POLICE were called to the scene of a workplace safety dispute at TAFE’s Hunter Street site in Newcastle.
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A Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union representative showed up to shutdown the crane after receiving ‘an anonymous call’ about safety concerns on site. Members of the the union were also at the scene, displaying banners, flags and chanting for fair pay conditions.
The Herald understands the Boom Logistics crane company was originally approached to complete Thursday’s job as part of the Hunter Street TAFE restoration project, but workers have since gone on strike.
“Mobile crane workers in Newcastle, Singleton, and Wollongong who have not had a pay increase in more than five years, have launched an indefinite strike after the breakdown in talks with their employers,” a CFMEU statement said.
“More than 100 workers at Boom Logistics and WGC cranes have taken legally protected strike action because of the companies’ failure to offer a fair pay deal despite months of negotiations.”
Notified of the impending workplace action, the project contractor 3 Cross Pty Ltd booked an alternative company to complete the job.
The works were halted for most of the day as police and Safe Work NSW were called in to asses the site and negotiate between the parties.
Read the full report in tomorrow’s Herald.
READ MORE: Read more about the strike action here.