Statement from Darren Greenfield, CFMEU NSW Secretary
The NSW CFMEU and wider industry have been fighting to keep construction open and operating under the Covid safety protocols and procedures that minimise risk during the pandemic.
Despite this work the NSW Government has decided to completely shut down the entire construction industry in Sydney without notice.
The CFMEU is working with the NSW Government and industry to expedite a normal resumption of work as soon as possible after the cessation period ends.
The union is prioritising securing payment to contractors and workers' wages for last week and to ensure they can access appropriate entitlements to support them over the coming weeks.
The construction workforce is one of the biggest in NSW and the industry is a critical part of the state and national economies. This decision will affect hundreds of thousands of workers across the industry and supply chains and have an enormous impact on their lives, the lives of their families, and their communities.
The NSW and Federal Governments need to ensure any emergency payments and other support measures are made available to affected workers and their families without delay.
If CFMEU members or their families are experiencing mental health concerns as a result of this stressful situation they can contact Foundation House on (02) 9810 3117 for counselling and support.
