CFMEU organiser Jim O’Connor fined $12k for breaching court order

A UNION organiser has been fined $12,000 for breaching a court order by threatening to “go to war” with the management of an Adelaide building site.

A UNION organiser has been fined $12,000 for breaching a court order by threatening to “go to war” with the management of an Adelaide building site.

The Federal Court on Friday further ordered Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union organiser Jim O’Connor pay court costs for his own prosecution.

Fair Work Building Construction took action, in the Federal Court, against Mr O’Connor, the union, state secretary Aaron Cartledge, Brendan Pitt, David Bolton and Luke Stephenson.

It alleged that, on May 13 last year, Mr O’Connor’s conduct at the new RAH site amounted to a contempt of court because it breached an injunction imposed two months earlier.

That injunction related to a “physical confrontation” between the union and management of the $75 million Flinders St office tower project.

No charges were laid over the incident, but the court required CFMEU strictly comply with the right-to-entry requirements under the Fair Work Act.

The injunction applied to all five men and the union at not only the Flinders St site, but also the new RAH.

In May, the Federal Court ruled Mr O’Connor’s actions at the RAH — saying “you don’t want to go to war with us” — constituted a contempt of court.

Fair Work called for Mr O’Connor to be severely penalised for his “voluntary and deliberate” act of “blithe” disregard, while the union sought mercy for a member “in turmoil”.

Outside court on Friday, CFMEU state secretary Aaron Cartledge said the union would consider lodging an appeal against the “disappointing” penalty.

“We will support Jimmy O’Connor, he works very hard to look after our members, looking after their lives on the job, after their wages and conditions,” he said.

“Those who organise labour in this country are vilified and demonised for simply organising labour ... it’s fast becoming a crime to make sure people have decent working standards.”

Mr Cartledge said he believed the CFMEU and other groups were being targeted for political reasons.

“We’ve got no doubt that his is an overall campaign about targeting organised workers not only in our industry but right across the country,” he said.

“This (Federal) Government is leading the way in breaking the backs of organised workers.”

He said the CFMEU would continue to advocate on behalf of its members.

“This issue is too important to walk away,” he said.

“The CFMEU has always looked after its members and will continue to do so.”