Lawrence on CFMEU's McDonald

Date: 21 June 2007

Jeff Lawrence

The CFMEU is a strong union and they need to be, Jeff Lawrence, ACTU Secretary-elect and LHMU National Secretary said tonight.

"This union represents workers in an industry where one worker on average dies every week," Lawrence said.

" Issues relating to the ALP membership of individual union officials are ultimately a matter for those individuals and the ALP.

" The ACTU believes that all unions and union officials should conduct their activity in a manner consistent with community standards.

" In this context, the video footage of CFMEU official Joe McDonald which has been aired on national television in recent days does raise some obvious concerns.

" The matters to which these alleged incidents relate are currently before the court and Mr McDonald should not be pre-judged. Like all Australians, Mr McDonald should be entitled to a fair process and a fair hearing.

" Mr McDonald has indicated today that he does not intend to resign from the ALP. In this context he also has certain rights in relation to his ALP membership. That is why his membership of the ALP is properly a matter for him and the ALP.

" Members and officials of the CFMEU are not the only people in the building and construction industry who swear.

" But the CFMEU and other construction unions are the only organisations in the industry which will independently stand up to protect and improve the health and safety, and the rights and entitlements of building and construction workers.

" The ACTU continues to support the CFMEU in campaigning to get rid of construction industry laws which allow workers to be sent to jail for taking industrial action or refusing to answer questions from Government officials.

" These laws are undemocratic and unjustified."

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