INDIVIDUAL construction workers who go on strike could have their assets — including their homes — seized if they do not pay the penalties for their industrial action.

The new measures — revealed in The Australian today — were denounced as “fascist laws” and “unprecedented in Australian industrial history” by the head of the union representing construction, forestry and mining workers.

“The construction industry laws are not about attacking so-called union bosses, they are about attacking ordinary working Australians,” CFMEU head Dave Noonan said.

Nigel Hadkiss, the director of Fair Work Building and Construction [FWBC] — the Federal Government agency with oversight of the industry — revealed that action against individual workers had been pursued in relation to disputes on sites in Perth and Brisbane.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz said the Abbott government supported the measures.

“This is no different to the processes that apply to individuals who fail to comply with court orders in any other fields,” The Australian quoted him as saying. “Laws have to be enforced and obeyed and individuals who do not obey court orders must be held to account.

“No one should think they are above the law or that certain laws won’t be rigorously enforced.”

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Federal Court orders have already prevented workers on a Woodside oil and gas project who were facing penalties for their industrial action from disposing of assets. Eighteen property search and seizure orders were made by the court in that case.

Mr Hadgkiss said that the new measures were a warning to workers, employers and unions.

“FWBC will not hesitate to enforce penalties imposed by the courts,’’ he said.

The CFMEU in Western Australia has met to discuss the issue with members, who are understandably concerned about losing their homes as a result of taking part in strike action.