STADIUM STALLS

Unions accused of causing delays to win more pay

MILITANT unionists are using “petty” workplace safety requirements to try to force higher rates of pay over the North Queensland Stadium construction site, sources have claimed.

The Bulletin understands plant and machinery operators downed tools on Wednesday because they had no documents to show they had been trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

It is believed some operators were able to produce certificates after a four- hour delay but most of the machinery was idle for the day.

In another incident on Thursday, union officials stopped a stadium concrete pour after the pumps were loaded, evidently to cause maximum disruption, by complaining that a 30cm edge on formwork was a trip hazard and that ramps were needed.

The concrete in the pumps was discarded and the pour was delayed four hours.

Stadium managing contractor Watpac declined to comment but is said to be heeding union requirements for fear of disruption at other sites.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the State Department of Housing and Public Works denied stoppages were occurring.

“The department advises there were no stoppages on site. The North Queensland Stadium is on track for completion for the 2020 National Rugby League premiership season,” a spokesman said.

Master Builders CEO Grant Calvin said he had “no doubt” stoppages were occurring.

“We’ve had lots of members inquiring with us and raising how active the CFMEU has been in Townsville and Cairns in the last six months,” Mr Calvin said.

Sources said five union officials were on the stadium site causing stoppages and delays every day with “petty things” like the need to produce documents for fire extinguisher training.

“It’s seriously impacting the construction program. Every day you are getting delays with union hold- ups,” a source said.

Another source said the CFMEU was trying to force the use of a project agreement with higher rates of pay.

It is thought the higher rates, 20 to 30 per cent above current rates being paid on the stadium site, could flow on to other projects like the Haughton Pipeline Duplication if they are introduced.

Industry is concerned the Government is complicit with unions through recent amendments to its Buy Queensland policy to include “best practice industrial relations”.

Sources claim the Government is considering a variation in its contract, with Watpac facing a $ 40 million payment to meet higher pay rates.

The Bulletin asked the Government if it was considering making an ex gratia payment to Watpac to meet the conditions of an EBA over the stadium site but a spokesman declined to comment.

“Contract terms between the department and its contractor are commercial- inconfidence and cannot be publicly released,” the spokesman said.

A spokesman for the CFMEU could not be contacted for comment. An Electrical Trades Union official could not immediately respond to inquiries. One union official has posted on his Facebook site: “On the daily grind at the Townsville stadium it’s time for WATPAC to cough up to the project agreement. Good EBAs equal community growth right down to the local coffee shop.”