Victoria’s five construction unions are engaging in a stand-off with the consortium appointed to build the West Gate Tunnel project, accusing the companies of trying to slash conditions and pay by using Turnbull government legislation regarding greenfield agreements on new projects.
After six months of negotiations, there is still no agreements between the parties, with unions saying draft proposals are below industry standards of pay and conditions, while industry sources say the consortium disputes the claim, citing workers potential to earn over $150 000 a year by mixing day and night shifts.
A Victorian government spokesman says the negotiations are an entirely a matter for the builder.