By Michael Bull
MELBOURNE — Three thousand construction workers marched through the streets of Melbourne on March 17 in support of their unions' claim for a shorter working week, confident that they are close to winning their demands for a nine-day fortnight.
The march, led by more than 50 cranes and other heavy vehicles, made its way to the offices of the Master Builders Association (MBA), where participants called on the MBA to end its attempted lockout of workers and begin serious negotiations with the unions.
Federated Engine Drivers and Firemen's Association secretary John Van Camp told the rally that Fast Form, one of the industries' largest employers, had that morning stormed out of the MBA's meeting and announced that it was ready to sign the unions' interim deal. Van Camp claimed it was the beginning of the end of the MBA's lockout, which has affected only a minority of sites around Melbourne.
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union secretary Martin Kingham told the rally that a split-off group of employers, led by Multiplex, is on the verge of agreeing to shorter hours. Kingham said there is only "eight minutes a day difference between the unions' claim and the split-off group's offer".
Industry sources indicate that the split-off group's offer is for no extra days off for the first year, then nine extra days during the second and third years, and then 13 extra days off every year after that. This would be accompanied by a 15% pay rise over three years. The unions have rejected that offer believing they can win a better deal if they continue their campaign.