Union facing fines for "Steve Irwin" claim

A union official who introduced himself as "Steve Irwin" on a NSW building site before instructing workers to stop work is facing a $10,000 fine.

Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) alleges Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) official Anthony Kong entered the $17.4 million project site in Sydney on June, 6, 2013, without a work health and safety permit.

Mr Kong, alongside fellow official Chad Anthony Bragdon, allegedly told workers at the parking lot construction site at Mascot to stop work, evacuate the area, and that the site had to be shut down.

Some workers left the site and work slowed.

The duo claimed to be on the site for health and safety purposes, according to a FWBC statement.

When Mr Kong was asked to identify himself on site, he is accused of stating his name as "Steve Irwin".

FWBC says that despite being asked three times, neither Mr Kong or Mr Bragdon could show entry permits.

Comment has been sought from the CFMEU.

FWBC director Nigel Hadgkiss alleges the pair did not have authorisation to direct people to stop work.

"Here we have another case of union officials allegedly using work health and safety to enter a site and then allegedly disrupting work," Mr Hadgkiss said.

FWBC has launched action in the Federal Court, where Mr Bragdon and Mr Kong will be accused of breaching the Fair Work Act by hindering or obstructing work on a site.

FWBC alleges the union is liable for the eleven breaches, including five breaches for Mr Bragdon and six for Mr Kong.

The maximum penalties range from $10,200 for an individual for each Fair Work Act contravention and $51,000 for the CFMEU.

A directions hearing is scheduled for March 25.