Union gripe not helpful for our city

THIS stoush between the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union and Watpac over the construction workers pay and conditions at the new North Queensland Stadium is concerning.

Earlier this month the reported the State Government’s own procurement policy could lead to a cost blowout of $ 50 million on the new facility.

Recognising there is some disparity between rates of pay in southeast Queensland and the regions, the Palaszczuk Government’s policy aimed to even the scales.

The impact this move will have on other projects, such as the pipeline, remains to be seen. But it could lead to cost blowouts across the board.

Allegations levelled at construction giant Watpac by the CFMEU are not supported by contractors who have spoken to the

So it was alarming to hear Public Works Minster Mick de Brenni support the union and take aim at the managing contractor.

Mr de Brenni said he was frustrated at Watpac for not delivering on the State Government’s “best practice” pay conditions – a statement the company strongly refuted.

It is worth noting that the State Government policy was introduced part- way through the project and the company has to be allowed the opportunity to comply without the mud- slinging from the unions.

Watpac rightly asks the CFMEU to substantiate and provide evidence of its claims.

The company will undoubtedly be disappointed to see a government minister side with the unions but it does beg the question of where the power lies behind the scenes with this Labor Government.

It’s hard to see that in this instance the actions of the CFMEU in calling for Watpac’s contract to be torn up are in the best interests of either the workers or the broader community.