CFMEU protests OH&S rep's sacking

The construction division of the Victorian branch of the Construction, Foresty, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has condemned as a "callous" act the sacking from a building site of occupational safety representative Leigh Scott, the sole provider for and father of five children.

Scott was working as a labourer on the extension at the Caulfield Grammar School until he was sacked on March 8, when the site foreperson, Steve Greer, terminated his employment without cause. Scott was replaced as OH&S representative by the boss's son.

In a March 9 media release, CFMEU state secretary Martin Kingham said: "Leigh is a trained OH&S representative, who looks after the safety of all employees on site. It is an essential role on any building job; leaving a 19-year-old boy without any experience in charge of this site is absolutely irresponsible."

Kingham accused Greer of using PM John Howard's new IR laws "to get rid of a hard working employee who had the respect of the workers on site and protected their safety. There have been no industrial disputes, no accidents and the job is three weeks ahead of schedule of the October completion date."

A community picket has been set up at the site. "Members of the public are making a statement to Steve Greer that this situation is not acceptable", said Kingham.

Ariel Vincent

From GLW issue 702