CFMEU loses bid for employer-funded iPads

CFMEU demands for union ­delegates to be supplied with company-funded iPads have been rejected by the Fair Work Commission.

CFMEU construction boss Zach Smith backed the failed bid for company-funded iPads. Picture: Aaron Francis

CFMEU demands for union ­delegates to be supplied with company-funded iPads have been rejected by the Fair Work Commission, with employers saying the tribunal’s “pragmatic” approach had addressed many of their concerns.

The CFMEU’s construction division wanted employers to provide delegates with an iPad with mobile internet access, a telephone, access to a photo­copier, stationery and email; and an airconditioned/heated facility to hold confidential discussions with union members.

The entitlements, which include five days paid union training leave, are standard in CFMEU enterprise agreements and the union wanted them inserted into the industry award.

The commission has proposed employers provide union delegates with a room or area to hold discussions; a physical or electronic noticeboard; electronic means of communication with employees; a lockable filing cabinet or other secure document storage area; and office facilities and equipment, including printers, scanners, photocopiers and Wi-fi.

The commission limits the number of delegates that employers are required to provide paid training leave to one for every 50 employees. The draft term, for which the commission has asked submissions by Friday, also limits the number of days delegates can attend employer-funded training to five days initially, then one day a year.

“ACCI is pleased to see many of its concerns addressed by the draft term, including giving ­certainty to employers about which matters delegates can involve themselves in,” Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s director of workplace relations Jessica ­Tinsley said. “The draft term limits the number of workplace delegates required to be provided paid training leave and the number of days they may attend training,” she said.

CFMEU construction division national secretary Zach Smith said the proposed rules “don’t go far enough in giving delegates the best possible chance to advocate for workers’ safety and conditions”. “We’ll be seeking industry-specific provisions to ensure delegates get the rights they deserve because they save lives on construction sites,” he said.

Acting ACTU secretary Liam O’Brien said unions were concerned the draft term showed an “apparent lack of flexibility in when and how leave is taken over a number of years”.