Union halted $20b rail site over 3mm puddle, inquiry hears
The CFMEU shut down a major rail worksite over a three-millimetre puddle, with safety checks slowing work.
An inquiry heard the CFMEU shut down a major Cross River Rail worksite. The CFMEU made the halt after a three-millimetre puddle appeared following rain.
The site manager said safety inspections often found no actual location for claimed problems. The safety inspections turned into seven-hour walks that slowed work a lot.
On one occasion, 350 to 400 workers sat idle. Union safety reps refused to cross the tiny puddle.
The site manager said he dealt with vague safety concerns and too many inspections throughout the job. The inquiry also heard a union rep demanded the company hire only union-approved subcontractors.
This rep threatened to swing a bat in the car park if demands were not met. The site manager said the union and contractor should work together.
But that did not happen.
- $20 billion
- Project value
- Three millimetres
- Puddle size
- 350 to 400
- Workers idle
- Seven hours
- Safety walk duration
Why it mattersThe inquiry reveals union rules that may have slowed a critical Brisbane infrastructure project. It shows gaps between safety claims and actual hazards.
AustraliaCross River Rail is a major Queensland transport project; delays driven by union action affect Brisbane commuters and the state's construction timeline.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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