CFMEU stops $11bn Melbourne Metro tunnel work over ‘too high’ bed

Union accused of forcing three-hour work stoppage on $11 billion Melbourne Metro Tunnel because first aid bed was too tall.

Work on the central cavern of the Melbourne Metro tunnel project. Picture: David Crosling

The CFMEU has been accused of forcing work to stop for three hours on the $11 billion Melbourne Metro Tunnel project because a first aid bed was too high.

The Australian Building and Construction Commission has taken Federal Court action against the union, CFMEU shop steward Steven Parker and 11 workers over the allegedly unlawful industrial action on July 11 2019.

In a statement of claim, the ABCC alleges Mr Parker told a group of workers attending a 6.30am pre-start meeting not to start work due to inadequate first aid facilities.

When the tunnel supervisor asked Mr Parker what the problem was, he allegedly said the first aid bed was too high.

The ABCC claims Mr Parker repeated his direction not to start work to another group of workers who attended a subsequent 7am pre start meeting.

The 11 workers who went to the meetings stayed in the site’s crib sheds for several hours and the employees did not return to work until 10.45am.

The ABCC said a WorkSafe inspection conducted at the site later in the morning determined the first aid bed did not expose any person to an immediate risk to their health or safety.

The ABCC is alleging Mr Parker and the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union organised unlawful industrial action in contravention of section 46 of the Building and Construction (Improving Productivity) Act.

It is also seeking penalties against the 11 employees who took part in the allegedly unlawful industrial action.

Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the CFMEU appeared to be “resorting to Goldilocks style tactics to disrupt a major project, when their track record suggests they act more like the big bad wolf when it comes to abiding by the rule of law.”