Forty workers have been sacked from the Westgate Reconstruction project, after demanding to be paid the industry rate for the job.

The AMWU and CFMEU members who were employed last December and told to expect two years full time work, were dismissed on Monday without any warning.

AMWU organiser Tony Mavromatis said the sacking was completely unexpected.

“We were negotiating with the employer, Civil Pacific Services to comply ensure we had a collective agreement that paid the industry standard, which they agreed to, but the builder, John Holland has refused to pay.

“They want to employ the workers on rates much lower than those in the agreement and the workers refused.”

Mr Mavromatis said that John Holland is now trying to find other people to do the job.

“They’re advertising for people, even though they have skilled, qualified workers.”

“This is just another case of corporate greed. Like PacBrand and Fosters, Holland wants to employ people at a cheaper rate. It’s got nothing to do with the financial crisis.

“It’s just another case of executives lining their fat pockets, while workers earn less.”

The workers have vowed to fight for their jobs and there is a protest in place outside the offices of John Holland at 275 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne.