BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson visited two major construction projects in Melbourne, Australia on 6 November, praising the Construction General Division of the CFMEU for maintaining fully union-organised worksites with full-time organisers, strong delegate structures, and active Health and Safety Representatives. Joined by BWI Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator Apolinar Tolentino, Yuson highlighted the worksites as models of worker power and effective union representation.

The BWI delegation began at the North East Link, one of Melbourne’s largest civil construction undertakings under Victoria’s Big Build. Guided by CFMEU Organiser Andy Houston and Lisa Zanatta, Yuson met delegates and workers who showcased the project’s high standards on safety, coordination, and union density. He underscored that such conditions demonstrate how a 100% organised workforce delivers both quality infrastructure and dignified, safe jobs.

In the afternoon, Yuson toured Multiplex’s Journal Student Accommodation project at Franklin Street with CFMEU Delegate Jeremy Tomic and Zanatta. The 40-storey commercial build, staffed entirely by union members, highlighted innovation, skill, and strong site democracy.

BWI commended the CFMEU for setting world-class benchmarks in construction labour standards, calling Melbourne’s organised worksites proof that empowered workers are the backbone of safe and successful projects.