‘F--king dog’: $34k fine for blue words and ‘unending recidivism’

The CFMMEU has been fined tens of thousands of dollars, with a federal court judge blasting the union for ‘unending recidivism’ after it found an official abused a construction manager.

A FEW blue words combined with “the unending recidivism” of the CFMMEU have cost the construction union and one of its senior officials almost $40,000.

The Federal Circuit Court yesterday found union boss Blake Hynes blatantly abused his position when calling a Logan worksite manager a “f---ing dog c--t”.

Union boss could face personal $12,000 fine over action

‘Grubby little c***’: Union man’s tirade ends in court

While Mr Hynes was slapped with a $4400 fine for breaching the Fair Work Act, Judge Michael Jarrett unleashed at the union.

“The parties acknowledge the CFMMEU has a long and established history of deliberate noncompliance with the industrial relations laws of this country,” Judge Jarrett said.

The CFMEU was fined $34,600 for breaches of right of entry provisions, with the judge accusing it of “unending recidivism. Picture: Annette Dew

“The CFMMEU is a large organisation with significant financial resources which exhibits an ongoing willingness to contravene the Fair Work Act. The need for deterrence remains ongoing.”

He hit the union with a $34,600 fine for what he called “its unending recidivism”

The Australian Building Construction Commission brought the case, alleging Mr Hynes verbally abused Enco general manager Steven James during a Logan site inspection in August last year.

The court heard Mr Hynes called Mr James a “f---ing dog c--t” on two occasions, while also shouting “what’s the hammer for, are you going to smash me” and “we’re going to sue you, you grabbed my throat”.

The context of the latter statements was not addressed in the court documents, but are understood to relate to earlier disagreements between the men.

ABCC Commissioner Stephen McBurney said personal abuse was unacceptable in any workplace.

ABCC Commissioner Stephen McBurney said personal abuse was unacceptable in any workplace. Picture: Kym Smith.

“Right of entry is a privilege that comes with obligations. It is not a license to abuse or intimidate anyone you come across on site,” Mr McBurney said.

In May. trespass charges against union officials were dismissed for a separate incident on an Enco site, awarding $85,000 in costs against police.

The CFMMEU was contacted for comment.