NSW: 20,000 workers expected at workers' picnic

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2004
NSW: 20,000 workers expected at workers' picnic

SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - NSW Building workers love a picnic and tomorrow's annual event
is expected to be the biggest on record in Australia with 20,000 people attending.

The annual Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) picnic has grown
so big since it began 42 years ago that it has been split between three venues.

CFMEU NSW secretary Andrew Ferguson said tickets to the picnic, which began at Bronte
Beach in 1962, sold out weeks in advance.

"This year's picnic is likely to be one of the largest on record as we spread it over
three sites because there is no suitable venue in NSW capable of holding this picnic,"

Mr Ferguson said.

"Monday will be quite a day across the state for residents and other workers as thousands
of building sites close across the state and tens of thousands of building workers celebrate
the principles of mateship, unity and a fair go at the annual CFMEU picnic."

Building sites across the state will be closed as more than 20,000 workers and their
families enjoy a day out at Luna Park, Taronga Zoo and Jamberoo Recreation Park, south
of Wollongong, Mr Ferguson said.

AAP alc/drp/bwl

KEYWORD: PICNIC

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