Construction workers spied upon

Issue 

BY RUSSELL PICKERING

PERTH — Construction workers walked off a Perth building site on October 7, after construction company Sizer Builder installed surveillance equipment to monitor union activities.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union's WA assistant secretary Joe McDonald, told Green Left Weekly: “We've got a case where these people [Sizer] turn up, they don't pay site allowances, they don't pay any proper wage structure, they don't employ apprentices, they don't provide training.”

He told GLW that there had been many industrial fights at the site, which had been exacerbated by the company using an anti-union brick-laying contractor. In an attempt to intimidate workers, Sizer had resorted to installing audio visual surveillance equipment on the job. It notified workers the equipment would be turned on at “high risk times” — when the union turned up.

Workers took immediate 48 hour strike action in protest, however, when they returned to work the company had not removed the equipment. It wasn't until workers threatened further stoppages that Sizer agreed to remove the spy cameras. The company has stated it is prepared to give the union a signed statutory declaration stating that all the equipment has been removed.

From Green Left Weekly, October 16, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page. 

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.