Jobs at risk as Jewel developer Yuhu Group partially breaks contract with Multiplex

MORE than 50 Gold Coast workers have lost their jobs at the Jewel worksite today after developers of the $1 billion project announced it would break its contract with its builders.

MORE than 50 workers have already been fired from the Jewel worksite, owned by developers Yuhu Group.

Ingrams Shopfitting and Fine Joinery has been forced to fire up to 50 staff, both on and off the Jewel site, as a result of a cease and desist letter from builders Multiplex.

Jewel workers after a meeting where they were told they may only have a week of work left. Photo: Sally Coates

A spokesman said approximately 30 on site workers had been let go, as well as approximately 20 factory workers off site.

This comes after a Yuhu Group spokesman told The Gold Coast Bulletin “The Jewel is about creating jobs and economic opportunity, not costing jobs.

Earlier today Jewel developers have confirmed they will be opening “new tendering opportunities” following word that almost 1000 jobs will be affected within the week.

A Yuhu spokesman told The Bulletin the lower levels are yet to be finalised and, as a result, current builders Multiplex have been made aware new tenders will be opened for completion while the project is put on hold.

Artist impression of Jewel towers

“Yuhu Group is committed to ensuring the Jewel hotel meets and exceeds the highest of international standards,” they said.

“Consequently, the final design and configuration elements of the lower podium levels of the hotel — excluding the 169 hotel rooms — are yet to be finalised.

“As a result, this work will be carried out later in the construction schedule and will be subject to new tendering opportunities.

“Multiplex is of course aware of these arrangements and construction on all other areas of the development is to continue as scheduled.”

How the towers will eventually look.

Workers flocked to the beachfront site for a meeting with their union in what is believed to be a discussion on their employment at 6.30am today.

Some workers were told the developer, Yuhu Group, would be pulling the pin on builder Multiplex, in favour of a non-union represented builder.

The Gold Coast Bulletin understands a decision on the employment of all 900 Jewel project workers could be made as early as next week.

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Rumours are circulating the $1 billion Jewel towers at Surfers Paradise may change its builder.

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“I was told the developer was sacking the builder, Multiplex,” a worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Bulletin.

“So we’ll be finishing what we’re doing and leaving.

“I was told by my boss they’re giving us until Wednesday because of the public holiday then most of us will be getting the tap on the shoulder.

“Then the few that will be left will be gone soon too.

“Unless a miracle happens or the state government steps in it will be happening.”

The meeting with union representatives CFMEU and workers inside Jewel lasted an hour and a half.

How Jewel will look once completed.

After an hour and a half employees emerged with some appearing to leave the site and most going back to work.

Another worker speaking anonymously said cumulatively workers would be left millions of dollars in the lurch with product that will now no longer be used.

“There’s millions of dollars of product ordered and shipped from overseas that’s now in Australia — stone, hardware, cabinetry, tiles that have been paid for upfront and now what?” he said.

Artist impression of the Jewel’s beachfront garden.

“There are hundreds of guys affected, and thousands into the community.

“This is people’s livelihood.

“How are they meant to tell their families? How are they meant to feed their families?”

The Gold Coast Bulletin has reached out to Multiplex, Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Grace Grace and Queensland Senator Murray Watt for comment.