Vic: Grocon workers back on the job
MELBOURNE, Aug 15 AAP - Construction workers who today forced a brief adjournment ofthe royal commission into the building industry are back on the job at Grocon's QueenVictoria site in inner-city Melbourne.
Grocon national industrial relations manager John Van Camp was due to appear at theinquiry this morning but rushed to the site to attempt to settle the dispute, forcingthe commission to adjourn.
Grocon's industrial relations representative Bob Howard later told the commission hebelieved the walk-off, which ended this early afternoon, was sparked by the Grollo-ownedcompany's refusal to pay employees who wanted to attend today's hearing.
Counsel assisting the commission, Richard Tracey, QC, asked Mr Howard whether the wholesalewalk-off on Grocon's site today was in relation to the hearing.
Mr Howard said: "I'm not sure whether it is totally about this hearing.
"I think it may be. My understanding of it is that the union wants us to release menon pay to attend this hearing and we have refused to do that."
Asked by Mr Tracey if Grocon would give in to union demands to pay employees who strike,he said: "No."
About 200 angry unionists rallied outside the commission this morning.
The 12-month inquiry before Commissioner Terence Cole was called by the federal governmentto investigate unlawful conduct in the building and construction industry, including fraud,corruption and bullying.
The hearing continues in Melbourne.
AAP ce/jlw/las/br
KEYWORD: COLE GROCON LEAD
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