Union members off to court over abuse

A government watchdog is taking 13 high ranking construction union officials to court, saying they organised blockades that led to contractors being verbally abused.

The Fair Work Building and Construction body alleges subcontractors were called "f**king scabs and filthy dogs", and hindered from entering their worksite by blockaders during industrial action last year.

The union officials, including CFMEU national secretary Michael O'Connor, will face the allegations in court.