Dozens face-off as CFMEU workers surround Jindalee worksite

Police have been called to a Brisbane worksite which has been locked off amid a standstill after dozens of CFMEU workers arrived, confronting workers.

CFMEU members were physically assaulted by a contracted security guard at a Brisbane worksite following a tense stand-off today, the union has claimed.

The Centenary Bridge upgrade site in Brisbane’s southwest suburb of Jindalee, was locked off after CFMEU workers arrived just after 1pm today.

Workers inside the site locked the gates and works were at a standstill as about 50 CFMEU workers surrounded the Jindalee site.

CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar said two CFMEU organisers were physically assaulted for “simply doing their job”.

CFMEU boss Michael Ravbar claimed two workers were assaulted at the Jindalee site on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

It’s understood concerns were raised around a fall from heights and temporary fencing along the worksite.

Mr Ravbar accused the security guard contractor as “brazenly defying workplace laws to hinder and obstruct union officials”.

He said it comes after “two failed applications to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to have interim orders made against CFMEU officials”.

“The Commission, the government safety regulator and the police all recognise the right of union officials to enter worksites to look after the health and safety of workers,” Mr Ravbar said.

The Courier Mail understands worksafe Queensland were on site.

The engineering firm BMD Constructions, who contracted the security guard, declined to comment.

Workers inside the site after it was locked up.

Premier Steven Miles once again left the battle between CFMEU and workers on project sites to be dealt with by independent industrial relations bodies.

Mr Miles, speaking in Bundaberg today, a day after the latest incident, declined to get involved in the dispute.

“What I’ve said consistently is that I support the rights of Queensland workers to campaign and organise for better pay and conditions but I do not support and will not tolerate bullying, harassment and intimidation,” Mr Miles said.

Police were still at the scene at 2.45pm and were seen speaking with workers inside the site and CFMEU members.

A police spokesperson said “no arrests have been made and no further action has been taken from police at this time”.

The union members had formed a blockade in front of the site, and are not allowing two trucks to pass through.

Traffic along Sinnamon Rd has been held up, with both trucks stopping for a few minutes with police, union members and site workers at the entrance.

Union members could be heard cheering and clapping as the truck was turned away.

“The CFMEU are everywhere and confronting the workers on the bicycle path,” a witness said earlier.

The site was locked up after the arrival of dozens of CFMEU workers.

“We just tried getting through. About 50 people facing off and a heap in the carpark of Jindalee Fitness.

“About 40 CFMEU blocked access to the front gate and surrounded a concrete truck on the main road, causing traffic problems.”

It comes after CFMEU members and non-aligned workers were involved in a physical altercation outside a Dutton Park worksite where tensions erupted into violence.

It lead to the Federal Court granting an “urgent injunction” order to stop the CFMEU from blocking access to Cross River Rail sites.