COVID-19: "Extreme Health And Safety Measures In Place"

Published: 25 Mar 2020

The Secretary of the CFMEU's Victorian and Tasmanian Construction & General division, John Setka, released the following statement on COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) on Tuesday March 25, 2020.

NOTE: The situation with coronavirus is changing every day, so please be sure to refresh this page.

We are also providing regular updates on the situation and how it affects our industry on our Facebook page. Follow us at facebook.com/cfmeuvic

 

 

KEY QUOTES

“We have formed a taskforce - consisting of the CFMEU, the ETU, the plumbers’ union, the metal workers’ union, we also have the Master Builders, NECA, Master Plumbers, and the Civil Contractors Federation - a bipartisan approach to tackle this problem and to keep the industry open.

“We have put extreme health and safety measures in place to protect you and our industry.

“We are in daily contact with the Premier’s department and their team to ensure we get all the up-to-date and relevant information in regards to this virus and its impacts it is having in Victoria.

“There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion about this situation … There are a lot of rumours about the construction industry closing down, or being locked down. We are doing everything in our power - together with the other construction unions and the employer organisations - to be as proactive in keeping our industry and your jobs safe and secure.

“In the event of an industry lockdown, if it comes to that, we have put into place, together with the employers, an emergency plan, for the members to be able to access some of their funds to get emergency financial relief.

“Try to not panic. We’re all in this together, and we will beat it together. Everyone is in the same boat. No one is excluded from it.”

Things we can all do to help:

  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Don’t touch your face
  • Don’t shake hands or hug

Things sites can do to help:

  • Staggered starting times
  • Extra smoko sheds
  • Giving each other space
  • Good hygiene
  • Not being at work when sick

Landing page: https://cfmeu-news.com.au/covid-19-information