CFMEU workers protesting at access to Cross River Rail sites as protests threaten to explode again
Hundreds of CFMEU workers are again protesting at the access to Cross River Rail sites across Brisbane this morning in what insiders say is over a pay dispute.
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More than one 100 construction workers are striking at the access to one of Brisbane’s major Cross River Rail sites, marking the latest instalment of tense CFMEU protests in the city.
About 150 tradies are outside the entry to the Roma St entrance of the Brisbane City Cross River Rail site after gathering around 6.30am.
Workers are also protesting at Albert St, Woolloongabba, Boggo Rd and the Exhibition Station sites, with many holding flags and banners.
It’s understood the protest occurred following a breakdown in days-long negotiations between the CFMEU and CPB, the Cross River Rail lead contractor, over pay.
People familiar with negotiations revealed the union had asked for traffic controllers on sites to be paid the equivalent of an entry-level construction worker - some $250,000 if the union is successful in its call for a pay increase.
CFMEU representatives and CPB were locked in negotiations for several days, including almost all of Monday, in an effort to avoid protest action.
It’s understood the stop work action could happen for the rest of the week.
No roads are blocked and the group is not causing any disturbances.
The Courier-Mail understands a group of CFMEU members are discouraging workers from entering the sites, but not physically preventing them from entering.
Earlier reports that the worksites had been blocked by a padlock are incorrect.
It’s understood the action is over a pay dispute between the union and contractor, CPB Contractors, which has been ongoing for months.
The previous agreement between CFMEU and CPB Contractors expired at the end of last year.
A Cross River Rail Delivery Authority spokesman said it was a matter between the contractor and union.
“Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations have been ongoing for some time, and this is a matter between the major contractor and unions representing employees,” the spokesman said.
“We encourage all parties involved to continue to bargain in good faith and to reach a resolution, so we can continue to deliver this transformational project.”
The protected action is expected to continue until Friday, and again on Monday, July 22.
CFMEU’s Qld Assistant State Secretary Jade Ingham slammed the CPB Contractors over major occupational health and safety hazards.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the workers who, over the past four years, have given everything to turn this job around despite immense pressure and mismanagement by CPB,” Mr Ingham said.
“Many workers are labouring long hours, and with none of the usual protections afforded to permanent workers.
“That’s why CPB workers are resolute in their demands for equity across the entire project, so that no worker is left behind in the agreement.
“The workers are united in this democratic action and expect CPB to engage in good faith.”
In Bowen, Hills, about 20 workers were also sat at the end of the gate 5 driveway at the Exhibition Showgrounds talking to workers as they approached.
Another group were standing near the Exhibition Equestrian Centre entrance on O’Connell Tce.
They had tied CFMEU flags on nearby street signs.
At a site carpark across the road workers were gathered in small groups chatting as others left.
The union has previously made headlines earlier this year when a picket line at Dutton Park Cross River Rail site was the scene of an explosive brawl among workers.
Sources at the time told The Courier-Mail frustrated subcontractors were attempting to access the site to work, only to be confronted by men - some wearing CFMEU-branded attire - blocking access.
In 2022 the union stormed the Department of Transport and Main Roads building, forcing staff to hide.
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