The current dispute between Grocon and the CFMEU is clear evidence that industrial relations law is failing and needs to change.
Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia said the CFMEU’s action is reprehensible.
“The law must be changed. Conduct where individuals are vilified and intimidated should be met with harsh consequences.
“The CFMEU’s behaviour is grossly unacceptable in any civilised society. It demonstrates how the current industrial relations framework can be exploited by the unions.
“The bullying tactics displayed by the CFMEU vindicates the building industry’s call for the return of the Australian Building and Construction Commission and dedicated industry-specific laws which target unlawful and intimidatory conduct.
“Currently, the Fair Work Building and Construction agency has not been able to intervene because it possesses severely weakened powers.
“The building and construction industry needs a regulator with stronger laws to help curb militant unions and stop unlawful industrial action. The regulator should not be stopped from acting where an employer has already initiated proceedings, a constraint which dogs the current agency,” Mr Harnisch concluded.