Introduction Most work in the Building and Construction industry, particularly in the housing sector, is undertaken by small sub-contracting companies employing less than four workers. The large, well-known companies employ few, if any, direct workers and could be seen as construction managers rather than builders.
Workers move from project to project, often following work interstate.
In the past, they received little or no recognition for skills gained on previous jobs. Major reforms were needed to ensure the prosperity of the industry and its workers. During 1988-89 the Australian Industrial Relations Commission endorsed award restructuring in the Building and Construction industry. This made wage increases conditional upon a fundamental review of the award. Enterprise bargaining provided flexibility in negotiating conditions and pay rates.