-[ CFMEU Home ]
[ CFMEU Home ][ CFMEU Home ]
-
-CFMEU
-
- - Home    - Construction    - Forestry    - Mining    - Energy

-

* Help in Other Languages
cartoon
A message from the CFMEU for Non-English Speaking Members
* Subscribe
Free CFMEU news via email
* Search CFMEU
- --

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the CFMEU, Construction & General Division?

If you are a tradesperson or labourer working in the construction industry then you are probably eligible to join the CFMEU. For instance, if you work in the commercial sector on multistorey buildings, shopping centres, offices, public buildings; you work in the civil sector on roads, dams, bridges; you work in residential construction; you work off site in a joinery shop, for a kitchen manufacturer, a window manufacturer, you operate a mobile crane or tower crane, drive a forklift, you're a boiler attendant, excavator driver, you're a maintenance carpenter on hotels, offices; you work for a ceramics manufacturer, you're a carpenter, roof tiler, plasterer, stonemason, bricklayer, painter, glazier, signwriter...Well, it's a long list of callings and this list is not exhaustive. Contact your local union branch office if you are unsure whether you are eligible to belong.

back to top


What benefits do I get from joining the union?

The CFMEU is there to protect and improve your wages and conditions. As a member you are part of an organisation which has the collective power to negotiate with employers on your behalf. The union employs specialist staff to assist you and give you advice, whether you need an organiser on site, industrial representation in court, legal advice, a visit from the OH&S officer, as well as a whole range of other benefits and services, including shopping discounts, offered by your local branch.

back to top


I've heard that I'm entitled to superannuation, a redundancy scheme and portable long service leave. How do I sign up?

Your employer should provide you with the forms to fill in and will lodge them for you.

If you are in doubt about whether you have been registered for any of these schemes, get in contact with your branch.

back to top


What happens if I'm out of work?

If you are a member and you are out of work you do not need to resign. Contact your branch to find out what special arrangements can be made for you while you are out of work. Also, the union may be able to assist you to find work if you are a member.

back to top


My boss wants me to sign an individual contract. Do I have to sign it?

No! The law says you cannot be forced into an agreement. You have the right to ask the union to negotiate on your behalf. If you are asked to sign an individual contract get in touch with your branch.

back to top


I've just started an apprenticeship but I'm not sure if I've been signed up. What do I have to do? And what are my rights at work?

If you are an apprentice or a trainee you have the same rights as any other worker. As somebody new to the industry you probably have lots of questions about work, so we have a whole page of information for you. Click here.

back to top


I hurt myself at work. Can the union help me?

The CFMEU can give you advice about workers compensation. The laws regarding workers comp vary from state to state, so you need to find out from your branch what your entitlements are.

back to top


Can I get into trouble for joining the CFMEU?

No! By law, Australians have the right to join a union. If your employer tries to stop you joining, or threatens to sack you (or does sack you!) for joining then you should contact your branch.

The CFMEU will make sure that your legal right to belong to a union is upheld.

back to top


-

United we bargain - Divided we beg.
-

Contact the National Office, Construction Division at:
Level 12, 276 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Ph: 02 8524 5800
Fax: 02 8524 5801
Email: queries@fed.cfmeu.asn.au

Postal address: PO Box Q235, Queen Victoria Building Post Office, Sydney NSW 1230.

 [ SCO ]  
  [ Labornet ] [ CFMEU Home ]