The CFMEU has been campaigning to rid the industry of sham contracting that is destroying the construction industry. Part of the union’s campaign is to ensure workers receive their pay and entitlements.

Last year, the CFMEU recovered over $15M for workers’ pay and entitlements, which was double the previous year. This is an alarming trend that needs stronger unions and tougher laws to rein in shonky subbies.

Bluestone Construction is a formwork company that has an ongoing issue with abiding by the industrial laws in Australia. They have seen fit to deny workers rights, participate in sham contracting arrangements, not pay workers for their labour, not pay superannuation and redundancy entailments. They present bogus workers’ compensation certificates and unfairly dismiss its workers when they complain.

Bluestone Construction has left a trail of industrial destruction and denial of workers’ rights wherever they have been. This goes back to projects at Newcastle 2010, Wentworth Street City 2011 and now Balgowlah 2011.

Bluestone is typical of the behaviour of sub contractors that tender for work well below the rates of pay to cover their legal statutory obligations. For many, it’s a race to the bottom and Bluestone is one company leading the charge. If this behaviour goes unchecked the industry is doomed and the hard fought conditions in the industry will be lost.

The union has made a stand at the Balgowlah site to highlight this ever growing problem. Workers have now received their pay and entitlements but this is not going to stop companies like Bluestone ripping workers off.

If you don’t fight we will all lose. Join the campaign to rid the industry of shonky and dodgy subbies in our industry.

If you are not receiving your correct pay and entitlements call the Union today on 9749 0400 or your local Organiser.

click here to read article from the Manly Daily