The Builders Labourers Federation has recently appointed Kevin Crank as its Industrial Relations Manager. Kevin brings 20 years of experience as a union official to the role and this depth of experience will certainly benefit the Federation and the advancement of initiatives for the benefit of members.
 
“Its great to finally be working for a union whose members stick together, In the past years of my career I have been a union organiser, industrial research co-ordinator and contributed to the legal aspects of union work.” 

 
“I’m particularly looking forward to improving work conditions and advancing the rights for our members.”
 
Kevin has replaced Rhett Moxhan, who served over 12 years with the BLF and performed a magnificent job. Thanks to Rhett, Kevin has now continued his excellent work with the federal registration and the Enterprising Bargaining Agreement for 2009.
  
“This job is certainly demanding but I am confident in the future plans of our union.”
 
Mr Crank says he is concerned for our members of the BLF and other unions with the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) cracking down on workers.
 
“Our role at the BLF is to improve working conditions and improve wages for workers and to make sure our members don’t get fined or jailed by the ABCC.”
 
The Labour Government is acting on the new ‘IR laws’, but Australian unions and workers aren’t happy with the time it’s taking to abolish the old ‘Workers choice laws’.
 
The date set for the introduction of the new IR laws is 2010, and unions like the BLF are saying that is too long.
 
“There is concern for the new government to come through with the new IR laws, we are hoping that these new laws differentiate from the workers choice laws of the Howard Government,” said Mr Crank.
 
“It is understood that the new government has made life a little bit easier but they still need plenty of work, we need to make sure they deliver.”
 
 There is a lot of work needed to improve the working life for Labourers and we need all the commitment and support of our members to make sure we get what were entitled to.
  
“A message to all concerned members to keep an eye on the ABCC and stay informed with the new IR laws.”