PEREGRINE INDUSTRIAL

I have worked with Michael Paynter for over 15 years. Michael's style is to engage with his client's unions and employees and to build relationships with these key stakeholders. It means Michael sees issues before they become a problem and this is hugely beneficial when the aim is to work to resolve matters before they become disputes. Michael is a genuine trusted advisor.

Michael has wealth of IR knowledge that comes with years of working in the industry and is connected to the right people who can provide a Union perspective and influence outcomes. He provides advice using a practical hands on approach to managing construction IR which is aimed at avoiding unnecessary conflict between management, employees and Union officials but always with achieving the outcomes needed. This includes matters such as site setup and facilities, safety systems and committees, managing communications , construction matters such as company selection with consideration to EBAs, advice on EBA matters and interpretation of clauses, approach to handling unlawful action etc. Also provides a perspective on what has happened at other construction sites and how best to avoid issues. Michael works well at all levels in the AP organisation and is always extremely professional and cool headed in his approach. He has helped AP arrive at carefully considered decisions and always ensures the risks are highlighted and understood.

The Grand Prix project includes a number of unique challenges including a limited build window, a large and diverse labour force working in and around a busy urban park, and a fixed finish date when the cars will absolutely be on the grid in front of an international audience. Michael Paynter and his Peregrine team have been an essential part of APP’s success for over the past 5 Grands Prix, using their industrial relations and safety management expertise to help us manage one of the most complex work sites in Australia. In particular they offer a professional, proactive and holistic approach to dealing with the often merging worlds of IR, WH & S and Risk Management on major projects like ours.

I engaged Michael initially for his strategic advice on the current state of industrial relations in the Victorian Construction Industry, what industrial instruments are used on non-building projects, union coverage, should the size of the project impact the IR approach, the demarcation of construction vs maintenance / small capital expenditure work (Greenfield vs Brownfield), a view on the IR practices of contractors, identification of the types of issues that consume time and effort if not managed well, etc…..  Construction IR is a distinct subset of the broader IR. Michael brings years and years of experience and history with him.  He has an established network in the construction game on both sides of the industrial divide.  He knows how to get things done without compromising the end objective.  He opened doors that would not normally have been able to be accessed. Michael has been the intermediary for AP in the management of union claims and activities impacting the project.  He has provided advice on contractor management issues.  He is a good sounding board for the project manager and his team.  His style is involved without being overly officious, allowing people to come to the right conclusion after having the benefit of almost “fatherly” advice.  That is not to say that Michael doesn’t have a hard edge, he can argue the toss with the best of them, it is just when he says no he does it without offence.

Peregrine have a level of awareness and knowledge of the IR climate within Australia that I’ve not experienced elsewhere. They had an uncanny ability to diffuse potential issues before they materialised. Michael and his team introduced us to key players within the IR community and gave us insight and guidance, concerning specific strategies, to engage more effectively with them. Peregrine’s support through the tendering process to probe and challenge contractors IR management capability was invaluable.