CEPU penalised $70,000 for unlawful conduct on Brisbane site
The Federal Court has imposed a $70,000 penalty against the Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (known as the CEPU) for unlawful conduct on a Brisbane construction site.
The penalty is the result of legal action commenced by the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) in relation to conduct at the ‘Southpoint A’ hotel and apartment construction site in Brisbane’s Southbank precinct.
The CEPU admitted breaching the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act and the Fair Work Act by organising unlawful industrial action at the site.
The conduct involved a CEPU official organising employees of a plumbing company performing work at the site to cease working for 3.5 hours on 1 December 2017.
Allegations of contraventions against former CEPU official Andrew Blakely and the workers allegedly involved in the industrial action were withdrawn.
Under federal legislation, responsibility for the case transferred from the ABCC to the Fair Work Ombudsman in December 2022.
Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Kristen Hannah said court penalties are important to affirm the seriousness of breaching laws related to disrupting work on construction sites.
“Consistent with other industries, in commercial building and construction the Fair Work Ombudsman will investigate reports of non-compliance and hold to account those who are acting outside the law, including the organising of unlawful industrial action,” Ms Hannah said.
For more information about abolition of the ABCC and transfer of matters to the FWO, see: Abolition of the ABCC and ROC.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
