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.

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.