‘Call God, we’re not moving’: CFMEU in court over alleged unlawful industrial action

CFMEU officials are being taken to court for alleged unlawful action in support of a wet weather claim.

Two union officials are being taken to court over alleged unlawful industrial action. Picture Glenn Hampson

Two construction union officials are being taken to court for alleged unlawful industrial action by Sydney building workers in support of a wet weather claim.

The Australian Building and Construction alleged union organisers Anthony Sloane and Brendan Holl got workers from Westform Formwork to unlawfully stop work on the Mezzo Stage 2 Project in Glebe over a disputed claim the workers were entitled to one hour’s pay for a period of wet weather.

The ABCC alleges Mr Sloane and Mr Holl addressed the workers at a pre-start meeting in February last year and told Westform the workers would not return to work until the payment was made.

“You can call the police, the ABCC or even God, but I will not be moving from this site until the payments I’ve requested have been paid,’’ Mr Sloan allegedly said. “I’m going to park myself here on the job and cause issues for Westform if you don’t fix this.”

The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union and the two organisers are exposed to higher penalties contained in the ABCC legislation.

The ABCC is alleging the CFMEU, Mr Sloane and Mr Holl also contravened the Fair Work Act.

The maximum penalty for each contravention of the AVCC laws is $210,000 for a body corporate and $42,000 for an individual.

The maximum penalty for each contravention of the Fair Work Act is $63,000 for a body corporate and $12,600 for an individual.