ETU NSW & ACT
AUTUMN 2022
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ELECTRICAL TRADES UNION
120 YEARS STRONG GET ONLINE
ETUnsw
@NSW_ETU
etunswact
www.etunsw.com.au
On 21 May, ETU members will vote in the election that will decide our next federal government.
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CON TENT
VOTE MORRISON OUT
ETU RE-CONNECTS FLOOD VICTIMS
I urge every member to take this opportunity to vote for change. Workers, our families and communities desperately need a competent government that puts middle Australia first. Morrison has failed Australia – in his own words during the catastrophic bushfires of 2019/20: ‘I don’t hold a hose mate’. When Australia faced some of the greatest challenges in our history, Morrison went missing. We saw lots of photo ops and marketing spin. But very little in the way of substantive policy or solutions. That’s why the ETU calls on members to vote Morrison and the Liberal/ National Coalition out. Labor is far from perfect, but is clearly in front when it comes to workplace laws that affect us at work. Just two examples: Labor will mandate ‘same job, same pay’ to stop labour hire undermining your conditions and job security. And Labor will abolish the hated ABCC that persecutes our members and officials in construction.
Active members winning good EBAs I’m proud of the ETU members who fought hard and smart over the past year to win decent agreements that protect and improve conditions. Thousands of members in the electricity sector stuck together to achieve good outcomes after weeks and months of industrial action. At Sydney Trains, more than 1,000 ETU members are currently in their sixth month of Protected Industrial Action. Our members in Sydney construction are gearing up for a major EBA campaign in coming months. Across NSW and the ACT, ETU members are getting results because we are strong, active and united. Lastly, a shout out to all our members and loved ones affected by the devastating floods in northern NSW and elsewhere. The ETU is working hard to assist wherever we can, see pages 4-5.
PROUD TO BE UNION
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ALLEN HICKS
SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT
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CONSTRUCTION NEWS INDUSTRIAL ROUNDUP POWER SECTOR EBA WIN ETU PEOPLE ETU COMMUNITY GRANTS
UNION CONTACTS SYDNEY: 02 9267 4844 NEWCASTLE: 02 4968 2488 CANBERRA: 02 6163 6666
etunsw@etunsw.com.au
ETU delegates say Best in my time In 38 years at Sydney Trains, I’ve never seen such a concerted effort from the ETU and Combined Rail Unions. Well done!
RAIL WORKERS STRONG & UNITED AFTER 6 MONTHS ACTION ETU rail workers remain strong and united after six months of industrial action in pursuit of a fair EBA. More than 1,000 ETU Sydney Trains The ETU’s four core aims members have run a disciplined were set by a member survey: and strategic campaign. Delegates meet weekly with the ETU team to review and plan all aspects of the campaign.
Two Protected Action Ballots in October 2021 and March 2022 saw voter turnout close to 80% with overwhelming endorsement of all Actions listed. Actions endorsed have included high and low voltage switching bans, a ban on all locking systems, and a ban on working without reasonable access to male and female toilets. The ETU works closely with Combined Rail Unions to coordinate industrial action. Solidarity bans are in place to ensure union members cannot be forced to perform work banned by other unions. The industrial campaign was launched after months of fruitless negotiations.
GLEN POTTER
ETU President
Made us stronger We didn’t expect it to be so long and difficult, but through this campaign we’ve built the ETU’s membership and strength.
ALEC BEVILLE
delegate
Job security
Proud & inspiring
Fair pay rise
I’m proud of all the work we’ve done, standing up for what we believe. It’s inspiring to see us flex our industrial muscle.
Maintain conditions Stop privatisation As Livewire went to print, the ETU temporarily suspended Protected Industrial Action (PIA) in response to progress on ETU claims. Transport Minister David Elliott wrote to ETU Secretary Allen Hicks requesting the union suspend its industrial campaign. The Minister included major ETU-specific claims in a package referred to the NSW Government’s Expenditure Review Committee. Nine months of negotiations had seen limited progress before bargaining opened up in March. An offer on the key Combined Rail Unions claims, including wages and job security, was expected in early May. ‘ETU delegates and members have done a fantastic job to stay focused and determined through this long campaign,’ said ETU organiser Tara Koot.
RAVEN MARIS
apprentice delegate
Digging deep
Everybody’s digging deep and getting involved. We’re definitely getting our message across. Let’s keep up the fight!
TODD WELSH
delegate
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ETU SPARKIES RE-CONNECT FLOOD-DAMAGED COMMUNITIES ETU members arrived in Ballina in March to help reconnect power across the flood-devastated region.
The ETU’s ‘Community Connect’ initiative was backed by five electrical contractors.
‘We will do everything we can to assist our members and communities who have suffered massive damage,’ said ETU NSW & ACT Secretary Allen Hicks. ‘The ETU congratulates Stowe, FIP, Fredon, Downer and PM Electrics for contributing skilled workers and resources to the Community Connect project. ‘We brought the industry together on this because thousands of people urgently needed our expertise.’
Lismore and the region had 6,100 homes inundated with water and 4,500 homes without power for weeks. The ETU and contractors worked together to provide a basic electrical installation that includes at a minimum a safety switch and power point. Community Connect coordinated priority work with power distributor Essential Energy. ‘We made a difference. We re-connected homes and vital community centres,’ said Allen Hicks. Community Connect is inspired by the Queensland ETU’s successful ‘Operation Energise’. The NSW & ACT Branch thanks QLD ETU President Keith McKenzie for his assistance.
‘A GREAT EXPERIENCE’ ETU members John Elefantis and Florian Steckel jumped at the chance to assist flood-ravaged communities in northern NSW. The Sydney-based sparkies work for FIP, one of five contractors participating in the ETU industry initiative Community Connect.
MUDGEE VETERANS From fire to flood
Simon Davis and his Essential Ene crew had seen the TV pictures but nothing prepared them for the rea of flood-hit northern NSW.
‘It was misery. Like a warzone. Dead animals a dead crops. Two-story houses destroyed with family’s possessions piled out front. The army picking it up by hand.’ The ETU Mudgee crew two weeks working 12-hour days out of Macle and Ballina.‘We started by de-energising affec premises. By the second week, we were reconnecting. That felt good. People could turn noisy generators off.’ The same Mudgee crew been despatched to Kempsey and Bega to res the network after the massive bushfires in 20
‘We do whatever we can to assist our communities in time of need,’ said Simon, an ETU delegate.
Around Ballina, local Essential Energy worker used their own boats to access flooded prope
‘We wanted to help the locals. There’s a desperate shortage of electricians up there,’ said John. ‘The whole group met in the morning to plan work, then caught up for a beer and shared stories at the end of the day. It was a good experience.’
JOHN ELEFANTIS ETU MEMBER
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The visiting electricians, working hard 10-hour days, were warmly received. ‘We found a great community spirit. People living in sheds were so glad to see us. It was satisfying to know they would get their power restored.’
PATRICK REARDON & MAX WHEATLEY
DELEGATE FAMILY DRAMATIC RESCUE
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and h the y w spent ean cted
their had store 019-20.
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The flood hit Codrington, population 68, like an ‘inland tsunami’, said ETU delegate Craig Roder. Craig’s family home by the Richmond River was inundated along with his in-laws’ place just down the road. The extended family – nine adults and five dogs – was evacuated by an SES boat under chest high water and driving rain.
LIZ REBUILDS
ROOM BY ROOM
ETU delegate Liz Couch is rebuilding her Woodburn home room-by-room after flood waters inside reached 3.8 metres.
STEVE’S
helping hand for FLOOD DEVASTATED LISMORE
STEVE MAGANN ETU ORGANISER
The instrumentation technician at Sunshine Sugar’s Broadwater Mill was forced to evacuate with her dogs Frankie and Katie. She returned after a few days to find ‘everything trashed’ and has since ripped out the walls, bathroom and kitchen. Liz’s employer provided temporary fencing to protect her canine companions. Despite the catastrophic damage, Liz says ‘I’m feeling good’.
‘Woodburn is a strong little community. We’ll get through this together.’ Liz thanked the ETU for personal and material support.
‘We just threw the dogs in like footballs,’ said Craig, a delegate at Essential Energy’s Casino depot. The neighbours refused to move. They had to be rescued after dark from their roof. Days later, Craig returned home to find an anxious cow on his deck.
Lismore-based ETU organiser Steve Magann pitched in as the local community began the slow recovery from flood devastation.
‘The smell of mud and manure, the sight of our photos and furniture destroyed – it was hard.’ Even harder was the family’s lack of flood insurance, which at $30,000 per annum was unaffordable. ‘We’ll fix it up and stay. Can’t walk away from a mortgage and, anyway, who’d buy it?’
‘Lismore has faced great challenges in its history. This is next level, but our proud community will get the town back on its feet,’ said Steve.
Craig thanked the ETU for support and assistance. AUTUMN 2022
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CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTING
$7,000 RAISED
for injured sparkie ETU members employed by Enermech and other contractors raised more than $7,000 for fellow sparkie Chris Meagher. Chris is unable to work for an extended period after breaking his leg at home. He was working for Enermech on Snowy Hydro -- but was not covered by a union EBA and so missed out on Income Protection.
‘I was pretty sure I’d be covered on such a big project. It was a shock to discover I will have no income for months,’ said the 64-year-old former union delegate. ETU organiser Stewart Edward thanked all who contributed and Andrew Patterson and Niall Baxter for organising the collection. ‘The funds raised will assist Chris and family with basic living costs. The ETU thanks all who contributed,’ said Stewart. ‘This episode demonstrates why Income Protection (and top up insurance) is a high priority for the ETU. It should be part of any decent EBA. If workers get seriously injured they could lose everything.’ Stewart said Enermech employees on WestConnex 3A do have Income Protection because they are covered by an ETU agreement. ‘In contrast, the EBAs covering most sparkies on Snowy 2.0 are nonunion agreements. Among many other deficiencies, there is no Income Protection for Snowy workers.’ Stewart said ETU members should contact their union organisers to check the relevant EBA before accepting any job offer.
CHRIS MEAGHER ETU MEMBER
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CANBERRA SPARKIES PAY DAY
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ETU members at two Canberra construction contractors have secured significant improvements to pay and conditions. Wages will increase by 22.6% at Star Group and by 16% at contractor Martin Donnelly over three years. The pay rises under union EBAs are heavily frontloaded. Martin Donnelly workers have already pocketed an initial 10% increase, while Star employees will get 16.6% upfront. The EBAs boost all allowances and Income Protection. ETU organiser Mitch Johnston congratulated ETU members at both companies.
‘These good outcomes were achieved because workers joined the ETU and stuck together. Skilled electrical labour is in high demand with the Canberra construction sector booming.’ The ETU team is working to extend similar benefits across the Canberra construction sector.
DELEGATES LIST EBA DEMANDS Sydney construction delegates met to thrash out a draft log of claims for the next round of enterprise agreements. ETU members will seek to maintain and improve conditions when bargaining opens across the sector. The current EBAs, which lifted industry standards thanks to a strong union campaign, mostly expire in October 2022.
NEW WESTCONNEX EBAS lock in industry-leading conditions The ETU continues to lock in EBAs that deliver industry-leading conditions across WestConnex. At WestConnex 3B in Rozelle, a Greenfields agreement with Transco Power includes $6.25 per hour infrastructure allowance and $112 weekly redundancy. Union EBAs are also in place on the project with the John Holland CBP joint venture and Fredon. At WestConnex 3A a similar EBA has been signed with Absolute Commissioning.
These EBAs deliver: Current base rate $50.82 ph Infrastructure allowance $6.25 ph Travel $25.32 daily Fares $16.43 daily Redundancy $112 weekly
IT PAYS TO BE UNION!
UNION EBA SETS APPRENTICE BENCHMARK Apprentices employed by Electrogroup have improved pay, conditions and security, thanks to the first ETU EBA in the NSW group training sector. However two NSW contractors -- Heyday5 and Star -- don’t want to pay a living wage to hardworking electrical apprentices.
TARA KOOT
The ETU condemns both ETU APPRENTICE companies OFFICER for sending some apprentices back to Electrogroup, to avoid paying modest increases. The union was able to place these apprentices with more responsible employers.
ETU FREDON MEMBERS ON WESTCONNEX 3B
NECA has now agreed to bargain with the ETU for an apprentice agreement. The union will push for an EBA that meets industry standards.
ETU TRAINING TALKS TARGET REGIONAL PAY BOOST IS BACK! The ETU has relaunched our delegate training program as Australia emerges from the pandemic. 20 construction and contracting delegates attended a two-day delegate training session in March – the first of 10 sessions scheduled for 2022.
The ETU aims to deliver substantial gains for regional electrical workers in two new EBAs. ETU Newcastle organiser Brad McDougall is leading negotiations with Downer and Star, with talks in early stages. The Downer EBA will replace the company’s recently expired agreement throughout regional NSW.
The Star agreement will be the first regional EBA with that company.
The union will also host mental health training during April.
The Union has tabled similar logs of claims including a fair pay rise plus significant increases to travel and LAHA.
Union training ensures ETU delegates have the skills and support they need to effectively represent members.
‘Major improvements across the board for regional workers are long overdue,’ said Brad.
PROJECT PIPELINE 2022
Hourly site / infrastructure allowance Rozelle Interchange $6.25 John Holland, Fredon ,NCI AMP building, Circular Quay, Heyday5 TBC Atlassian Tech Tower, Central $5.25 TBC Western Sydney Airport Heyday5 $6.25 12 substations Western Sydney Airport $6.25 Rouse Hill shopping stage 2 $5.25 Westmead Hospital stage 2 $TBC Randwick Children’s stage 2 $4.35 Greenwich Hospital, Lane Cove $TBC Aura Apartments, North Sydney $3.00 Liverpool Hospital Grid Electrical $5.25 Powerhouse Museum, Fredon Parramatta $5.25 Market St C-BUS Development Fredon $4.05
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INDUSTRIAL ROUNDUP
BORAL WORKERS L ACTION 9 MONTHS OF INDUSTRIA
IN EBA FIGHT
Boral workers have rejected a revised EBA offer and vowed to continue their nine-month industrial campaign. Around 20 ETU members are among 200 combined union members at three Boral sites on the South Coast. Workers at Maldon, Berrima and Marulan have applied stoppages and a permanent overtime ban since August 2021. The company, which is majority-owned by Kerry Stokes’ Seven Group, refused to negotiate while protected industrial action is in place. But in March the company tabled an improved offer which fell far short of union demands and the cost of living. Boral now seeks a three-year EBA that includes a total pay rise of just
3.5% plus deep cuts to core conditions. Management wants to abolish shift worker RDOs and a Security of Employment clause. The Combined Unions claim would see wages rise by 4% per annum and all conditions maintained. ETU delegate Clive Collier said employees remain strong and united despite the long campaign.
‘Boral’s offer is so far below inflation it would cut real wages. The company is attacking our core conditions. We are not copping it.’
SAFEWORK SLAMS
multiple boral safety fails
SafeWork NSW issued seven Notices requiring Boral to address hazards at the company’s Berrima site. The regulator was considering further action after a union investigation reported multiple concerns at the Maldon site. At Berrima several workers required medical and hospital treatment after being injured during the Berrima plant shutdown. The ETU has accused Boral management of obstructing safety investigations.
Ambulances were called for all four workers in separate incidents. One man spent over a week in intensive care after a flying bolt caused brain bleeding. A team of organisers from the ETU and AMWU spent more than a week battling for access to the site and safety-related documents.
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Clive said ‘Boral always cries poor’ despite raking in a profit of $641 million last year. The company, which is chaired by Seven Group’s Ryan Stokes, returned $3 billion to shareholders after selling its North American businesses. ‘Business is booming. Boral can afford to pay fair pay rises,’ said Clive. ETU organiser Stewart Edward said the company should sit down and negotiate in good faith with employees. ‘Boral’s offer is well below industry standards. The company’s belligerent and disrespectful approach suggests it does not genuinely want to resolve this dispute.’
ICON MEMBERS TARGET WAGES & SUPER
ETU members at Icon Water will push for a real wage increase and improved superannuation in their next EBA. Organiser Matt McCann said two paid meetings had thrashed out a log of claims. New delegates have stepped up to work with the ETU team during negotiations at the Canberra water and sewerage utility.
‘Our Icon members need an outcome that addresses the rising cost of living and meets industry standards’ said Matt.
WATER WORKERS action vote
ETU and AMWU members will vote on industrial action after negotiations with major contractor Confluence Water ground to a halt. The Protected Action Ballot scheduled for April follows months of fruitless talks with the Ventia-Downer joint venture. Confluence Water holds a 10-year $2 billion contract to deliver construction and maintenance services in Sydney Water’s North region. The company employs around 80 electricians and fitters. That number could double depending on future contracts. The union log of claims includes annual 4% pay rises, a 36-hour week for the construction division, $50 per week redundancy and all overtime at double time. ETU organiser Steve Bankes said a mass meeting backed a PAB because the company has failed to make a fair
and reasonable offer. ‘Confluence Water wanted to roll over the current EBA, but they didn’t want to roll over the 4.25% wage rises from that agreement.’ ETU delegate David Moss said workers are frustrated at the lack of progress. ‘The boys are looking for a fair wage increase that covers the cost of living and the unpleasant conditions we work in.’ Construction delegate EJ Brixey said workers did not want to get left behind.
‘Inflation is insane and there is high demand for our skills. That needs to be reflected in wages that meet industry standards.’
SOUTHERN SPARKIES reject second-class rates
ETU members at Stowe Nowra and Wollongong are seeking significant improvements in their next EBA. Their current non-union agreement pays a base rate of just $33 per hour – compared to ETU base rates at $51 per hour across Sydney construction.
ETU organiser Stewart Edward said: ‘These highly skilled workers need an upgrade. House prices in this region exceed $1 million so the cost of living is equivalent.’
UNION EBA DELIVERS 14.25% PAY RISE at john holland rail
More than 50 ETU members at John Holland Rail have secured a 14.25% pay rise and 36-hour week in their new agreement.
The four-year EBA delivers annual wage increases between 3.5-3.75% with allowances up by the same margins. ETU organiser Steve Bankes congratulated members on the ’good outcome’. ‘This EBA keeps members’ wages ahead of inflation and brings all workers onto the 36-hour week.
‘These are the results we achieve when we have good union density and unity. Skilled electrical workers are in high demand so stick together for what you need and deserve.’ AUTUMN 2022
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ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS
HOW ETU MEMBERS
FOUGHT & WON The stakes were high as ETU members across the electricity sector prepared to negotiate enterprise agreements in 2021.
ENDEAVOUR ENERGY SET THE STANDARD
On the table were working conditions for nearly 5,000 members at Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy and Transgrid. When the dust cleared, after months of hard-fought negotiations, ETU members had won the day at all four companies.
The ETU achieved EBAs that deliver around 9 per cent in pay and superannuation to workers at Ausgrid, Essential Energy, Endeavour Energy and Transgrid. Employers were forced to maintain existing conditions. In many instances conditions and allowances saw significant improvement. These outcomes were a massive turnaround on the original wagecutting, job-destroying plans of the four companies. The ETU mobilised thousands of members in a sustained campaign fought on every front. Members took major industrial action for the first time in decades. Delegates stepped up to plan and steer the campaigns, working collectively with their organisers and the ETU team. The year of action saw the ETU grow in the electricity sector – more members and more delegates. A culture of solidarity and activism was rekindled.
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ETU members at NSW electricity distributor Endeavour Energy won their best agreement in more than 10 years thanks to a powerful industrial campaign. The outcome delivered a pay rise close to 8 per cent plus significant improvements to conditions. Workers will receive three annual 0.5 per cent superannuation increases – bringing employer contributions to 16.5 per cent.
The Endeavour Energy EBA, agreed in principle in September 2021, set a benchmark for the electricity sector -- and was keenly observed at Ausgrid, Essential Energy and Transgrid. ETU members endorsed legally Protected Industrial Actions included bans, limitations and stoppages – but it was the switching ban that ignited the dispute. Endeavour Energy notified workers that any employee applying a partial switching ban would be docked an entire day’s pay. But after two weeks of industrial action, Endeavour Energy tapped the mat.
In addition to improved pay and super, the EBA resolved a long-running dispute over Electrical License Allowance and introduced superannuation on parental leave. Senior ETU delegate Ellen McNally said: ‘This was the strongest the union has been at Endeavour Energy for many years. As a result we got the best wages outcome we’ve had in almost a decade.’ Ellen paid tribute to crews at Moss Vale and elsewhere who applied switching bans in the face of company intimidation. The Endeavour Energy delegate group met frequently, even daily at the height of industrial action. Veteran delegate Noel Mahon said: ‘The campaign strategy was a change from the last 40 years. We had to take industrial action and that got a decent outcome. Without that, we’d still be sitting at 1.3 per cent.
AUSGRID CAVED AFTER
18-WEEK INDUSTRIAL CAMPAIGN
A hard-fought industrial campaign has defeated a proposed wage freeze and severe cuts to conditions at Ausgrid. Instead ETU members have secured pay rises totalling 8.45 per cent plus 0.5 per cent superannuation. Management withdrew proposals to introduce forced shift work and unilaterally vary start and finish times. The union victory came after 18 weeks of continuous industrial action. Ausgrid conceded as the ETU announced a third Protected Action Ballot. Ausgrid management displayed an aggressive attitude through the year-long dispute. But the ETU fought back for members on every front. The union campaign publicly shamed industry superannuation funds Australian Super and IFM, which part-own Ausgrid. A petition, website and advertising campaign called on the super funds to intervene and protect Ausgrid workers. That campaign led to an ACTU-brokered meeting and an improved, but still unacceptable, Ausgrid position. Behind the scenes, the ETU legal team worked hard to defend members’ rights against a barrage from Ausgrid lawyers seeking to halt industrial action. The group of 70 ETU delegates led the campaign, working with ETU organisers Darran Miller and Stuart Elliott and Branch Secretary Allen Hicks. ‘It was a very long process, but ETU members stayed strong and united to the end. I’m very proud of that,’ said delegate Claire Spinks. Delegates put in a huge effort, meeting after hours to make decisions, and communicating and organising locally. A second Protected Action Ballot escalated the campaign with the introduction of a switching ban. As Ausgrid began standing down workers and docking pay, the ETU launched a Fighting Fund to alleviate financial pressure on members implementing the bans. CEO Richard Gross, the face of Ausgrid’s confrontational approach, announced his resignation as the dispute ground on. Despite Ausgrid’s intransigence, ETU members were never going to accept anything less than the industry standard set by fellow workers at Endeavour Energy (see related article).
‘It was a really good outcome from a very strong campaign. Solidarity was the key. Management could not divide us,’ said delegate Luke Sheridan. Senior delegate Peter Kramel thanked the ETU team and Secretary Allen Hicks for ‘all the hard work put in’. ‘The campaign was transformed once Allen took the reins. It became very dynamic and cohesive.’ Organiser Darran Miller congratulated all members who ‘deserve everything you fought for and won’.
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ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS
DELEGATE-LED CAMPAIGN DELIVERS
9% IN WAGES + SUPER @ESSENTIAL ENERGY
The most significant industrial campaign in 40 years won significant improvements for ETU members at Essential Energy. Workers have secured 8 per cent in pay plus an additional 1 per cent superannuation, taking total super to 16 per cent in 2024.
The EBA strongly supported by ETU members includes: increased allowances, 10-hour break on stand-by 18 weeks parental leave with super paid union meetings.
Delegates representing 92 depots worked with ETU organisers, support staff and Secretary Allen Hicks to steer the campaign. When Essential Energy failed to make an acceptable offer after months of negotiation, ETU members overwhelmingly endorsed Protected Industrial Action. The company’s operations were hit hard by a raft of Actions including a switching ban and a ban on locking systems. Management was humiliated in November when 75 per cent of workers voted to reject a non-union EBA that failed to meet industry standards. Union members then called a 12-hour strike – the longest Essential Energy stoppage in memory.
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The industrial action caused management to move and agree to a number of ETU claims. In return, the union suspended industrial action. The outcome, voted up by an 87 per cent majority, delivered on the ETU’s core aims and resolved several long-simmering issues. ‘It was a good result, especially considering where we were a couple of years ago,’ said senior delegate Simon Davies, from Mudgee. ‘Delegates were empowered by passion. We stuck together and during the campaign a new generation of ETU delegates was trained.’ Senior ETU organiser Matt McCann thanked ETU organisers and staff for sustained hard work and support throughout the EBA campaign. Matt said the innovative use of technology put members ‘in the driver’s seat’. ‘We held regular delegates meetings and mass meetings that brought together
ETU members from across NSW. Management did not want to accept that members are the union, and the ETU faithfully represents our members – but this campaign proved that. ‘In 20 years as an ETU official, I’ve never been prouder of a group of members. Your stood up and refused to be pushed around. You can hold your heads high.’
SLOW-COACH TRANSGRID COUGHS UP 9% PAY RISE + MORE
Transgrid was the first power company to open EBA negotiations, and the last to settle an outcome. ETU members at the transmission company will enjoy 9 percent total pay rises over the next three years, with significant backpay. The package includes big increases to allowances and good new clauses around domestic violence and miscarriage leave. Gone is the proposed shift from weekly to fortnightly pay – rejected at the outset by ETU members. Transgrid management fumbled its way through 18 frustrating months before conceding the ETU team was right from day one. The company lost a CEO, lost a vote on a non-union EBA, then suffered a second vote overturned in the Fair Work Commission. At one point, Transgrid outsourced negotiations to a consultant based in New Zealand. That tactic failed.
of the members for sticking together throughout the process. We built a position of unity and strength. People realised that you have to fight for what you need.’ Leading delegate Michael McManus said the outcome includes several improvements that ‘will make our working lives better’.
Every Transgrid worker knows we wouldn’t have got this good result without the strong leadership provided by the ETU.
The ETU team held firm throughout – refusing to yield on the union’s core aims of a fair pay rise, job security and no loss of conditions.
‘As our negotiations dragged on, we saw the resolve shown by ETU members across the sector at Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy.
‘We saw ETU membership, activism and delegate numbers gradually build over the campaign,’ said senior delegate Paul O’Malley.
‘That sense of unity made us determined to achieve the same as our fellow ETU members.’
‘We had good member participation in online meetings and solid support for the ETU leadership strategy.’ Substation advisor and veteran ETU delegate Col Waring said he is ‘proud
ETU Secretary Allen Hicks said the unity of ETU members was the key to getting the best outcome possible. ‘I congratulate our Transgrid members who were the driving force in getting this result.’
ALLEN HICKS
SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT
Allen said the ETU led the way in the Transgrid EBA campaign, with the benefits flowing to all Transgrid employees.
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ETU PEOPLE
ars ‘Angry ant’ retires after 33erye 33 years as an who retired aft The ETU salutes Steve Robinson ustry. organiser and 49 years in the ind
awarded Life his ability to fire up, Robbo was Nicknamed ‘the Angry Ant’ for . 2019 in & ACT Membership of the ETU NSW he soon became a union nics engineer at Qantas where From 1973, Robbo was an avio e. Bas Jet cot Mas ons Convenor at activist rising to Combined Uni Engineers as an organiser in ed the Australasian Society of The diminutive firebrand join re he served members whe was snapped up by the ETU 1989. Three years later, Robbo a in Labour lom Dip ate adu t-gr completed a pos for the next 30 years. Robbo through his sion his own work in the Commis Relations and the Law and did ETU career.
up and seeks to resolve I’ve always been someone who speaks nt ETU members. problems. It’s been an honour to represe
IT! MENT, ROBBO. YOU’VE EARNT BEST WISHES IN YOUR RETIRE
Experienced ‘Pro’ takes on manufacturing ETU organiser Prameesh ‘Pro’ Chandra brings extensive shop floor experience to his new role. The dual tradesman was a shop steward at ice cream maker Streets where he worked as a refrigeration mechanic for 13 years. Pro campaigned with unions to stop Streets from shifting production offshore, but was made redundant when the company shut much of its Australian plant. In 2015 Pro joined Sydney Trains as a high voltage electrical apprentice. Within months he was the ETU’s first apprentice delegate. Later Pro was shop steward at Clyde Network Base, an HSR and Chair of the Safety Committee. Pro has been an ETU NSW & ACT Branch Executive member since 2019. Now he’s a full-time organiser focused on state award and manufacturing members.
We all need fair conditions, a decent wage and a safe workplace. The only way we can protect and advance our interests is through collective action in our union.
Panther fanatic fights for the west New ETU organiser Chris Pappas is a proud ‘Westie’. With the ETU construction team, his mission is to bring conditions on Western Sydney sites up to the same standards as city jobs.
The workers of Western Sydney should never accept second-class status. We need and deserve the same safety, pay and conditions as those employed in the CBD. A fanatical Panthers supporter, Chris is passionate about Penrith where he was born and bred. Chris started his apprenticeship with a small contractor before working for Star on projects including the NRT Stage 1, Crown Casino and Nepean Hospital. He became an HSR and ETU delegate because ‘I wanted to play a leadership role in protecting workers and monitoring entitlements’. At Nepean Hospital, Chris was rewarded with $450 under an ETU promotion for recruiting apprentices. He put the money on the bar at Penrith’s Kingswood Hotel to share with the ETU crew.
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Welcome aboard, Chris!
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MEMBERS BENEFITS
ETU COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM
ETU Biennial Conference delegates backed the Program
A new ETU program offers up to $60,000 annually in support of community and sport groups plus education scholarships for ETU members. The ETU Community Support Program was launched by the ETU NSW & ACT Branch to expand union support for union members and their communities.
members, their children and grandchildren. Funding is available year-round to a maximum of $5,000 per month across all grants and scholarships.
The ETU Branch Executive will ensure all grants are awarded to recipients according to the guidelines, terms and conditions governing the Program.
The Program targets local groups where ETU members are actively involved.
Financial ETU members can apply for either community/sporting grants or Education Scholarships. The Community Support Program initiative received unanimous support at ETU Biennial conference in November 2021.
More information, the terms and conditions and application form are available here:
The ETU Education Scholarships now sit under the umbrella of the ETU Community Support Program. $2,000 scholarships continue to be available to financial ETU
GET YOUR ETU MEMBER ADVANTAGE As an ETU member, you can access thousands of savings through Member Advantage. All you need to do is activate your membership -- then start using your benefits, from discounts on fuel and groceries, to dining out, entertainment, gadgets, toys and more. Member Advantage offers discounts on big brand gift cards. You can save on appliances, cars, holidays, accommodation, flights, and tours. To use Member Advantage, you will need to activate your account. An activation link was sent to all ETU members on 18 March.
https://tinyurl.com/2p92xkvc Or contact the ETU office
etunsw@etunsw.com.au
ETU HOLIDAY CABINS ETU members have exclusive access to two affordable family cabins nestled between the beach and lagoon at picturesque Nambucca Heads. These comfy cabins are the perfect setting for a holiday with family or friends. Relax in your ETU coastal hideaway or explore nearby scenic destinations like Bellingen and Dorrigo. Demand is high during school holidays – so book early or try the off-peak and winter months.
To book: email Fran Davis at frand@etunsw.com.au or call ETU (02) 4968 2488
For any questions about your benefits, call Member Advantage on 1300 853 352 or email etunsw@ memberadvantage.com.au
ETU JOURNEY INSURANCE Union members are covered by ETU Journey Insurance in case of accident or injury while travelling to or from work. The ETU introduced Journey Insurance after a Liberal State Government cut workers compensation in 2012. The ETU scheme covers financial members not otherwise insured (conditions apply). Eligible members unable to work will receive lost wages.
To make a claim contact your ETU organiser or email etunsw@etunsw.com.au or call ETU (02) 9267 4844
AUTUMN 2022
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15
JOIN US FOR
MAY DAY I encourage every ETU member to participate in your local 2022 May Day event.
ALLEN HICKS SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT
On May Day we celebrate the collective gains of the labour movement. And we commit to defend and extend those gains into the future. It’s a great opportunity to meet and mingle with your fellow ETU members and the wider trade union movement. May Day is a family and community day, with food and activities for all ages. So please invite your loved ones to join us. I’ll see you on May Day!
PROUD TO BE UNION
Allen Hicks SECRETARY, ETU NSW & ACT
SYDNEY
NEWCASTLE
WOLLONGONG
2022
SyDnEy MaYdAy
1 MAY | 11:30AM | TOWN HALL SQUARE
Assemble 10 am Saturday 30 April, Lowden Square @ Wollongong Station VOTE
MORRISON
OUT
Assemble 11.30 Sunday 1 May Town Hall Square, march to Domain
Assemble 10 am Sunday 1 May, march to Nobby’s Beach
Speakers, food, rides, family fun day.
MAY DAY DINNER Friday 29th April Souths-Leagues Club
MAY DAY TOAST 6pm, Friday 29th April Villa Dóro Reception Lounge Flinders St Wollongong