Work goahead is a big ‘stunt’

A UNION boss and the Gold Coast Mayor are butting heads after the latter blasted the call to return to work at Jewel as a “stunt”.

Workers, who were either laid off or quit the site recently, endorsed a return to the job yesterday at a meeting with the CFMEU.

But Cr Tate said Jewel developer Yuhu Group would make that call “when they are ready”.

“I know they are planning to issue a tender for the works they want completed,’’ Cr Tate said.

“It is their decision, no one else’s as to when they want to recommence. The unions can make any public statement they like. That’s a stunt. The site is closed.

“Owner (Yuhu) is exercising their right to ensure final works they tender are exactly what they want – a world-class, five-star property the entire city can be proud of. The unions can wait as long as it takes.”

CFMEU’s Jade Ingham said Cr Tate was “out of touch ... The site is not closed – all he needs to do is drive past and see that.”