The
CFMEU have been continually supporting the entry of women into the
construction industry, and, several years ago, the union was
successful in obtaining a grant from the NSW Government to promote
and assist the entry of women into the industry.
The union has been increasing the
number of women Officers employed by the union and has a woman
elected to the Committee of Management and the State Council of
the union.
Amenities Access
All construction workers,
subcontract employers and builders need to be aware that they
have responsibilities to ensure that there exists on site an
appropriate environment free from discriminatory and/or sexually
offensive material.
Builders must also provide amenities
for women e.g. toilets, showers and change rooms. WorkCover NSW
regulations pertaining to the provision of amenities for women
in our industry are currently inadequate. There is no
requirement to have amenities prior to women arriving to the
construction site. The union is lobbying to improve standards.
It is extremely unfortunate that a
very small number of construction workers show no courtesy or
decency to others in regard to the treatment of amenities. There
had been incidences where female toilets have been vandalised
and misused. To overcome this problem some builders have taken
to locking the female toilets and having a key located at a
central position.
This is also unacceptable. To
resolve this problem, Union officials, delegates and Safety
representatives should ensure that each female is issued with a
key to their amenities upon being inducted on to the job site.
Support for Female Members
Should a female member have any problems in relation to
these matters, they should immediately contact the union. We
will fully support you and assist you in forwarding your
complaint to Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission Ph:
9284-9600 or 1800-620-241 and/or Anti-Discrimination Board of
NSW Ph: 9268-5555 or 1800-670-812.
INDICATES RECENTLY UPDATED
Introduction