New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) highlights the rate of strikes and illegal stoppages in the construction industry has doubled, accounting for almost half of the entire Australian total.
According to the ABS, the construction industry had the highest number of working days lost of any industry in December quarter 2018 (13,200), accounting for 43 per cent of total working days lost – and almost double the amount in the previous quarter (6900).
In the December quarter 2018, there were 62 disputes, 11 greater than in September quarter 2018. The number of employees involved in industrial disputes in December quarter 2018 was 28,400, an increase from 13,800 in September quarter 2018.
Victoria had the highest number of working days lost of any state or territory in December quarter 2018 (at 9100), accounting for 30 per cent of total working days lost.
CEO of Master Builders Australia Denita Wawn said days lost to strikes in construction have doubled, and the industry now represents almost half of the national total across all sectors.
“There is no hiding from the fact that strikes and disputes in construction are getting worse,” she said.
Master Builders Victoria said the data provides clear and independent evidence of the continuing need for the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) to be retained.
“It is clear that those calling for the abolition of such an effective regulator are acting not only against the best interests of the Victorian construction industry – but also against the national interest of Australia as a whole.”