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ABCC alleges CFMMEU officials stopped Pacific Hwy upgrade concrete pour and cost workers’ money

The Australian Building and Construction Commission has filed proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court alleging the CFMMEU and two officials took unlawful industrial action at the $4.9 billion Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade project in northern New South Wales. 

The ABCC is alleging on 22 August 2019 CFMMEU officials Dean Rielly and Paul Fitzpatrick refused to follow lawful directions and prevented a concrete pour from occurring – resulting in 11 cubic metres of concrete being wasted and workers missing out on two-hours of overtime and wages. 

In its statement of claim, the ABCC is alleging: 

Mr Rielly and Mr Fitzpatrick approached a leading hand at the time a concrete pour was about to begin. 

The leading hand asked the officials to sign a task hazard review card used to record safety measures and all personnel present in the work area. The officials refused to do so. 

Shortly after the arrival of the civil engineering contractor’s site engineer and a leading hand, both officials positioned themselves behind the concrete truck in an exclusion zone. 

The leading hand requested both officials move away from the exclusion zone. To which Mr Rielly responded with words to the effect:

·         Rielly: “No we’re not going to move. We’re going to stand here. We can fine you $10,000 and it’s a $50,000 company fine for obstructing union officials and denying them access to a work area.”

·         Site engineer: “We’re not here to obstruct you. We are merely requesting that you move to a safe location so the relevant persons can address your issues.”

Rielly and Fitzpatrick remained between the rear of the truck and the site of the concrete pour and refused to move out of the exclusion zone. 

Despite repeated requests for them to move, the concrete pour had to be abandoned and the concrete disposed. The officials’ actions also prevented a number of workers earning wages and overtime as a result of the concrete pour being disrupted. 

Following the concrete pour being abandoned, it’s alleged the officials approached a number of workers in an attempt to sign them up to the union. 

The ABCC is alleging both officials and the CFMMEU breached the Fair Work Act by intentionally hindering and obstructing and acting in an improper manner.