It has been announced today that a select number of construction sites will be allowed to resume work on Monday, whilst others, including all major commercial sites in the CBD, will be forced to remain shut.
"The Marshall Government has not consulted about its plans with the CFMEU for the relevant workers," said Andrew Sutherland CFMEU SA Construction Secretary.
"Our attempts to communicate with the Government, including directly with the Premier's office, about re-opening our industry have not received even the courtesy of a response. Workers deserve better than this disrespect from their government."
"There is no reason to declare that these construction projects are safer or more essential than other projects, other than that they are projects which the Marshall Government has a political interest in."
"Either construction work is safe at this time, or it isn't. Construction workers should not have their health and safety, and that of their families, put at risk in any way for the political benefit of the Marshall Government."
"The Marshall Government should clarify whether Safework safety inspectors will be required to work on Monday, and whether union work health and safety entry permit holders will be declared essential workers so that they can continue their necessary work making sure that COVID protocols are maintained and that we do not have any more serious injuries or deaths in the construction industry in this state."
"We call upon the Marshall Government to immediately reveal whether it has received advice that it is safe for the construction industry to re-open, and if it has to announce a re-opening of the entire industry rather than creating one set of rules for its own projects, and another for the rest."
