Why do workers who build this nation have less rights than other Australians?

Across Australia, construction workers are still under attack from separate industry laws left over from John Howard’s era, and the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) continues to enforce its coercive powers.

The matters which the ABCC investigates are everyday industrial disputes or incidents. They are not criminal offences of violence, corruption or fraud. The ABCC does not have power to investigate such offences.

More than 150 people have been dragged in for coercive interviews by the ABCC. They are threatened with six months imprisonment if they do not answer questions. They cannot talk to anyone other than their lawyer about what happens to them at the interview. They may not be entitled to be represented by the lawyer of their choice.

People under investigation for criminal offences do have the right to silence.

Campaign for Rights on Site

Australia’s construction unions have joined together to campaign against the Building and Construction Industry laws and the ABCC, under the banner of Rights on Site.

The campaign has raised awareness of the unfair treatment of construction workers in the wider community. Over 10,000 people have pledged their support for one law for all Australian workers.

Legislation currently before Parliament abolishes the ABCC and replaces it with a Building Industry Inspectorate. But the Inspectorate still retains the ABCC’s coercive powers, with some restrictions.

There is a possibility in 2011 that the laws may be finally changed.

Take Action to abolish the ABCC in 2011

Ark Tribe was found not guilty of breaching the laws in December, but other workers can still be hauled in for questioning under the ABCC's coercive powers or risk facing six months imprisonment.

Six Reasons Why the ABCC must go in 2011

1. The powers of the ABCC are unworkable
2. The ABCC is discriminatory
3. The powers of the ABCC are unjustifiable
4. These laws are made for big companies
5. A waste of taxpayer's money
6. Australia is in breach of the ILO Conventions

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Then go to the  Rights on Site campaign website TAKE ACTION and sign the petition to demand the abolition of the ABCC and One Law of All Australian workers.