Three thousand construction workers and their families came to Bonython Park in Adelaide on Monday Dec 7 to celebrate the construction Picnic Day, organised by the CFMEU and CEPU.

The annual union event drew families from as far away as Mount Gambier. Three and four generations came to spend the day together.

Workers enjoyed a paid day off to catch up with their mates – some of whom they may not have seen for years as they moved from job to job.

Retired members swapped stories and memories over lunch, some bringing along their grandchildren.

And the kids had a ball, with free rides, jumping castle, ice-creams, BBQ and drinks. Face painting, tattoos and the small animal pen added to the excitement. And there were plenty of races and a big raffle to round off the day.

‘Construction workers work long hours, 6 days a week. One day a year to spend with their mates and their families is not a lot to ask from the industry to which they give so much,’ said CFMEU SA Secretary Martin O’Malley.

‘The annual paid Picnic Day has been traditionally part of the union EBA in South Australia. Workers currently negotiating new agreements are determined to keep it that way, so the day can only become bigger and better in this State.’

See Photos of the 2009 Adelaide Picnic Day.

See also CFMEU National Website homepage for member's comments about Picnic Day.