The Hindu Council of Australia called off its protest march against an Australian labor union accused of desecrating the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple. The Council withdrew its call following an apology by the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). A CFMEU team visited the temple and removed eight stonemasons, alleging gross underpayment and unsafe living conditions. Temple management said the union desecrated the premises. The media liaison had earlier admitted union members entered accommodations wearing shoes, but removed them after it was pointed out that shoes were not allowed. The episode was followed by wide media coverage of allegations of a US$49/week wage and forced on-site accommodations.
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