700 Wideform workers and their families in NSW and Qld are having a happier Christmas thanks to direct action by CFMEU Branches in both States.

Wideform, one of the biggest construction employers,  failed to pay wages in early December. But the CFMEU has ensured that every one of their workers has been paid all wages and entitlements owed them. The union has also helped Wideform workers secure jobs with other employers to complete the projects they were working on.

Without the union and without direct action,  the workers would have had no money and no jobs, waiting for months or years for the government's GEERS scheme to pay some (but not all)of their entitlements.

And what about the ABCC, the government’s “tough cop on the beat”? As always, they were nowhere to be seen when a boss steals millions of dollars of workers entitlements – too busy trying to jail honest construction workers.

The CFMEU has again delivered to construction - safety, security and support.

Note the dates: June 15, 16 & 18 2010

As I wrote this message, South Australian rigger, Ark Tribe was again facing the court over charges brought by the anti-worker ABCC. Today’s hearing gave us the dates for Ark’s full trial in 2010. Mark June Tuesday 15, Wednesday June 16 and Friday June 18, 2010 in your diary.

If Ark is sentenced to jail in 2010, construction workers have pledged to down tools across the country.

In the meantime, watch Ark’s family’s message here or on You Tube  and keep up the good fight.

Have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year holiday with your family. In 2010, we’ll be back and we’ll be fighting for workers’ rights.

Other messages from Dave Noonan