Building unions stake their claim
By Michael Bull
MELBOURNE — An alliance of four Victorian unions has launched a united claim for a new collective agreement for the building industry.
The Victorian branches of the construction and general divisions of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), the Electrical Trades Union, the Plumbers and Gasfitters Union and the Federated Engine Drivers and Firemen's Association are all part of the claim.
The unions' key demands include a pay rise of 24% over three years, weekly increases of $10 and $5 for superannuation and redundancy respectively, more apprentices, industry funding for union training of workers, improved WorkCover top-up and leisure-time accident and illness insurance, a GST compensation clause and fewer work hours.
The unions have also demanded that a clause be inserted into the agreement to protect the building industry award from the Workplace Relations Act.
The pay claim follows a 31% pay rise gained over the last four years. The unions point out that another rise is needed to make up for the years of wage restraint under the former Labor government's Prices and Incomes Accord.
The claim was endorsed by a mass meeting of building workers, and negotiations with the Master Builders Association will start on November 15.
The CFMEU's national claim for a 15% wage rise over three years is on the verge of being agreed to by the relevant employer associations. This claim, which excludes Victoria, nearly fell apart when the NSW branch of the CFMEU almost signed a separate, lesser deal. Intervention from the national bodies of the union forced the NSW branch back into the nationwide united front.