In light of the recent active COVID-19 cases in South Australia and ensuing lockdown measures, the CFMEU has warned that a shutdown of the construction industry in the state will hurt workers and damage the economy.

“The union understands the government’s caution and the need to get on top of the coronavirus outbreak, but the construction industry has shown it can safely operate during the pandemic,” CFMEU SA secretary Andrew Sutherland says.

“The union understands the importance of getting the virus under control. Since the pandemic began the construction industry has put in place hygiene and safety measures to ensure the industry can remain open and COVID-safe.

“The Marshall Government needs to work with the industry to find ways to keep construction going, as it has done safely and successfully around the country throughout 2020.”

He points to the fact that even during the height of Victoria’s issues with the pandemic, the state’s construction industry didn’t shut down completely.

“Shutting the industry down entirely in SA beyond this six-day lockdown would put an unnecessary strain on an industry that is already hurting and do long-term damage to the SA economy,” Andrew says.

“The six-day shutdown announced today will be a blow to workers in the lead up to Christmas and the end of the year and the SA government needs to consider the impact on workers and their families and how to support them during this time.”