CFMEU repeatedly shut down West Gate Tunnel sites, threatening further delays

Lengthy shutdowns by the militant construction union are threatening further delays on the $10.8bn West Gate Tunnel project.

Militant construction union the CFMEU has repeatedly shut down sites across the West Gate Tunnel, threatening further delays on the already beleaguered project.

Police and WorkSafe visited construction crews on the project most days last week, as union officials caused chaos and forced lengthy shutdowns that risk more cost blowouts.

The West Gate Tunnel Project is already three years late, while its budget has soared from $6.7 billion to $10.8 billion.

Industry insiders say the project is being “smashed” by the union that was in pursuit of greater worksite coverage and is at war with rivals at the Australian Workers’ Union.

Police and WorkSafe have visited construction crews on the West Gate Tunnel project. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“They are holding the project to ransom because they want to takeover the civil work,” one source said.

“They are acting worse than the ’90s … The industry is cooked.”

The CFMEU’s construction division state secretary, John Setka, was unapologetic about the latest tactics saying they were all about safety, and dismissed demarcation dispute concerns.

“There will probably be some (project) delays but you know what, if something is delayed a day but someone goes home safely at the end of the day … there’s no compromise on safety,” he said.

When asked what specific safety concerns had been raised at the project last week, Mr Setka said they were “bread and butter” issues that had to be fixed to avoid deaths.

John Setka has defended the union’s tactics. Picture: ABC

But he said the union has a “pretty good relationship” with builders John Holland and CPB at the moment.

Last week, the Herald Sun revealed businesses were being threatened and their workers dumped from government projects over CFMEU demands, with accusations the Andrews Government was enabling the behaviour.

Insiders have labelled it blatant industrial coercion.

One CFMEU official has been heard on worksites saying the union would not be stopping its ongoing actions until it got deals that suit them.

There have also been allegations that the union is coercing workers to move from AWU-aligned companies to CFMEU allies as part of its actions.

Victoria Police and WorkSafe have been monitoring the situation when called out, amid reports of heated clashes between workers at times, but no action has been taken.

A police spokesperson said officers attended a Yarraville worksite on Thursday, June 30, about 7.30am.

“No arrests were made, and no breach of the peace identified,” they said.

“As a matter of course when police attend industrial sites, we liaise with the parties involved and WorkSafe among any other relevant authorities as needed.”

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the state government did not want to see any shutdowns or delays on the “vital” West Gate Tunnel project.

“We want to see workers at work, getting these projects built,” he said.

But he also added that unions needed to prioritise the safety of their workers.

“Unions need to continue to put the safety of their workers first and foremost and that is what they do everyday.

“It’s vitally important though, too, that we get this project finished.”

A West Gate Tunnel Project spokeswoman said there were a number of visits by union officials this week, but that “we’re on track to deliver this important project for Victoria”.

“We encourage all parties to continue to work constructively to address any issues raised.”