The CFMEU has spent many months negotiating a site agreement for the massive $2.5 billion Pulp Mill project at Bell Bay, in northern Tasmania. Agreement on a number of issues, including wage rates has yet to be finalised. But negotiations are ongoing.

However, because the job needed to start in late August, the Union and Gunns agreed on an interim wage rate of $34 per hour, as base rate, with relativities built in, and a $4/hour site allowance. That makes it one of the best paying jobs in Tasmania.

Most workers on the preliminary earth works stage are receiving at least $7 or $8 per hour more than what is usually paid on Tasmanian jobs; plus the $4/hour site allowance.

Workers on the Pulp Mill are getting those extra rates and benefits now, thanks to the Union negotiating with Gunns; not from any effort by their individual employers.

That’s the value of CFMEU membership for Tasmanian construction workers.

The CFMEU will continue to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement for the next construction phase of the project. If finance is secured, the project has the potential to be one of the biggest and best jobs in Tassie.

John Hollands-Hazell Brothers are managing the earth-works project in a joint venture, with all of the other seven Tasmanian tenderers engaged in the works in some capacity.

The massive, 2 kilometre long by 800 metre wide site centres on two buildings making the pulp and a fibre line: everything else on site supports those operations, including a dedicated wharf on the riverfront, from which the product will be shipped to market.

Strict environmental controls are in place to minimise the impact of the project. The Aboriginal Heritage Foundation is also assisting with protection of artefacts.

• Read more in the December 2011 issue of The Tasmanian Bluey.
• For more photos go to Your Union/Photo Galleries/Our Job/Pulp Mill Bell Bay.