A Toxic Work Environment: How Unions and Governments Failed Women on Construction Sites

The construction industry, particularly in Victoria, has been marred by disturbing revelations of violence and harassment against women, uncovering a toxic work environment perpetuated by systemic failures within unions and government-funded projects. This report delves into the personal stories of three women whose lives were forever altered by the actions of violent individuals employed on taxpayer-funded sites, highlighting the broader issue of how unions and governments have failed to protect these women.

The Victims’ Stories: A Pattern of Violence and Intimidation

The first case involves a woman brutally assaulted by a health and safety representative linked to a bikie gang during his lunch break on a government rail project. The attack, captured on video, shows the man kicking the woman and threatening her life. Despite the union’s eventual dismissal of the perpetrator, sources indicate efforts were made to reemploy him on another government project, exemplifying the union’s prioritization of industrial peace over worker safety.

In the second case, Lilly Munro, a traffic management worker, was terrorized by Nick Bouras, an ice addict with a history of violent crimes, including stalking and threatening women. Bouras, hired by the CFMEU despite his criminal record, locked Munro in a small room, smoked drugs, and blew smoke in her face. Her report of the incident led to retaliation, with Munro being black-banned from government sites, unable to work and forced to live in fear for her family’s safety. Text messages further revealed a government employee soliciting nude photos from Munro in exchange for work opportunities, underscoring the normalized sexual harassment women face.

The third case involves a young woman assaulted outside her work site by a man with ties to senior CFMEU figures. Despite his violent criminal history, he was placed on the site by his union relatives. The victim, after reporting the assault, was black-banned, while the perpetrator’s family within the union was inadvertently tipped off, further endangering her. A secret recording revealed a union official acknowledging her role in the victim’s Danger and expressing regret for the oversight, while also admitting awareness of multiple women forced off sites due to violent men.

Systemic Failures and Accountability

The CFMEU’s national secretary, Zach Smith, admitted the union’s failure to support these women adequately, stating that the union had let them down. He emphasized the need for male leaders to champion change and hold perpetrators accountable. However, the union’sactions, such as rehiring violent individuals, indicate a deeper systemic issue where the pursuit of industrial peace overrides worker safety, disproportionately affecting women.

Jess Hill, a leading domestic violence campaigner, placed ultimate responsibility on the Victorian government, highlighting the inaction on bikie infiltration and the resulting unsafe work environments. She emphasized the government’s duty to protect women on taxpayer-funded sites. Geoffrey Watson, SC, the chief investigator, described the Big Build as a refuge for violent criminals and accused the government of covering up the extent of wrongdoing.

The Human Toll: Lives Forever Changed

The personal accounts of these women reveal not just physical harm but also the psychological and emotional toll of their ordeals. Lilly Munro’s fear for her children’s safety and her inability to work illustrate the far-reaching consequences of systemic failures. Lisa Zanatta, a CFMEU official responsible for women’s rights, expressed deep regret over her role in potentially endangering a victim, acknowledging the complex power structures that make it difficult for women to feel safe.

A Call for Systemic Change

The revelations underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms within unions and government agencies. Watson committed to prioritizing these cases, recognizing the severity of the women’s treatment. Jess Hill further emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to address the toxic environment and ensure women’s safety on construction sites.

This report serves as a call to action for unions and governments to address the systemic issues that have allowed violence against women to persist. The focus must shift from Industrial peace to worker safety, ensuring that no woman has to suffer in silence or fear on the job.