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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, March 14, 2001: The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) which had taken away eight temple construction workers with them on February 26 on the charge that they were being underpaid and exploited, has strongly denied allegations of desecrating the Sri Venkateswara Temple here and has instead leveled a counter-allegation that the management of the temple was trying to exploit the religious sentiments of the expatriate Hindu community. Phil Davey CFMEU media liaison officer denies that the sanctity of the temple was compromised at any stage on February 26. “There was no disrespect at any point by the union members towards the Hindu faith in general and that temple in particular,” Davey told IANS. He said that they did go to the accommodations with shoes on, but removed them after it was pointed out as inappropriate. Davey produced documents, which say that the temple has been issued by Workcover (an Australian government organization) with an infringement notice and a fine of Australian US$275 for not ensuring health and safety welfare of its employees.”

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