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Hospital construction site blockaded

Chris Slee, Melbourne

28 February 2009

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union has been blockading the site of the new children’s hospital construction project in Parkville. The blockade is a response to the sacking of Joe Angelino, a shop steward who is also a health and safety representative.

Angelino was sacked by Caelli Constructions, the main subcontractor on the site, in early February. Workers went on strike but were ordered back to work by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC). They went back, but the union imposed a blockade.

CFMEU state secretary Bill Oliver said the union was left with no option but to take action.

On February 20, the AIRC rejected an application by Caelli to end the blockade, ruling the blockade was not industrial action because it was not carried out by Caelli employees.

Bovis Lend Lease is attempting to put an end to the blockade by seeking contempt orders against the CFMEU in the Federal Court. The hearing has been adjourned until March 2.