The recent airing by the CFMEU of a misleading television advertisement demonstrates that the union is prepared to manipulate serious OHS issues to advance its political agenda.
The advertisement depicts employees who stop work because of an occupational injury incident. It alleges the employees are exposed to substantial fines and penalties, due to the operation of the
Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 (the BCII Act)
.
In response to the advertisement ABC Commissioner Lloyd said the BCII Act states that the definition of industrial action does not cover an employee who stops work "based on a reasonable concern about an imminent risk" to their health and safety.
"Stopping of work in these circumstances has never been the subject of prosecution by the ABCC, nor would it be my intention to take action in these circumstances," he said.
The advertisement also makes inaccurate claims about the powers of the ABCC.