CFMEU supports licenses

Article by John Setka - Secretary, CFMEU

We need to protect our tradespeople — and our trades. Painters, plasterers, bricklayers, carpenters, tilers: these trades are very important to our union. By making sure qualifications are recognised and registered increases the chances of getting work.

That’s why we’ve been working with the Victorian government to develop regulations which will be specific about what building work can only be carried out by a registered tradie.

Our commitment is to get our trades licensed, so there are more jobs for those with a trade certificate, more incentive for apprentices to finish their studies and make sure the next generation of qualified workers have a future.

Without it, confidence in our industry will go down as well as building standards.

I’m confident we will get this through soon. This will be a ground-breaking achievement and it may mean other states follow our lead.

INCOLINK COUNSELLING SERVICE

Having the support of the Incolink Counselling service can be invaluable if you are working through difficult personal situations. I have made use of the services and found I got a real benefit from talking to someone.

The counsellors at Incolink are experienced with a wide range of issues that face those of us in the construction industry. It is a great service and I recommend all members who are going through tough times, for whatever reason, to give the Incolink Counselling a call on 1300 000 129.

It’s free for members and their families, and I can’t rate it highly enough.