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.
Introduction