square, the site which had the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in the industry. 


To welcome the initiative, CFMEU VIC/TAS Secretary John Setka will be one of the first from the construction industry to receive a test via the new mobile health buses, with full details listed below.


Mr. Setka stresses the importance of this momentous initiative in supporting the health of workers and the construction industry during this time: 


“CFMEU VIC/TAS will continue to support any initiative that further protects the safety of construction workers whilst our industry continues to help rebuild the country’s economy. We are proud to support Incolink to extend the use of their health buses to test for COVID-19 and I encourage all members to utilise this great tool to ensure their safety” 


Incolink’s health bus is supported by a range of industry partners in addition to the CFMEU VIC/TAS, including the PPTEU, ETU, Cbus, MBV and CoINVEST. 


Builders and workers can register to have the Incolink Bus visit their workplace at: http://incolink.org.au/covid19-testing/

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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.

 

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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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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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