Livewire Winter 2023

ETU NSW & ACT

WINTER 2023

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ELECTRICAL TRADES UNION

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@NSW_ETU

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2 YEARS OF WINNING FOR MEMBERS

It’s just over two years since I had the honour of being appointed Branch Secretary by the ETU NSW & ACT Branch State Council.

I committed from the outset to transparent and accountable leadership.

In that spirit, our team has compiled a reportback to members which you can read on pages 4-8.

The feature ‘Winning for Members’ focuses on the progress the Branch has made since May 2021, using two key benchmarks which are critical to any trade union.

The first is the results of the ETU’s industrial work with and on behalf of members. This is the core business of our union – defending and improving your safety, pay, conditions and workplace rights.

The outcomes over the past two years are compelling. Our union has delivered great agreements to more than 10,000 members across construction, rail and the power sector, and to many members in the general trade and manufacturing divisions.

We’ve achieved those results because we have the right strategies backed up by action where required. On the ground we’ve built fantastic delegate and HSR networks supported by our dedicated team of organisers.

The industry has noticed the marked increase in the ETU NSW & ACT’s determination and power to fight for members. That’s one reason we were able to negotiate groundbreaking construction EBAs without industrial action.

The second key benchmark for any union, or any membership organisation, is the number of people choosing to join. In that respect, over the past two years we have turned round the decline of the ETU NSW & ACT. The Branch has grown by more than 10% since May 2021. There are more members in every section, with an extraordinary 21.4% increase in construction and 13.1% in transport.

And I am very confident there is more growth to come, especially in contracting and construction, and several new targeted sectors.

Every ETU member can be proud of these excellent outcomes.

Together, there’s much more we will achieve.

PROUD TO BE UNION

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ALLEN HICKS

SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT

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04 CONTENTS

WINNING FOR MEMBERS

09 10 11 12 14 20

THANK YOU COL HARRIS! INDUSTRIAL ROUNDUP LABOR PROMISES TRACKED MAY DAY ETU PEOPLE ETU IN THE COMMUNITY

UNION CONTACTS

SYDNEY 02 9267 4844 NEWCASTLE 02 4968 2488 CANBERRA (02) 9267 4844 CENTRAL WEST (02) 9267 4844 NORTHERN REGION (02) 9267 4844

etunsw@etunsw.com.au

ETU Women celebrate

in style

It was a truly fabulous night when the ETU gathered to celebrate 100 years since the first woman – Mona Coe – joined our union.

The glittering occasion heard proud ETU women – from the union’s female pioneers to today’s apprentices – speak out about their experiences at work.

‘We’ve come a long way, but much more needs to be done’ was the message.

The evening raised funds for The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter and was kindly supported by sponsors Protect, Chifley and Hall Paine Lawyers. Thanks also for the contribution from employers Sydney Trains, Ausgrid and Transgrid and the attendance of MPs Marjorie O’Neill and Deborah O’Neill.

Mona Coe, and 23 of her female workmates, joined the ETU NSW Branch in 1923, after the Branch Executive changed the rules to allow female membership. The ETU later pursued a case arguing that Mona had been underpaid because she performed electrical work, winding motors, but was not paid as an electrician.

GREAT WORK FROM THE ETU WOMEN’S COMMITTEE!

ARE YOU HANDY WITH A CAMERA OR PHONE?

ETU NSW ARE YOU & ACT PROUDLY Branch ETU? DO YOU LOVE Photo A CREATIVE Contest CHALLENGE?

If yes, you should enter the new ETU Photo contest! It’s open to all financial members of ETU NSW & ACT Branch, including Honorary Members.

Enter up to five images with an ETU theme, including:

Entries close 5 pm 30 July 2023

ETU members at work ETU members engaged in a unionrelated activity Subjects related to electrical work, the electrical industries or the ETU.

SCAN TO ENTER

Entries will be judged by a panel appointed by the ETU NSW & ACT Branch Secretary.

PRIZES: 1ST $250 2ND $150 3RD $100 Please do check the rules and guidelines before you start – and remember your images need to be large enough to be listed in megabytes (not kilobytes).

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*ABS 2022 technicians & trades union v non-union

WINTER 2023

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WINNING FOR MEMBERS CONSTRUCTION

WINNING FOR MEMBERS

Measured by industrial outcomes for members, the past two years has been one of the most successful periods in the 120-year history of the ETU NSW & ACT Branch.

Regionally, we’ve seen promising results from organising drives in the Illawarra and South Coast, and in the Central West, where the Branch now has a dedicated organiser.

These achievements for the big majority of ETU members have been carved out in challenging times.

Over the past 17 years, legal, industrial and political barriers were erected to

Those anti-union measures are one reason that traditional union organising is required – strong, accountable unions with active members and good delegate structures get results.

That’s exactly the path the NSW & ACT Branch has taken over the past two years, rebuilding and strengthening our capacity to better represent ETU members.

Our recent approach has reversed the decline in Branch membership.

The ETU NSW & ACT has grown by over 10% in two years.

That will continue as the Branch implements a growth strategy that targets sectors such as Electricity Supply Authority contractors, Fire Industry, Data & Communications, Mechelec and Apprentices.

None of this is possible without the active support of loyal ETU members and especially the union’s hardworking delegates and organisers.

Together we’ve come a long way in a short time.

With members’ ongoing support, the Branch has big plans to build on our recent achievements to deliver further improvements for ETU members and their families.

GROWING ETU REVERSES DECLINE Over the past two years, the ETU NSW & ACT Branch has reversed a longterm trend of declining membership.

Total fee-paying membership grew by more than 10% in the period May 2021-May 2023. In electrical contracting/construction, membership jumped by 21%.

All sectors saw growth, from Supply Authorities up 2.4%, to General Trade up 5.2% and Transport up 13.1%.

These figures reflect the success of the Branch’s organising and industrial work, and the recognition across industry of the ETU’s renewed drive and effectiveness.

2.4%

21.4%

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GENERAL TRADES

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

SUPPLY AUTHORITIES

5.2%

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10.1%

ETU NSW & ACT MEMBERSHIP GROWTH 2021-23

13.1%

TOTAL FEE PAYING MEMBERS

Many members in general trade and manufacturing have also benefited from good EBA outcomes.

obstruct the legitimate work of unions seeking to represent and advance the interests of members.

TRANSPORT

Great outcomes have been delivered in major campaigns for more than 10,000 members across the construction, power and rail sectors.

YEAR OF ACTION

The stakes were high as ETU members across the electricity sector prepared to negotiate agreements in 2021. The outcomes would determine conditions for nearly 5,000 members at Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy, Evoenergy and Transgrid.

Employers planned to take a hard line. Ausgrid sought to impose a one-year wage freeze and attack core conditions. ETU members had complained that the union had not run a serious industrial campaign in the power sector for many years. Deals were often hammered out at closed door meetings with management, then presented to members as ‘the best we can get’. In 2021, the ETU NSW & ACT Branch, under new leadership, broke with that approach.

‘We approached these EBAs with one united strategy and planned a long hard campaign to achieve the outcomes our members deserved,’ said Branch Secretary Allen Hicks.

The first move Allen made was to consult and empower the delegate groups. To overcome the challenges of distance and COVID, the ETU embraced remote technology. Delegates met weekly – and daily during peak periods. Virtual mass meetings gave all members input. Senior Ausgrid delegate Peter Kramel said: ‘Allen’s experience was invaluable. As Secretary he took on all feedback, but he left decisions in the delegates’ hands.’

The ETU’s campaign employed the first substantial bans and stoppages since at least 2000. ‘Industrial action really energised the membership. People saw that they could affect the outcome, and that it was worthwhile being a union member.’

Endeavour Energy members were the first to take action. Some were stood down without pay after applying switching bans.

Endeavour management tapped the mat after two weeks. The resulting EBA delivered an 8% pay rise, significantly improved conditions, and 1.5% more super, bringing employer contributions to 16.5% -- an outcome far superior to the company’s first offer.

Essential Energy members secured a similar result after actions including a 12-hour stoppage. That campaign was coordinated with delegates representing 92 depots.

Transgrid members stood firm together for 18 months until the company made an acceptable offer.

Ausgrid management under former CEO Richard Gross remained intransigent. It took a 16-week industrial campaign to force an outcome that ETU members could support.

The EBAs were wrapped up in time for ETU members across the sector to celebrate Christmas 2021 with an extra spring in their steps.

But the benefits to the ETU and our members did not end there.

The hard-fought campaigns developed much stronger delegate structures and higher levels of activism still evident today.

The other major legacy is the ETU Transmission & Distribution Fighting Fund, subject to annual renewal.

That means when the next round of power sector EBAs is launched later this year, the ETU’s campaign will be even more formidable.

WINTER 2023

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POWER SECTOR

Power sector

CONSTRUCTION

24 GAINS THAT MADE HISTORY FOR THE ETU IN SYDNEY CONSTRUCTION

BY ALLEN HICKS, SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT

This is an historic period for the ETU NSW & ACT Branch, and especially for our members in Sydney construction.

Several of our 2022-2025 construction EBAs have been ratified in the Fair Work Commission. Many similar agreements at top tier contractors have been approved in-principle and will be ratified in due course. We anticipate the construction industry EBA will be rolled out to over 30 companies.

These EBAs are some of the best I’ve been involved with in my 23 years as a union official.

I want to take you through the key gains our members have made – but first let’s recap how we reached this point.

It’s been a five-year journey. When we launched the ‘It’s Time’ campaign in December 2018, the ETU NSW & ACT had just a handful of construction EBAs with rates and conditions well below those in Queensland and Victoria.

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ETU membership across construction and contracting was just 3,293 and our delegates structures were deficient.

The base hourly rate for a Grade 5 Electrician was $46.51 in June 2019.

achieved is because ETU members backed the strategies developed by the ETU leadership and delegates and were prepared to take action to achieve those outcomes.

We’ve come a long way in the past five years! Membership in construction and contracting currently sits at 5,316, a 61% increase. Our union has excellent delegates and HSRs across the sector.

Today the hourly base rate is $54.44, a 17% increase from 2019. In May 2025, the rate will be $61.03. That’s a 16.25% rise in the new EBAs, and a total increase of 31.2% over six years.

The companies knew we had the power and resources to back up our claims, if required. Thankfully, industrial action has not been required at present to deliver these great outcomes with most employers seeking to work collaboratively with the ETU.

While those new wage rates are great improvements, they are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the 202225 agreement -- but let’s never forget how we achieved this great outcome.

Nothing in these agreements was gifted to workers out of the kindness of employers. Every item we have

In future, we may need industrial action to defend our gains and advance further claims. That’s why it’s essential that every worker joins the ETU and supports our delegates on the job.

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Site allowance on all projects

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Infrastructure allowance rising from $6.25 to $9.75 per hour 10

Wellbeing Leave – up to 5 days extra leave if you consistently work Saturdays 14

Same job, same pay – this clause will boost job security and end the scourge of labour hire exploitation

30% pay rise and other major gains for apprentices, including fares & travel when attending TAFE, improved productivity allowance and $60 per week Protect severance for 4th year apprentices

Protect severance rising to $120 per week in 2025 : tax-free payments

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$180 per week severance on Major Projects

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A bucket of 7 days leave for community service, natural disaster and pandemic-related isolation leave

Increased income protection coverage: 90% of $2,250 pw

Additional $3 per hour all purpose licence allowance on Major Projects

Enjoy the benefits of your union agreements

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Meal allowance paid for 10 hours work

All overtime at double time maintained

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14 days paid parental leave & Dad/ partner leave, 18 weeks for primary carer

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Blood donors leave

Fares and travel rising to $60 per day

$1.47 per hour allowance for HSRs, with 5 paid meetings per year plus protection against transfer without union approval

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8

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16

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Productivity allowance up to $4.00 hourly, a 14.29% increase

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Superannuation to be 2% above SGC in July 2025

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$2.94 per hour for elected ETU delegates plus further delegate protection

16.25% pay rise making electrical workers the best paid trade in construction

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No casual employees in the industry

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EBA OUTCOMES

SOME KEY EBA OUTCOMES

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Shift loading for afternoons and nights up to 50%

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Employers pay $6 per worker per week into Industry Skills & Training Development Fund

Inclement weather payments for first time, starting at 16 hours, increases to 32 hours in 2025

Make sure everyone at your workplace enjoying these benefits is a member of the mighty ETU

YOU’VE WORKED HARD TO ACHIEVE THESE OUTCOMES AND DESERVE EVERY ONE! WINTER 2023

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RAIL SECTOR

BEST RAIL OUTCOME in many years

ETU members at Sydney Trains turned round the worst ever EBA offer to achieve what many are saying is the sector’s best outcome in at least 40 years.

It took a 14-month industrial campaign and the emergence of a new generation of delegates to achieve this excellent outcome.

In early 2021, Sydney Trains management, in an attempt to delay bargaining, offered employees a 0.3% pay rise with all conditions rolled over.

This was rejected by 97% of workers.

ETU members won a package that delivers pay rises ranging between 1116%, depending on skill and training levels – the best result for any rail union.

‘During the campaign we saw new delegates step forward and the level of activism continued to ramp up. Our Sydney Trains members, even the most senior, had never experienced such a serious industrial campaign,’ said Tara.

Almost every item in the ETU log of claims was successful, including the introduction of the Electrical Safety Allowance paying between $70 and $130 weekly.

In compiling lists of industrial actions, which were approved in two Protected Action Ballots, delegates drew on the experiences of the 2021 ETU power sector campaigns.

The ETU campaign was led by ETU President and senior delegate Glen Potter with the support of organiser Tara Koot and ETU Secretary Allen

‘Two of our most effective actions were the switching ban and the ban on locking systems, both of which were applied by ETU members in the

That kicked off protracted and often bitter bargaining that was not resolved until in principle agreement was reached in December 2022. 93% of combined union members later voted up the offer.

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Hicks. The union hosted weekly remote meetings that involved up to 50 delegates. An inner circle of seven senior delegates formed the bargaining committee.

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electricity sector. Our rail delegates were amazingly united and disciplined throughout the campaign.’

Due to the former NSW government’s State Wages Cap, headline pay increases were restricted. However successful union action in the Fair Work Commission saw an additional 2% awarded in recognition of the cost of living. That brought the total wage rise to 8% over two years, plus super, plus $4,500 sign-on bonus.

The incoming Minns Labor government is committed to abolishing the Wages Cap, which will allow genuine negotiations for the next rail EBA. The current agreement expires in May 2024.

Tara said the memorable EBA campaign reflects the ETU’s willingness to fight to advance the interests of members.

‘It was great to see the delegates step up, but just as important was the complete and consistent support from the Branch’s leadership throughout. It was a very positive and united experience.’

Retiring veteran predicts

‘bright ETU future’ After 63 years as an ETU member, Colin Harris will step aside from his leadership roles.

The ETU Life Member says our union has a bright future thanks to strong leadership combined with great organisers and delegates.

Growing up on Sydney’s northern beaches, Col was an apprentice with Mackellar County Council, which in 1980 became part of Sydney County Council, Ausgrid’s predecessor.

He moved up through the SCC ranks, as a substation fitter, voltage regulation technician, telecontrol technician, leading hand, technical officer and engineering officer.

Col was elected an ETU shop steward in the early 1970s, then Secretary of Pittwater Sub-Branch, and is a current State Councillor and Branch Executive Member. He was an ETU organiser from 1987-1998, later working for Electrogroup and chairing the Electrotechnology ITAB for the ETU. Col was at the centre of one of the ETU’s most significant industrial campaigns – the five-week SCC strike in 1981.

‘The dispute was triggered by the need to amalgamate awards that left people paid different rates for the same work. A mass meeting of over 1,000 members at Redfern Oval called an indefinite strike. SCC chose to ignore us and there wasn’t a meeting for the first two weeks, but the members stuck with the union and held out for five weeks. Just before Christmas, we won,’ said Col. ETU members secured a $50 per week pay increase, and two new conditions that later spread across the industry – the Electrical Rules Safety Allowance and the Electrical License Allowance.

ETU FOR LIFE Union pride is more than skin deep for Col Harris.

The 79-year-old’s wiry arms are inked with tributes to the union he has served in so many capacities for 63 years.

They include the ETU logo, Eureka flag and his father’s signature that authorised Col’s 1960 ETU membership application.

The tattoos are an amazing testament to Col’s lifetime dedication to the ETU.

‘BEING A UNION DELEGATE AND ETU OFFICIAL IS NOT ALWAYS EASY, BUT IT IS VERY REWARDING. IT’S SATISFYING TO BE PART OF A UNION THAT WON THE SHORTER WEEK, RDOS AND ESPECIALLY THE ELIMINATION OF UNSAFE WORK PRACTICES. ‘When I was an apprentice, too many work practices were hugely unsafe. Far too many good men have been killed or maimed. Our union’s work has saved so many lives.’

Col will step aside from his union leadership roles in July, but he is highly optimistic about prospects for the ETU NSW & ACT Branch.

‘I’m in awe of the Branch Secretary and the current crop of organisers. They’ve done an incredible job to look after members.

‘The results the union is delivering industrially and the ongoing growth in membership over the past two years speak for themselves. I’m confident the ETU is on the right track with the right plan and will continue from strength to strength.’

WINTER 2023

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INDUSTRIAL ROUNDUP

Tallawarra members have added EBA protection

member action wins

11% at Tomago

Around 200 ETU and AMWU members at Tomago Aluminium have accepted in-principle an EBA that delivers 11% higher wages over two years. Changes to prepaid overtime arrangements will further lift the base hourly rate.

This good outcome was achieved after union members took the first industrial action at the company since 1994. Work bans and a 4-hour stoppage pressured management to make a better offer.

‘This is the best pay agreement we’ve ever been able to negotiate,’ said ETU delegate Dan Lines. ‘The boys had had enough. They stood up and flexed a bit of muscle.’

ETU organiser Brad McDougall congratulated members on their unity and determination throughout the campaign.

‘The result proves once again that when we stick together, we win.’

ETU members employed by CE Group at the Tallawarra B project in Wollongong had a briefing from Chifley Insurance rep Hugh Evers.

These members have Chifley Top Up and Income Protection Insurance as part of their enterprise agreement.

This provides income protection for up to two years for accident and illness that occurs outside of work. The insurance cover also tops up workers compensation payments (which can drop significantly over time) if members are injured at work.

Illawarra/South Coast ETU organiser, Stewart Edward said, ‘these important conditions give ETU members real security if you are injured or sick outside work.’

8% over

two years at Thales

20 ETU members employed by Thales at Garden Island have negotiated an 8% pay rise over two years.

The EBA was agreed after workers took industrial action including stoppages and bans. Union members stood firm despite a management threat to turn around a ship if protected action continued.

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Delegates Day Endeavour Energy delegates gathered for a day of discussion on industry issues and the log of claims for the next EBA. Spirited discussion ensued with contributions from ETU Secretary Allen Hicks, senior organiser Darran Miller and organiser Nick Bligh.

Great work, team!

Water contractor offers Mass meetings not good enough of ETU members at two Sydney Water contractors have rejected pay offers as bargaining continues in two regions.

An offer of 19% over three years from Western Region Delivery Team did not get support, while contractor D4C’s 13% over three years was dismissed by ETU members working in the south.

ETU organiser Mitch Johnston said: ‘It’s good to see our members united and determined to get the best possible outcomes in return for their highly skilled work.’

IS NSW LABOR KEEPING PROMISES MADE TO ETU MEMBERS?

At the March 2023 NSW election, the ETU supported a vote for Chris Minns and Labor for very specific reasons.

Labor promised a set of policies and reforms that are in the interests of ETU members, our industries, our families and communities.

Now that NSW Labor is in government, albeit for a short time, it’s time to report on the progress and plans around these key policies.

NO MORE PRIVATISATION PROMISE: Labor leader Chris Minns made a direct public pledge to the ETU that privatisation would end under Labor, including at five named companies that employ ETU members.

PLAN: The Minns Government already introduced legislation to ban any sell off of Sydney Water and Hunter Water. The Government has repeatedly stated its blanket ban on privatisation.

ETU SAYS: Great start, but there is still more to do.

AXE WAGES CAP

intention to establish this Corporation.

PROMISE: Labor promised to abolish the State Wages Cap, opening the door to genuine negotiations with ETU members in the public sector.

ETU SAYS: We look forward to Labor launching this key initiative which was jointly launched with the ETU during the election campaign.

PLAN: ‘Since becoming premier, Chris Minns has repeatedly promised his government will scrap the public sector wage cap but warned it’s complex and will take time’: ABC

BUILD TRAINS HERE PROMISE: The Coalition refused for 12 years to build transport locally. Labor pledged to build trains, trams and ferries here, starting with the next Tangara trains, creating 1,000 jobs.

ETU SAYS: The wages cap must be axed.

We look forward to Labor delivering on this promise.

$1B ENERGY SECURITY CORPORATION PROMISE: Labor will boost public ownership in the energy sector by launching the $1 billion NSW Energy Security Corporation to accelerate investment in renewable energy assets.

PLAN: Since the election, Transport Minister Jo Haylen has publicly recommitted to the Tangara, promising procurement activity will begin in the Government’s first term.

ETU SAYS: Great news. This is a popular move that will deliver better transport and good jobs.

PLAN: Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has publicly confirmed the Government’s

RAPPVILLE

THANKS ETU MEMBERS FOR FUNDING BUS

RAPPVILLE COMMUNITY THANKS ETU SECRETARY ALLEN HICKS AND NORTHERN NSW ORGANISER STEVE MAGANN

Donations from ETU members have funded a community bus that is helping the bushfire-ravaged community of Rappville get back on its feet. The northern NSW town lost 23 homes and two sawmills during the 2019-20 bushfires.

The community thanked ETU Secretary Allen Hicks and Northern NSW organiser Steve Magann for the $40,000 donation raised by ETU members in 2020 through the ETU National Bushfire Relief Fund.

That money helped the Rappville Social Club purchase the community bus which was launched in May at a community celebration. The vehicle, which has disabled access, will be

available for school activities and community events.

Dave Newby, President of the Rappville Social Club, said: ‘We really do appreciate the work of the ETU and the MUA. It’s bloody fantastic!’

Locals also thanked the Essential Energy workers who replaced more than 300 poles and other assets after the fires.

‘Unions at their heart are about working together for a better life.

That’s exactly what the Rappville Social Club have done with this bus.

We’re proud to be part of it,’ said Allen Hicks.

Steve Magann on behalf of the ETU accepted a Certificate of Thanks at the bus launch.

WINTER 2023

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ETU ACTIVISM

ETU MEMBERS CELEBRATE

MAY DAY ETU contingents were front and centre at three 2023 May Day events in Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong.

Our union joins the entire labour movement each May Day to pay tribute to the generations who fought for the benefits we enjoy today. We celebrate the achievements of trade unions and commit to defend those gains into the future.

The Sydney march and rally on Monday 1 May was well attended with hundreds of ETU members taking a half day off to attend.

ETU Secretary Allen Hicks spoke on the need for a just transition to renewable energy: ‘Those workers who have kept the lights on must be provided with a pathway to the same pay, conditions and security they currently enjoy.’

The South Coast Labour Council’s May Day was shifted from Wollongong to Port Kembla to protest plans to build a nuclear submarine base, threatening the region’s economic future as a renewable energy zone.

Thousands marched to Port Kembla, including a large group from Sydney. Allen Hicks told the crowd that the ETU has had a strong anti-nuclear policy since World War II and will oppose any nuclear facility in the region.

ETU YOUTH

welcomes young members Recent ETU Youth meetings have seen lively discussion around a host of union and social issues.

Mark Burgess from Energy Skills Australia presented on eProfiling and training packages. Members asked for more education around EBAs and May Day. The group is working on ideas and designs for ETU Youth merchandise – send your ideas and any other comment to

youth@etunsw.com.au

The committee welcomes any ETU member aged 30 and under.

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NEXT MEETING

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3.30 PM, WED 30 JUNE ETU HQ, Level 5, 370 Pitt St, Sydney

HONORARY MEMBERS

FROM TEXAS & TUCSON

TO TRADES HALL BACK SYDNEY TOGETHER The ETU Honorary Member Luncheons are back after a threeyear pandemic hiatus.

Old mates and comrades gathered in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong to celebrate all things ETU. ETU Secretary Allen Hicks delivered a comprehensive briefing on the state of our union while Honorary Members enjoyed their three-course meal and beverage. It was great to see you all again!

PICTURED L-R: STEPHEN GONZALES, FRED BARBIN ETU ASST SEC, PRICE WARWICK, SARITA MORALES

The ETU hosted three officials from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the North American equivalent of the ETU. Stephen Gonzales (Local 716, Houston Texas), Price Warwick (Local 20, Dallas Texas) and Sarita Morales (Local 1116, Tucson Arizona) were part of an international exchange program between the ETU and IBEW. With 750,000 members across the US and Canada, the IBEW is the world’s oldest and largest electrical union.

The IBEW had a significant input into Biden Government policies like the massive infrastructure bill which is underwriting major job-creating projects.

But American unions in 24 states, including Texas and Arizona, operate in the shadow of severe anti-union ‘Right to Work’ laws.

Price Warwick said a breakthough came in March 2023 when Michigan became the first state in 58 years to repeal a ‘Right to Work’ law.

‘This was achieved through a massive grassroots organising campaign that saw voters remove the Republicans in favour of a Democrat state government.’

Privatisation is an even more destructive force in the US than Australia. In Texas all stages of the power industry are privately owned. Catastrophe struck in the winter of 2021 when extreme winter storms triggered a week-long blackout due to the negligence of power companies. The loss of power killed 246 people in Texas alone.

After attending an ETU construction EBA meeting at Trades Hall, Stephen Gonzales said the package voted up by ETU members was ‘incredible’.

‘The wages are comparable to what we have in the US, but the conditions, allowances, leave rights and severance fund are out of this world. The ETU and its members are doing a great job.’

WINTER 2023

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Ash targets Newcastle construction Newcastle’s new ETU organiser Ash ‘Moose’ Bamford brings a strong track record as an ETU delegate and organiser.

Ash was a gun ETU delegate and HSR on the massive Inpex project in Darwin when ETU action saw the abolition of the four weeks on, one week off ‘suicide roster.’

He joined ETU WA Branch as an organiser, leading campaigns to improve FIFO conditions, against nonlicenced electrical work and for apprentice rights.

The 32-year-old father of two is tasked with building the ETU in construction across the Hunter.

Opportunities were limited during Ash’s first 18 months as an electrician and he worked for ‘grubby non-union companies’.

It wasn’t until he got started on construction projects in the Northwest of WA that he signed with the ETU.

‘That was the first time I’d had a conversation about joining the union.

I realised I had union values, so it was great to no longer be going at it alone.

‘When I was underpaid as an apprentice, I had to handle the matter myself to recover the $8,000 I was owed.’

Ash makes sure to directly ask every electrical worker to join the ETU. ‘If no-one asks and you’re not exposed to it, how are you supposed to know the ETU is there?’

Historic ETU banner restored Months of painstaking work have restored a magnificent 101-year-old ETU banner.

The huge two-sided canvas banner was discovered in poor condition in 2004 on top of a storage rack at Sydney Trades Hall.

Painted by Edgar Whitbread, the display was first carried on a truck at the Eight-Hour Procession in 1922. It was reported at the time that ‘the electrical trades had a striking banner, depicting Mercury dashing across space in a whirl of lightning’. The other side depicts what is believed to be the Ultimo Power Station plant room.

With support from the ETU, conservator Karen Coote and her assistants, with Trades Hall Heritage Officer Neale Towart, have done a wonderful job restoring this unique piece of our union’s history.

The banner can be viewed by arrangement in the banner room at Sydney Trades Hall.

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New legal team supports ETU members A crack new legal team with extensive experience is in place to support ETU members.

Between them, Alister Kentish and Armen Aghazarian have represented union members for more than 20 years.

Senior legal officer Alister had a long stint in the ETU national office along with solid time at the Mining and Energy Union and AMWU. Legal officer Armen was at the United Workers Union and the ETU national office before joining the NSW Branch.

The duo has a strong track record when it comes to advising and representing members, and in courts and the Fair Work Commission.

Legal support and advice is one of the many benefits that comes with ETU membership.

Electrical Trades Union of Australia NSW Branch 2023 Quadrennial Election for the State Union

ELECTION NOTICE Separate elections are being conducted for the CEPU NSW Branch of the federally registered CEPU, (the Federal Union) and the State registered ETU, (the State Union). Elections for the Federal Union are being conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission and elections for the State Union are being conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission.

If you wish to stand for offices in both the Federal and State registered unions, you must lodge separate nominations in accordance with the Rules of the relevant union, with the Australian Electoral Commission and the NSW Electoral Commission.

THIS NOTICE RELATES TO THE STATE UNION ONLY Nominations Nominations are invited on and from Monday 26 June 2023 for the following positions: Officers President Secretary Assistant Secretary Organisers

1 1 1 6

to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected

7 8 4 3 2 8

to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected

State Councillors – representing each of the following Sections* General Trade Supply Authorities Transport Authorities Salaried Officers Manufacturing, Radio, Television and electronic/communications industry & business equipment Electrical Contracting

*Note: The exact number of State Councillors to be elected by their respective Section is to be determined by reference to the financial memberships as at 12.00 noon, Monday 10 July 2023 in accordance with Rule 20(c)(v) of the Union’s Rules.

Chairman of each Sub-Branch listed hereunder

1

to be elected

Secretary of each Sub-Branch listed hereunder

1

to be elected

6 2 2 3 6 2 2 5 2 2

to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected

Delegates to the State Conference – representing each of the following Sub-Branches** Bankstown Berrima Canberra Central Coast Central Tablelands Central West City Hurstville Macleay Manning Murray Valley

3 3 3 3 3 2 4 4 2 2

to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected to be elected

Newcastle New England Northern North Coast Parramatta Pittwater Riverina South Coast Southern Highlands Western

**Note: The exact number of Delegates to State Conference to be elected by their respective Sub-Branch is to be determined by reference to the financial memberships as at 12.00 noon, Monday 10 July 2023 in accordance with Rule 20(b)(v) of the Union’s Rules.

Qualifications for Office To be eligible for the executive Offices of President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Organiser a member must have been a financial member of the union for each quarterly period as it fell due within 2 years immediately preceding 12.00 noon, Monday 10 July 2023.

To be eligible for any other office a member must have been financial member for each quarterly period as it fell due within 1 year immediately preceding 12.00 noon, Monday 10 July2023.

A candidate may not be nominated for more than one executive position ie, President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Organiser.

Delegates to State Conference representing Sub-Branches shall live in the area of the respective Sub-Branch of which they are a delegate.

Eligibility to nominate a candidate Candidates as Delegates to State Conference, Chairmen, and Secretaries of Sub-Branches shall be nominated only by members of the Sub-Branch to which they belong and candidates as State Councillors by members of the Section to which they belong provided that permanent and/or full-time officials of the Union may be nominated as State Councillors by members of any one Section.

Nominations of candidates for all positions must be made in writing and endorsed by not less than two adult members who have been at least three months in the Union and are financial as at 12.00 noon, Monday 10 July 2023. Each candidate shall signify in writing their acceptance of the nomination.

No member may nominate more candidates than the number to be elected for each position.

Nomination forms are available from: • NSW Electoral Commission’s website at www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

• NSW Electoral Commission, Level 3, 231 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, telephone 1300 135 736; or • Electrical Trades Union of Australia, Level 5, 370 Pitt Street, Sydney, telephone (02) 9267 4844

Lodgement of Nominations Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer not later than 12.00 NOON, MONDAY 10 JULY 2023.

Nominations may be lodged: • by email: ballots@elections.nsw.gov.au or • by post: PO Box 693 Grosvenor Place NSW 1220; or • by hand: NSW Electoral Commission, Level 3, 231 Elizabeth Street, Sydney Note: Visitors to the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) are by appointment only. To ensure a NSWEC staff member is in attendance and to gain access to the office, please make an appointment via email to: ballots@elections.nsw.gov.au or telephone 1300 135 736.

Any defect in a nomination must be rectified by the candidate prior to the close of nominations. Any candidate wishing to withdraw a nomination must do so in writing so as to be received by the Returning Officer prior to the close of nominations.

Should more than the required number of nominations be received in respect of any of the above positions, a draw will be conducted to determine the position of candidates’ names on the ballot paper at the New South Wales Electoral Commission at 10.00am, Tuesday 11 July 2023. Candidates or their representatives are invited to witness the draw.

Voting Should a ballot be necessary, voting material will be posted on Thursday 3 August 2023 to all eligible members. Members must be eligible and financial as at 12.00 noon, Monday 10 July 2023 in order to receive a ballot paper.

The poll will close at 12.00 noon, Tuesday 29 August 2023 and be counted at 9.00am, Wednesday 30 August 2023. The method of voting will be Preferential system/Multi Preferential.

Any enquiries should be directed to Paul Chesher at the NSW Electoral Commission, telephone 1300 135 736 or email at ballots@elections.nsw.gov.au SB0819

Diana Kosseifi, Returning Officer, NSW Electoral Commission

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia New South Wales Divisional Branch, Electrical, Energy and Services Division

ELECTION NOTICE - E2023/72 - Stage 1 Scheduled Election Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

Nominations are called for: New South Wales Divisional Branch - Divisional Branch President/ National Councillor (1) - Divisional Branch Secretary/ National Councillor (1) - Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary (1) - Divisional Branch Organiser (6) - Divisional Branch Delegate to Divisional Council (4) Female Members of the New South Wales Divisional Branch - Affirmative Action (Women) Divisional State Councillor (1) General Trades - Divisional State Councillor (7) Supply Authority - Divisional State Councillor (8) Transport Authorities - Divisional State Councillor (4) Salaried Officers - Divisional State Councillor (3) Manufacturing, Radio and Television, Electronic Communications Industry, Business Equipment - Divisional State Councillor (2) Electrical Contracting - Divisional State Councillor (8) Bankstown Sub-Branch - Delegate to Divisional Branch Conference (3) - Divisional Sub-Branch Chairman (1) - Divisional Sub-Branch Secretary (1) Berrima Sub-Branch - Delegate to Divisional Branch Conference (3) - Divisional Sub-Branch Chairmen (1) - Divisional Sub-Branch Secretary (1) Canberra Sub-Branch - Delegate to Divisional Branch Conference (3) - Divisional Sub-Branch Chairman (1) - Divisional Sub-Branch Secretary (1) Central Coast Sub-Branch - Delegate to Divisional Branch Conference (3) - Divisional Sub-Branch Chairmen (1) - Divisional Sub-Branch Secretary (1) Central Tablelands Sub-Branch - Delegate to Divisional Branch Conference (3)

- Divisional Sub-Branch Secretary (1) Central Tablelands Sub-Branch - Delegate to Divisional Branch Conference (3)

- Divisional Sub-branch Chairmen (1) - Divisional Sub-branch Secretary (1) South Coast - Delegates to Divisional Branch Conference (5) - Divisional Sub-branch Chairmen (1) - Divisional Sub-branch Secretary (1) Southern Highlands - Delegates to Divisional Branch Conference (2) - Divisional Sub-branch Chairmen (1) - Divisional Sub-branch Secretary (1) Western - Delegates to Divisional Branch Conference (2) - Divisional Sub-branch Chairmen (1) - Divisional Sub-branch Secretary (1) Nominations, which must be in writing and comply with the registered rules of the Organisation, may be made at any time from 03/07/2023.

A nomination form is available for electronic completion on the AEC Portal, www.aec.gov.au/ieb/. However, the nomination form must then be lodged in accordance with the Organisation's rules (see below).

Additional forms are available from the Returning Officer.

Prospective candidates and nominators should verify their financial status and any other qualifications required by the Organisation's rules prior to lodging nominations.

Nominations must reach the Returning Officer via the lodgement method(s) stipulated below no later than 5:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 10/07/2023.

How to lodge nominations, nominations must be lodged via the following method(s):

By Portal: Australian Electoral Commission Portal, www.aec.gov.au/ieb/

By Email: A properly completed nomination form including all necessary signatures and attachments may be scanned and submitted as a pdf file to IEBnominations@aec.gov.au PLEASE NOTE: 1. Emails to the AEC inbox that appear to be spam may be blocked. It is the responsibility of senders to ensure that their email reaches the AEC before the deadline for nominations.

2. In order to be able to be received by the AEC, emails (including attachments) should be no greater than 6 MB in size.

3. You may call to enquire about the status of your nomination.

Voting Period The ballot, if required, will open on 07/08/2023 and close at 10:00am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 04/09/2023.

Scrutineers The appointment of scrutineers closes 10:00am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 04/09/2023.

A form is available from the Returning Officer for the purposes of appointing Scrutineers.

Other Information Changed Address? Advise the Organisation now.

Please Note: A copy of the AEC's election report can be obtained from the Organisation or from the Returning Officer after the completion of the election.

Chris King Returning Officer Telephone: 03 9285 7111 Email: IEBevents@aec.gov.au

C:jAEC

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Unpaid super recovery How Cbus is helping members recover their unpaid super In 2021, it was estimated that Australian workers were owed $5 billion in unpaid super.* That is a huge collective loss of potential retirement savings.

A 21-year-old worker with an annual salary of $50,000, who had superannuation contributions persistently underpaid by their employer throughout their career could lose close to $308,000 by the time they retire.†

Why super is often unpaid There are several reasons why employers might not meet their superannuation guarantee (SG) obligations, including poor cash flow management, simply choosing not to pay, insolvency or the business operator abandoning a company to avoid paying creditors.* Independent research commissioned by Cbus Super tells us that people working in building and construction, and adjacent industries have a one in three chance of being underpaid super.† Young workers, and those on low wages or working in hospitality and accommodation, are also most likely to be underpaid super.* Cbus, as the industry fund for building and construction workers have made addressing the issue of unpaid super a priority because we know a significant proportion of our membership are at risk of being impacted by it.

The issue of unpaid super is not just a problem for workers, it penalises the majority of businesses who are doing the right thing and also represents significant lost government revenue and an increased reliance on the Age Pension.§

Over the last five years, Cbus has recovered $471 million in unpaid super on behalf our members and last financial year we recovered $106.6 million in unpaid super through our arrears program.† Our advocacy in relation to unpaid super aims to raise awareness of the scale of the problem and to persuade the Government and other parliamentarians to take action to tackle it. Cbus welcomes the recent announcement by the Federal Government that the Budget will include measures to legislate the payment of super on pay day.

Cbus is the only super fund to have made a submission to the Senate Education and Employment Committee’s inquiry into the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2023 which would see super included in the National Employment Standards.

Read more about Cbus work to ensure our members’ super is being paid in our latest media release and in the Unpaid Super Services info section on our website. * Source: Industry Super Australia, Unpaid Super Report-2021 † Modelling based on a worker entering the superannuation system at age 21 and retiring at age 67 with an annual salary of $50,000 who had superannuation contributions persistently underpaid (33.56 per cent less in superannuation than what was owed) by their employer. ‡ Source: Cbus submission, Senate Education and Employment Committee inquiry into the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2023 § Source: Cbus Media Release, Cbus Super welcomes unpaid super measures to stop workers losing out on returns, 2 May 2023 This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions.

Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Also read the relevant Target Market Determination at cbussuper.com.au/tmd.

United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and/or Cbus Super).

Cbus Livewire Advertorial 210w x 273h_06-23_v1.indd 3

5/6/23 4:55 pm

ETU MEMBER BENEFITS TS FI NE BE ER MB ME U ET ETU MEMBER BENEFITS

FROM SPARKIE TO LAWYER, THANKS TO AN ETU SCHOLARSHIP

When the ETU Scholarship scheme was launched in 2010, union delegate Iain Gardiner was its first recipient.

Iain later graduated as a lawyer and today owns his own firm.

Iain worked for 15 years as an electrician, at first around his native Newcastle, but increasingly the jobs were in Darwin or other far-flung locations.

‘I volunteered to be a delegate. On FIFO projects, isolation has a big impact on mental health.

I wanted to make sure people stayed safe.’

Iain looked for an exit strategy after his own mental health suffered from long periods away from his family. ‘I planned a move into school teaching, but after attending open university I managed an ATAR of 97, which got me into law.’ Iain’s income dropped from round $150,000 to a student support payment. Then his ETU organiser told him about the union’s new Scholarship program.

‘I applied and was the inaugural ETU Scholarship recipient. That really alleviated the stress and helped get my family through.’

During the winter university breaks, Iain worked in Sydney with the ETU legal team. After graduating in 2012, he was employed by a law firm and 18 months later bought the practice.

Today Iain retains union values. ‘As a delegate and as a lawyer, I love helping people and solving problems. I am forever grateful to the ETU.’

RIDE ON JOHN

Thanks to a $5,000 ETU Community Grant, the Coffs Coast Cyclones BMX Club has a ride-on mower to maintain the lawns around the club’s twisting track.

It’s a relief for ETU member John Miller, a powerline worker on the Essential Energy underground crew.

‘Since the old mower broke, me and my partner have done the lawns with a push mower and a whipper snipper. At 62, it’s good to get the sit-on back.’

The Club and its weekly race nights are a hub for BMX riders of all ages, with Club representatives competing in national events. John Miller, whose son rides, has volunteered there for 10 years.

‘It’s great to see the ETU making a difference for a real community organisation like ours. I’ve always been proudly ETU, but this was special.’

ETU COMMUNITY GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS The ETU Community Support Program offers financial assistance up to $5,000 for community and sports groups where ETU members are actively involved. ETU members, their children and grandchildren can also apply for $2,000 Education Scholarships.

MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORMS ( OR CALL ETU OFFICE (02) 9267 4844 ) https://tinyurl.com/2uzyceue