CFMEU urges employers not to cut corners in the rush up to Christmas

Published: 2 Dec 2015

The CFMEU has called on employers in the construction industry to take care in the rush up to Christmas.

National CFMEU Construction Secretary Dave Noonan said that many workers were under pressure by their employers to get jobs finished before Christmas, putting themselves at higher risk of injury.

“There have been eight fatalities in the industry around the country in just three weeks. This is an extraordinarily high number in such a short space of time even for a high risk industry such as ours,” he said.

“Our members report to us that there is usually a big rush to get certain things done before the holiday period and they’re often compelled to do a lot of overtime in hotter temperatures.”

Mr Noonan urged any workers who were being put under pressure to contact the union.

“If you’re being directed to cut corners or overlook safety procedures in order to speed things up, it’s not worth it. Put your safety first.

“In just three weeks the families and friends of eight people have mourned the loss of someone they loved.

“No job is worth the life of a worker, anywhere.”

Mr Noonan has also advised workers to ensure their entitlements are up to date.

“Invariably what happens is that companies try and get out of their obligations of paying their holiday entitlements and public holidays by putting workers off before Christmas.

“It’s important to make sure your entitlements – including super – are up to date. If you are in any doubt about this contact the union.

“There’s nothing worse than being out of pocket at Christmas time.”

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