Grocon links with Commonwealth Bank irks CFMEU
Stephen Drill Herald Sun February 04, 2013
THE CFMEU is considering a boycott of the Commonwealth Bank, which could extend to tens of thousands of its members, in retaliation for the bank's support of major builder Grocon.
Newly appointed CFMEU state secretary John Setka said the union was concerned about the bank's support of Grocon through its investment arm, Colonial First State.
"We are having discussions about where we bank in the future," he said.
"And we will be telling our members who have loans and mortgages with the Commonwealth Bank that they are supporting an anti-union builder.
"They can make their own decisions (about where to bank)."
The CFMEU is already reviewing its relationship with super fund CBUS over its funding of Grocon projects.
The union had a bitter 16-day dispute in Melbourne's CBD last year, which led to violent clashes with police.
Mr Setka said the union had "unfinished business" with Grocon.
"Grocon have already lost, but they just don't know it yet - I'd rather be us than them," he said.
He said there were still concerns about safety on Grocon sites; a crane worker received an electric shock last year.
Grocon spokesman Michael Zorbas said the claims about safety were nonsense.
"There is no industrial dispute at Grocon and wasn't last year when Mr Setka was involved in violent, intimidating and ultimately failed blockades," he said.
Commonwealth Bank spokesman Bryan Fitzgerald said the bank was concerned when any customers considered changing their banking arrangements.