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Union food fight brews

Master Builders Association's Kim Richardson.

The extent of the building industry watchdog's crackdown on union activity has been highlighted by an investigation into the cost of pies, chips and other snacks at a WA site.

Fair Work Building and Construction has confirmed it is investigating a union-subsidised canteen at Brookfield Multiplex's Midland Hospital site.

The canteen, subsidised by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, advertises a full price and a discounted union member's price for snacks.

It is believed the investigation is considering a possible breach of section 346 of the Fair Work Act, which prevents adverse action against anyone based on whether they belong to a union, as well as section 350, which prohibits employers and contractors from inducing an employee to join a union.

The Master Builders Association's Kim Richardson said it was not a trivial investigation but an important indicator of the FWBC's approach under new director Nigel Hadgkiss.

"It sets the tone of where the FWBC is coming from and where it is going - it's a zero tolerance approach," he said.

Mr Richardson said it was not unlawful for affiliated groups to offer discounts but savings should be offered through member cards at the point of transaction.

He said separate price lists could be deemed an advert for membership or as overt discrimination against non-members. Brookfield Multiplex could be unwittingly involved in the investigation under the 2013 building code

"They have not been very sophisticated about the way they have gone about it . . . and have exposed themselves to allegations of discrimination," Mr Richardson said.

CFMEU Secretary Mick Buchan said it was "just another union- bashing exercise by the FWBC".