Perth Arena workers down tools again over pay dispute

25/06/2012 - Scaffolding workers on the Perth Arena project have downed tools for the second time in three weeks, this time over non-payment of superannuation contributions.

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The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) on Friday said the workers had set up a picket at the West Australian government's beleaguered $548.7 million Perth Arena project, which has been labelled a debacle after delays and nearly $400 million in cost blow-outs.

The CFMEU said workers on other state government projects including a new cancer centre at QE2 Medical Centre in Nedlands and St Bartholomew's House for homeless men in East Perth had also stopped work.

CFMEU assistant secretary Joe McDonald said superannuation payments were enshrined in law as he called on the state government to intervene along with head developer BGC to ensure the workers were paid their entitlements.

"Over $1 million is owed to workers," McDonald said.

"It's bad enough that we see this happening on shonky building sites, let alone major state government projects.

"Work will stop until it is fixed."

The workers struck last month over late and non-payment of wages.

Have your say...

TOM M | 25/06/2012 10:41 1

These people are concerned about their $1 million is super contributions but have are they part of a collective screwing the state of WA with their contribution to a $400 million blow out. Thats a big over run, would this occuer on private project or is it for firms and workers combined a "lurk" when it a government project. This show that the various people on the site must be a bit in-efficient to havea cost over run. taxpayers in all states deserve value for money and it looks like once again they are not getting it. striking workers are part of the whole team of workers on this site not delivering work on time, but have their hand out every week. With out cost over runs and budget blow outs the sate woudl have money up its sleeves to make these payments. How about get back to work, do a super job and then save the taxpayers money and you will have no worries about your super. Look at this article from a BCA repost (business council of australia) on cost over runs. Maybe mega wages are being paid in WA for far less than mega work as people think well who are they going to get to complete it. The mining boom wont even save us shortly. http://www.smartcompany.com.au/advertising-and-marketing/050098-cost-of-doing-business-in-australia-soars-to-40-higher-than-the-us-and-threatens-growth.html?utm_source=SmartCompany&utm_campaign=f276354232-Thursday_7_June_201208_06_2012&utm_medium=email

dave d | 25/06/2012 10:56 2

Go on strike and don't come back - the union can for once in their life do something useful - the place is unwanted by the taxpayer - ugly and a complete disgrace - the designer and those that accepted this monstrocity should be shot !!

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