From where we started in January 2009, with the global financial crisis, we seem to have escaped what was a fairly gloomy outlook for our industry. It was pleasing to see that membership actually grew in 2009. Whilst the building industry seemed to have a visual downturn our members and potential members found work on the many civil projects happening in the South East corner.

A short history lesson is necessary to explain how Howard set up a sham Royal commission known as the Cole Royal Commission.    
The findings of that Commission which were untested and unfounded were the basis of the establishment of the ABCC with its extra powers.  Powers that can compel you, your friends and your family to secret interview.

Half the year has gone already which reinforces how busy we have all been. However, we have a very important event coming up later in the year that will shape our lives at least for the next few years. That, of course, is our EBA campaign.

There have not been a lot of changes to the law since “the workers’ friend” Howard has moved on, however, there has been a considerable change in attitude throughout the industry. This just reinforces the hard held view of this union that Howard’s laws were not only bad laws but absolutely unworkable in our industry.