A royal commission has been told that construction bosses were pressured by CFMEU organizers to accept the union's choice of subcontracting companies and health and safety representation on a major public work in 2022.
During a royal commission inquiry, testimony revealed instances of a powerful union, the CFMEU, dictating terms on government construction projects. Construction bosses reported feeling compelled to agree to the union's demands during a 2022 meeting, specifically regarding the selection of subcontracting companies and health and safety representatives for a major public work. The inquiry is investigating a two-day work stoppage that occurred in June 2022 on a level crossing removal project in Sunbury, northwest of Melbourne. The incident, which took place during a critical phase when the rail line was closed for 24-hour works, highlights concerns about union influence and potential corruption in publicly funded infrastructure projects. The royal commission is expected to deliver its report by August 20, 2027.
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