THE construction industry continues to experience the highest number of working days lost due to industrial disputes, accounting for 66 per cent of all working days lost in the June 2016 quarter.
According the Australian Bureau of Statistics quarterly industrial disputes data, 16,200 working days were lost in the construction industry over the quarter, up from 10,800 in the March quarter.
While across all industries industrial disputes and working days lost decreased over the June quarter, year ended estimates show there were 62 more disputes and 31 per cent more working days lost.
Treasurer Scott Morrison and Minister for Employment, Michaelia Cash said the high number of working days lost in the construction sector was further evidence of the need to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).
“While unions are encouraging employees to walk off the job, the construction sector is trying to keep up with strong demand from the residential sector, with an 11.3 per cent jump in the number of residential dwelling approvals in July,” they said in a joint statement.
“The Turnbull Government wants to create the best possible environment to spur investment, create jobs and boost economic growth in our transitioning economy. A strong construction watchdog will help to achieve this. It is why the government remains committed to re-establishing the ABCC and building code.
“The ABCC laws will ensure that Australia’s building and construction industry is not hampered by unnecessary and costly industrial action, as well as bullying, intimidation and unlawful behaviour that promotes inefficiency and pushes up costs.
“Unlawful conduct on building sites around Australia is costing jobs and is making local infrastructure more expensive.
The government last week re-tabled two pieces of legislation needed to restore the ABCC as part of a suite of workplace relations reform measures it took to the federal election. Click here to read AREEA’s article on the recently tabled industrial relations bills.
Click here to view the ABS Industrial Disputes data.
