The FWC has refused to renew the entry permit of a CFMMEU construction division organiser it previously directed to undertake "emotional management" training, finding his role in an unlawful 2018 strike showed promises to reform when elected WA branch president did not play out.
A Federal Court judge has set a limit on the construction watchdog's use of anti-picketing laws to bring unions to heel, observing that "while picketing involves obstruction, not every obstruction is a picket".
Apologies and claims that he conducted himself "out of character" have not spared a union official having his entry permit suspended over a confrontation in which he told a site foreman he did "give a f--k" what happened because he was near the end of his career.
The ABCC will ask a court to prohibit union officials from "crowdfunding" personal penalties in what represents a significant escalation of its on-going bid to combat contravening union conduct in the construction industry.
The FWC has thrown out a bid by the AMWU to enter the BHP OS training facility near Mackay to hold discussions with about 150 maintenance trainees, finding the union's coverage rule for fitters and engineering trades doesn't extend to the "caterpillar" trainees until they become maintenance associate "butterflies".
A CFMMEU leader fighting cartel charges that carry the threat of 10 years' jail has had his entry permit suspended after a senior FWC member clarified the point at which he was "found" to have breached Fair Work Act provisions.
The ABCC's recent good run against the CFMMEU has continued after the FWC confirmed a high-profile union leader seeking a new entry permit would first have to plumb 14 years of internal communications to ascertain what role, if any, he had in trying to temper the organisation's rule-breaking ways.
The CFMMEU has failed to have entry breach fines reduced because of "inaccurate" media reports, a judge noting the lack of evidence that the officials concerned were in any way embarrassed or distressed by adverse publicity.
The FWC has rejected a long-serving worker's portrayal of herself as a "victim" of powerful HR forces, finding her displeasure at being asked to account for money raised for a deceased colleague's family led her into serious misconduct.
The FWC has awarded $8000 compensation to an airport employee who transferred sensitive files from his work computer onto a personal USB, finding the employer took a "kitchen sink" approach to allegations used to justify his summary dismissal.
