Today the ABCC planned a free information seminar in Geelong. This was part of a series aimed at educating contractors and workers about the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry.
Seminar participants were met with approximately 100 CFMEU protesters. The protesters entered the room where the seminar was to be held. Their conduct was so loud and disruptive that audience members left and the seminar was cancelled. They refused to obey directions from the Victoria Police to remove themselves from the seminar room.
The conduct included:
- yelling out the names of attendees;
- abusive language;
- taking photos of presenters and attendees;
- destroying information kits; and
- plastering union stickers on the walls.
The Australian Building and Construction Commissioner, John Lloyd, made the following statement:
“I am dismayed at the conduct of the union protesters. The purpose of the seminars is to give contractors and workers important information about reforms to achieve lawful conduct in the industry. I invited the industry unions to attend. This is not the response to that invitation that I expected.
The protestors removed some of the information kits we were to give to participants. I hope they take the time to read them.”
Despite today's events, the ABCC is committed to educating and promoting awareness of the workplace relations laws in the building and construction industry.