Olympic site workers win battle over pay

SYDNEY - A group of New Zealanders allegedly underpaid while working on Sydney's Olympic sites have been able to recover their full entitlements, says their union.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union said yesterday that it had successfully recovered $A71,791 ($92,230) in back pay and conditions.

The 24 building workers were flown to Sydney last month to work on Games venues.

The union took up their case late last month, alleging that they were being paid at much less than Australian rates and were not getting local conditions such as overtime, holiday and sick pay, and workers' compensation.

The issue stopped work briefly at the hockey, cycling, archery and equestrian venues while an agreement was negotiated for another company to take the men on.

Union secretary Andrew Ferguson said the workers remained on Olympic projects, but were now employed by French firm Onzstage, which was complying with local labour laws.

"We recognise that the Kiwi workers were the victims in all of this," he said. "They are back on the job with another employer and earning double what they were."

Mr Ferguson said the case highlighted the difference between the union environment in Australia and in New Zealand.

"These blokes were used to building work in a non-union environment," he said. "They can now see what's possible with active trade unionism."

He said the New Zealanders had elected a delegate and a safety officer from among their ranks.

The workers are expected to remain in their jobs until the Olympics start in September.

- NZPA