Crane Services workers reject proposed enterprise agreement as CFMEU threatens legal action

The CFMEU has threatened legal action against the Opposition Leader and a crane services business – as its workers reject a proposal from their employer.

Crane Services workers locked in a dispute with their employer have rejected a proposed enterprise agreement, but will return to work next week while negotiations continue.

The CFMEU has also threatened legal action against the company and Opposition Leader David Speirs over statements about pay offers made to staff.

Crane Services workers walked off the job two weeks ago as part of a dispute with the company over the terms of a new enterprise agreement.

In a vote held on Thursday, 65 per cent of workers rejected the company's proposal.

In a statement, the CFMEU said workers would return briefly to the site.

CFMEU-backed workers on strike outside Crane Services in Wingfield. Picture: Matt Loxton

“The CFMEU is allowing a grace period of one week during which it will not proceed with protected industrial action to allow the company to return to the table and finalise an agreement,” it said.

The CFMEU also disputed claims made by company director John Nicholls the union had demanded a payrise of “probably around about 25 per cent” in the first year of the agreement.

The union also rejected statements made by Mr Nicholls that workers had been offered a 16 per cent payrise in the first year of the proposed agreement.

John Nicholls and David Speirs at Crane Services in Wingfield. Picture: Matt Loxton

The claim was made last week during a press conference held on the site alongside Mr Speirs.

“The CFMEU is considering its legal options against Crane Services, Nicholls and Speirs for making the false 16 per cent statements,” the statement said.

Mr Speirs said: “I won’t ever apologise for standing up and defending South Australian family businesses”.

“The CFMEU is living up to its notorious reputation for scare tactics, bullying and intimidation,” he said.

Crane Services declined to comment until next week.