Workplace watchdog probes Big Build union turf war

The Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating CFMEU tactics to shut surveyors out of building sites, amid reports of a turf war across Victoria’s Big Build.

CFMEU members rally in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

The Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating CFMEU tactics to shut surveyors out of building sites, first revealed by the Herald Sun, and is aware of the union turf war across Victoria’s Big Build.

Appearing at federal budget estimates on Wednesday, the workplace watchdog confirmed to Senator Bridget McKenzie it was probing multiple accusations aimed at the behaviour of the CFMEU in the state.

This included revelations in the Herald Sun that surveyors, who are not covered by the union, were being demanded by officials to sign up or prevented from entering worksites.

The FWO also confirmed it was probing reports that Indigenous contractors were being cut out of work on projects and was aware of the turf war between the CFMEU and AWU on construction jobs.

Workers as a CFMEU rally in Melbourne on April 5. Picture: David Crosling

Officials agreed to come back with written responses on whether it was looking into other breaches on Sunbury Rd level crossing and the North East Link.

Calls have been mounting over the past months for authorities to act in Victoria after it was revealed that government projects were increasingly being shut down until contractors were replaced with those aligned to the CFMEU.

Insiders described it as “blatant industrial coercion” and alleged that major builders had been urged by the state government to meet union demands or risk losing out on further contracts.

The Opposition have referred these concerns to the independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission but the FWO probes are the only investigations confirmed into CFMEU tactics so far.

When questioning the ombudsman, Ms McKenzie described the behaviour of the union as “outrageous” and “absolute turf warfare”.

She asked if the problems had been referred to other authorities or if conversation had been held with the Andrews government.

FWO chief counsel Rachel Volzke said all the regulator could say was that they were investigating and going through normal processes.

“Providing any more detail will perhaps be counter-productive,” she said.