Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment workers lose jobs

“Workers disgusted” at job losses in latest construction woe at the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment site.

CEPU state secretary Michael Anderson (centre) said 20 Tasmanians had lost their jobs after subcontractor AMS Hydraulics withdrew its labour from the RHH redevelopment project. Pictured with Kevin Harkins and Richie Hassett from the CFMEU. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

HYDRAULICS and sanitation staff working on the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment have had their jobs terminated by their employer, prompting an investigation from the lead builder.

Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union state secretary Michael Anderson said 20 Tasmanians had lost their jobs after Canberra-based subcontractor AMS Hydraulics withdrew its labour from the project Friday afternoon.

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Mr Anderson said it was unclear why AMS had left the site but said it appeared there had been a dispute with managing contractor John Holland-Fairbrother.

“There’s probably a bit of responsibility on both sides, but to use workers as a collateral is a disgrace,” Mr Anderson said.

“We know there’ll be legal wrangling for at least the next week and we’ve already started working with our contractors … to make sure the workforce [can] get straight back in there.

“Workers are disgusted, but they’ll be attending the site on Tuesday because at a moment’s notice they can do the job they were doing on Friday.”

RHH redevelopment project director Ben Moloney said the issue required “urgent resolution from John Holland-Fairbrother”.

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“The project team will continue to monitor the resolution of this matter,” Mr Moloney said.

“The delivery of the project remains on budget and the managing contractor’s forecast date for practical completion of the building works remains mid 2019.”

John Holland-Fairbrother said the company believed AMS had breached its obligations.

“We are investigating and are working to resolve the matter,” a spokeswoman said.