‘Standoff’ halts plant

Andrew Mathieson
A PAY dispute has put on hold a $90 million water treatment plant project in northern Geelong, according to a Geelong union leader.
Geelong Trades Hall secretary Tim Gooden said Barwon Water and construction company John Holland had refused union demands on pay and conditions.
“Up until now they have refused to sign, so it could stall the project,” he said.
The union agreement seeks pay from $1330.72 to $1656.17 for a 35-hour week for workers on the Northern Water Treatment Plant. A special-class tradesman could earn more than $2000 a week with a series of extra allowances if the project is stalled until 2012.
Five of Australia’s largest construction unions condemned Barwon Water for “their act of bastardry with John Holland to undermine industrial standards” in a meeting last week.
The meeting also endorsed industrial campaign if the unions, Barwon Water and John Holland failed to reach an agreement.
Mr Gooden said the unions were calling on the Victorian Government to intervene to “ensure a fair outcome”.
The pay rates were in line with other treatment plant projects but workers on the controversial Wonthaggi desalinisation plant were earning significantly more, he said.
“It is not only fair what we’re asking but it is what is already law and consistent with the industry now.”
A Barwon Water spokesman said chief executive Michael Malouf believed the union’s offer would increase the cost of the projects, with “direct impacts on the community”.
Barwon Water handed over work contracts to John Holland 12 months ago, so it was no longer in a position to negotiate industrial agreements, the spokesperson said.
But John Holland community liason officer Richard Baker said employing labour was now out of the company’s hands, with the responsibility shifted to employment sub-contractors.
“It doesn’t involve John Holland at all,” he said.