Protecting the Building and Construction Industry from COVID-19

The rapidly changing situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus has many industries questioning how it will affect the welfare of their workers and their industry.

The Master Builders Association of Victoria along with the CFMEU and a number of other building and construction unions including AMWU, CCF, ETU, Master Plumbers, NECA and, PPTEU have joined a united delegation to meet at the Premier’s office, and other Minister’s office to highlight the importance of giving special consideration to the building and construction industry when it comes to enforcing restrictions during the COVID-19.

In a media release by the MBAV and the CFMEU VIC/TAS branch on the 18th March 2020, considerable measures must be made by the State Government to consider the protection of the building and construction industry, which contributes to 45% of tax revenue for the state of Victoria.John Setka, Secretary CFMEU VIC/TAS Branch and Rebecca Casson, CEO Master Builders Victora agree that:

“during these challenging times, in the spirit of industry co-operation, it is critical that all stakeholders work together to ensure the protection of both workers and the building and construction industry”

It is essential that decisions made in relation to building and construction sites are done so in the context of a rigorous understanding of the environment in which people work, and that the controls that are currently in place are being implemented.

The Prime Minister’s address on Wednesday 18th March confirmed construction sites are an essential service and will remain open (although other social distancing and hygiene practices may be required in these settings). Master Builders Victoria met with the Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Diseases) of the Victorian State Government this afternoon, and she also supported this approach.

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