CFMEU-backed workers launch industrial action against SA-based Crane Services over pay and conditions
Backed by the Setka-led CFMEU, 20 workers have launched industrial action against an SA-based crane company, vowing not to “fold” until better pay and conditions are received.
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A group of union workers have launched industrial action against a South Australian-based crane company vowing to not “fold” until they receive a pay rise and better conditions.
Backed by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, around 20 workers gathered out the front of Crane Services head office in Wingfield on Monday, calling for a stronger enterprise agreement.
It is understood they have just rejected a 16 per cent pay rise.
The group of union workers set up camp outside the facility on Wednesday, for the third straight day of action.
A driver who exited the facility in one of the company’s cranes acknowledged the group - who were quietly sitting around enjoying a BBQ - by honking his horn.
CFMEU SA’s Facebook page posted about the first day of action, praising members for “showing up at the crack of dawn”.
“Rain, hail or shine the CFMEU will always stand with our members and fight for decent wages and conditions,” it read.
“Shout out to the workers at Crane Services who could not be deterred by the bad weather on Monday from showing up at the crack of dawn to take their first day of protected industrial action in support of their claims for a strong enterprise agreement with fair pay and conditions which reflect the value of the important work that they do.”
Master Builders Association chief Will Frogley said the union weren’t showing good faith in negotiations.
“I’ve seen the offer and it’s a very generous one. Things like a $10 a day performance allowance just for turning up to work on time and doing your paperwork,” he said.
“From all accounts there has been no negotiation or flexibility from the union.”
He said South Australia was a completely different market to Victoria.
“Around the time the Victorian branch of the CFMEU took over SA we were skyrocketing to an all-time high in the number of people employed here in the state,” he said.
“This militant approach is threatening to undermine that. When the demands are excessive it hurts the workers themselves.”
He said Crane Services have been “hamstrung” by the action.
“It’s frustrating for a company like Cranes Services because they have all these jobs they should be working on and they’ve been forced to grind to a halt,” he said.
Crane Services is a South Australian owned and operated hirer of mobile cranes with over 40 years of industry experience.
They claim to have the largest range of cranes in SA.
It is not clear what disruption this action will have on their services.
The CFMEU said the workers will “never be defeated”.
“Based upon the determined faces in the crowd the company has another thing coming if they think that the workers are going to fold,” the post read.
“Day one down, plenty more to come until we win!”
Crane Services has been contacted for comment.
In August, The Advertiser reported that the John Setka-led Victorian branch of the CFMEU had formally taken control of the SA branch after union members unanimously endorsed the controversial proposal.
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