Crane Services workers to collect bonus allowances under agreement brokered by CFMEU and approved by Fair Work Commission

Workers at an Adelaide crane firm will collect a swag of allowances under a new agreement brokered by the John Setka-led CFMEU – including one that might surprise you.

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.

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.

Members of the CFMEU SA on the picket line in front of Crane Services in Wingfield. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

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 publicly-available agreement also includes details of an hourly multistorey allowance, as well as a responsibility allowance and a first aid allowance for certain workers.

Depending on the circumstances, employees may also be paid a meal allowance or travel allowance to make their way to and from project sites.

Crane Services workers launched industrial action in November after company director John Nicholls said an agreement proposed by the union “would put control of our business in the hands of the CFMEU”. A picket line was set-up at the front of the business.

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

Mr Nicholls this week said he was pleased with the agreement reached.

“There were negotiations from both sides,” he said.

“We came up with an EBA that suited our business and the industry.”

In a Facebook post, the SA branch of the CFMEU also welcomed the agreement.

“Thank you to all the members who stood their ground from the beginning,” the post said.

“This is what unionism is all about.”

Crane Services director John Nicholls has welcomed the new enterprise agreement. Picture: Matt Loxton

In August last year, the Mr Setka’s Victorian branch of the CFMEU formally took control of the SA branch after union members unanimously endorsed the proposal.

The takeover sparked fears the union would use strongarm tactics to insist on more generous agreements — similar to those signed in Victoria.