2011 has been another hard year for the union and its members, but there is a lot to celebrate.

We have led the way in bargaining for our members with terrific EBA results in Victoria, a big dispute with Laing O’Rourke resulting in a great success in Queensland and Multiplex signing a pacesetting new agreement in Western Australia. Hundreds of agreements are being signed around the country, locking in decent wages and conditions for construction workers all over Australia.

None of this would be possible without the union and the union could not achieve these results without the support of our members.

I believe we are heading in the right direction.  

We are building strength and unity in our organization. Now more than ever we need to recognize that the large construction companies and developers operate on a national and multinational basis.

No compromise on safety

Safety continues to be the union’s number one priority. Last week saw the tragic death of Wayne Vickery on a Canberra construction site. Wayne was a member and delegate for the union. His family is in our thoughts as we think about what it means for his family to face Christmas without their husband and Dad. Wayne was a member a member and delegate of our union, and true to form, CFMEU members from the ACT and other branches were the first to raise money for Wayne’s wife and two kids.

We will never compromise in fighting for safety and doing all we can to ensure that construction workers go home safe at the end of the day.

Thanks

This year sees the departure of some of our leaders. In New South Wales, Branch Secretary Mal Tulloch and long serving President Peter McClelland have decided to leave the union, along with Michael Knott the branches Executive Officer. In Victoria, Assistant Secretary Tommy Watson is finishing up as a full time officer, although Tommy will continue as honorary National President.

Kevin Reynolds retires as Western Australian Branch secretary after 40 years of service.

On behalf of the union, I thank all of these comrades for their service to the union.

CFMEU means safety, security and support

We end the year with the unions financial membership up 14.7% from last year. This excellent is due to the hard work of our organizers, delegates and employees, but most of all it demonstrates that construction workers know that the CFMEU is their union and that being a financial member is the best way to ensure safety, security and support.

Best wishes for the holiday and festive season to all of our members and see you in 2012.