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

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.

Tallawarra members have added EBA protection

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.’

Delegates Day

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.

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 of ETU members at two Sydney Water contractors have rejected pay offers as bargaining continues in two regions.

not good enough

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.’