The ABCC* commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against the CFMEU and officials: Joseph McDonald, Michael Buchan, Steven McCann, Bradley Upton, Patrick Heathcote and Tawa Harris. The ABCC alleged the respondents took coercive and adverse action on the new Perth Children’s Hospital construction site in January 2013.
The ABCC alleged that CFMEU officials attended the site and blocked the entrance in a way calculated to deter workers from attending for work on 25 January 2013 and 30 January 2013. It was alleged that the unions’ intention was to coerce John Holland to agree to certain of its demands.
*This matter was originally filed by Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC). On 2 December 2016, FWBC became the ABCC.
Penalties awarded against |
Penalties awarded |
CFMEU |
$88,500 |
Joseph McDonald |
$6,500 |
Tawa Harris |
$5,500 |
Michael Buchan |
$5,000 |
Brad Upton |
$3,500 |
Steve McCann |
$2,500 |
Pat Heathcote |
$2,500 |
Total |
$114,000 |
$114,000
11 May 2017 - Court penalises CFMEU leaders in $277,000 Perth Children’s Hospital decision