Master Builders Association of SA head questions CFMEU deal bonus for Crane Services workers

Bonuses for crane workers who arrive on time and wear the right uniform have been questioned by the Master Builders Association – despite overall praise for the CFMEU-brokered deal.

The head of the Master Builders Association of SA has questioned bonuses for crane workers showing up for work on time and wearing the correct uniform – part of the new deal between CFMEU workers and their employer.

The chief executive of Master Builders Association SA Will Frogley has heralded the new deal between the union and the employer despite the bonuses.

Workers at a Wingfield crane firm will collect a swag of bonus allowances under a deal brokered by the CFMEU, including $10 for each day they arrive at work on time and wearing the correct uniform.

“Rocking up to work on time, not damaging equipment–– those are basic requirements for any job in the world,” Mr Frogley said

A picket line was set-up at the front of Crane Services after CFMEU-backed workers launched industrial action. Picture: Matt Loxton

“I don’t think it’s an awesome deal for Crane Services but it’s positive that they can get on with the job.”

He said the bonuses were part of a deal that could have been worse for the employer.

“It is ridiculous but from an employer’s perspective it’s better to give a $10 performance bonus than a 15 per cent pay rise in one year.

“This has obviously dragged on for a long time so it is a good thing that they’ve reached an agreement.”

Mr Frogley warned the union that not all businesses may be able to agree to similar terms.

“Construction is a massive industry and each business is different.”

He said he was worried that the dispute could have turned ugly.

“I was really concerned about the dispute because it had potential to put Crane Services in a world of pain.”

Workers at the crane firm will collect a swag of bonus allowances under a deal brokered by the CFMEU. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Months of tense negotiations between the John Setka-led union and Crane Services were formally resolved on Friday when a new enterprise agreement was approved by the Fair Work Commission.

The agreement, which has been signed by both parties and will take effect this week, includes base wage rates of up to $43.68/hour.

Over the coming years, wages will increase by either three per cent annually or by CPI — whichever amount is greater.

On top of that rate, workers will earn an hourly “site allowance” of up to $6/hour while on projects valued at upwards of $50m.

If they satisfy a list of criteria each day, they will also be paid a $10 daily “performance allowance”.

The criteria includes completing dockets and documentation, filling out log books, reporting incidents, being courteous with clients and fellow employees, maintaining a clean personal presentation and wearing a company-issued uniform, refraining from smoking or vaping in company vehicles and presenting for work at the required time.

The public response to the bonuses has been mixed with the issue eliciting both supportive and sceptical comments.

One commenter on The Advertiser’s website said the bonuses were not unique.

“There are and have been many other companies and businesses that have been or are paying exactly the same bonuses. Heaps of bosses pay an extra bonus if their workers turn up on time each week.”

But another criticised the bonus payments.

“I want $10 for waking up, another $10 for getting up, another $10 for eating breakfast and only after that is done will I consider the final $10 for turning up at work on time in the correct gear! “And then I want $10 for leaving work on time, $10 for going straight home, $10 for eating dinner, then $10 for going to sleep!”