A union boss has defended traffic controllers who work on major infrastructure projects in Victoria and earn more than $200,000 a year.
The pay deal struck by the powerful Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union applies to stop-start sign holders on Victoria’s ‘Big Build’ projects, which former premier Dan Andrews spearheaded.
The annual salary is almost three times what the average nurse, teacher or police officer earns.
CFMEU chief John Setka said those complaining about exorbitant wages came from smaller companies that were being squeezed out of the industry.
‘The slaves who built the pyramids probably got better conditions than some of those workers in smaller companies. “So they’re always going to complain,” he said.
“Our job is to protect our members and look out for their interests and well-being, and we make no apologies for that.”
Traffic controllers on Victoria’s Big Build rail and road projects earn salaries of $200,000 under pay agreements reached by the CFMEU (file image)
CFMEU head John Setka (pictured) said nurses and teachers should be paid more, but ‘we don’t represent them’
State Liberal leader John Pesutto said the Labor government’s handling of Big Build, which encompasses a series of new road and rail projects across the state, had raised some “serious questions”.
The CFMEU’s acquisition of the traffic management aspect of the taxpayer-funded plan has increased that portion of the budget by $380 million, according to industry whistleblowers, reports The Herald of the Sun.
Labor Minister Steve Dimpopoulos said the government does not decide taxpayer-funded wages.
“We don’t set their salaries,” he said.
“What we do is hire builders to do the work on behalf of the government and the taxpayer.”
An entry-level construction worker or CFMEU-aligned traffic controller on a large construction project would earn $206,000 a year if they worked 56 hours a week for 48 weeks a year.
The salary includes per diem and travel expenses, overtime and meal penalties.
In comparison, a graduate teacher in Victoria earns $77,000, a police officer earns $75,000 and a registered nurse would earn between $75,000 and $85,000.
“Nurses and teachers should earn more, but we don’t represent them, we represent construction workers,” Mr. Setka said.
Nurses earn less than half of what a lollipop sign holder working similar hours would earn
The complainants have also accused the CFMEU of forcing contracts to be won despite higher bids.
“There have been accusations like this since Jesus wore shorts and nothing has ever been proven,” Mr. Setka said.
Commentators on social media pointed to the extraordinary salaries.
‘No wonder there is a shortage of frontline workers. “There is a need to put a cap on the wages of these unskilled workers,” said one person.
“Workers will never speak up or address these issues because they are under the bondage of unions,” said another.
“There are automatic temporary traffic lights, so if, as John Setka claims, this is a very dangerous job, this automatic equipment offers multi-level solutions that are much more cost-effective and safer,” added a third.