The CFMEU and other construction unions are under enormous pressure from the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC). Approximately 90 investigations leading to possible prosecution, fines and or jail terms is currently running Australia wide with approximately 56 of them affecting Victorian building workers and unions.

Recently construction workers in Port Campbell building the Woodside gas plant who attended a mass meeting in defence of a sack shop steward have been summered to appear before the ABCC (Australian Building and Construction Commissioner). If the workers refuse to attend they face heavy fines and a jail term.

Construction union members are afforded less rights than accused criminals (they are denied the right to silence), at least if you rob a bank you have the right to remain silent in court. Even discussing matters raised in the commission with partners and family could result in fines and a jail term.

These outrages must stop. Behind the recent hysteria in the media about what certain union officials have said is the reality that employers in the building industry (and in general) want to smash some of the most militant and effective unions in Australia. Government backed and funded agencies like the ABCC are merely a tool to allow employers to get their way, deny working people basic democratic rights and increase the employer’s massive profit margins.

You can make a difference, please add your name to the Union Solidarity SMS alert list. Sooner rather than later we may need to demonstrate our support for workers in construction industry.

more info: SMS alert list | abcc.misery.com | CFMEU Video about ABCC

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