ETU NSW & ACT
WINTER 2022
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ELECTRICAL TRADES UNION
EBA
GET ONLINE
ETUnsw
2022
@NSW_ETU
etunswact
www.etunsw.com.au
UNCERTAIN TIMES NEED STRONG UNIONS In times of change and uncertainty, being part of a strong union is more important than ever. That’s certainly the case today as Australians face a cost-of-living crisis driven by soaring inflation and interest rate hikes. Union members earn, on average, 32% more than non-members. The gap is even greater in the electrical industries. Workers organised and represented by strong unions use their collective strength to maintain and improve industry standards and conditions. In 2021 the ETU was able deliver good outcomes through powerful delegate-led EBA campaigns across the power sector. As I write, more than 1,000 ETU members at Sydney Trains are closing in on a significant victory after a disciplined, highly-effective nine-month industrial campaign. Great effort! We’ve launched the ‘Power Up’ campaign taking in up to 50 companies across Sydney construction and contracting. This builds on the ETU’s ‘It’s Time’ campaign which significantly raised industry standards in 2018-19. These solid outcomes for members and good work from our organisers are fuelling notable membership growth. A bigger, stronger union benefits all our members across NSW & the ACT. One change the ETU welcomes is the election of the Albanese Labor Federal Government. Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke has already taken steps against the ABCC which was established to persecute construction workers and their unions. The ETU continues to press the new Government to deliver on other major commitments relevant to ETU members. These include abolition of the Building Code, ‘same job, same pay’ reforms to labour hire, job security for casuals, and domestic and family violence paid leave. Lastly, please check out our annual membership promotion on the back page. Pay your 2022/23 ETU fees in one hit by 31 August. You will save 10% and go in the draw to win a signed AC/DC guitar.
PROUD TO BE UNION
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ALLEN HICKS
SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT
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CONTENTS
03
POWER UP
07 08 11 12 13 16
RAIL REPS DRIVE EBA BARGAINING INDUSTRIAL ROUNDUP LIFT SECTOR NEWS APPRENTICE BACKPAY WIN POWER SECTOR CAMPAIGN LEVY ETU NEWS & PEOPLE
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
EBA
2022
CONSTRUCTION MEMBERS GEAR UP FOR EBA CAMPAIGN
ETU members across the Greater Sydney construction sector are gearing up for a major campaign to lift standards and secure real wages.
Under the banner ‘Power Up’, electrical workers will push for new agreements with up to 50 contractors. Current union agreements at 33 Sydney electrical contractors expire at the end of October 2022.
‘To fix the industry, the ETU had to start from the ground up. We had to build union membership, organise company by company, and create structures to develop and protect activists, delegates and HSRs.
up with the soaring cost of living. We need to address the lack of work/life balance in the sector. We need to fight the exploitation of labour hire. We need to stand up for apprentices, women in the trade and mature age workers.
ETU delegates have developed an extensive log of claims (see page 4).
‘Working with our members, the ETU laid that foundation. The outcome was 33 Sydney construction EBAs and nine infrastructure EBAs that significantly improved conditions.
‘The ETU is only as strong as our active members. If we are strong, active and united across the construction sector, I’m confident we can achieve great outcomes in this EBA.’
The union is seeking a three-year agreement that delivers a 17% pay rise and five weeks annual leave for day workers. Other key claims include improved redundancy paid into the Protect trust, enhanced job security and stronger delegate and HSR rights.
ETU Secretary Allen Hicks said the campaign will build on gains won by ETU members in 2018 and 2019. ‘In 2018 we launched the It’s Time campaign. That was not just about winning decent EBAs, it was about rebuilding the ETU across construction and laying a foundation for future EBAs. ‘In 2018, rights and conditions in NSW had fallen well behind the standards in other major areas like Victoria and Queensland. Electrical workers in NSW construction were paid substantially less, had fewer rights and faced relatively unsafe conditions.
‘The It’s Time campaign lifted standards across the Greater Sydney construction sector for the benefit of all parties. Today a union electrical worker is safer, more secure and more fairly rewarded for his or her skilled labour. ‘In 2022, with the Power Up campaign, we will build on those foundations. We need to ensure that our members keep
ALLEN HICKS SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT WINTER 2022
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ETU delegates say
Delegates endorse ETU claims
match cost of living
The ETU log of claims was developed with and endorsed by Sydney construction delegates. This list goes to an industry mass meeting on 5 August for member comment and approval. The log follows a comprehensive review of the previous EBA and comparison of wages and conditions with other trades and the construction sector. Here are some of the key ETU claims: Three-year EBA Pay rises 5.5%/5.5%/6% 5 weeks annual leave/6 weeks for shift workers Increase redundancy contributions
‘We laid the groundwork with our last EBA campaign. We need to maintain and improve on that. In particular, we need to ensure our wages match the increased cost of living.’
ANDREW WHYTE
Fredon
improve work/life balance Five weeks annual leave will be a game changer. These days most are working 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. We need to recognise that and get some work/life balance back.’
KYLE BATTYE,
Stowe
Reduce casualisation 34 paid hours per month inclement weather Double time for working in rain Triple time for work during industry lockdowns Increased superannuation Increased parental & personal leave Job Security Allowances Loading on RDOs for shift workers HSRs/delegates to be paid leading hand rates Site allowance for apprentices
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stop casualisation ‘Job security is a big thing. We need to push back against casualisation. The new Labor Government must deliver on its promise to abolish the ABCC and Building Code. That goes hand-inhand with the EBA.’
MICK WALDEN
Enermech
ETU ACTION CALL AFTER METRO SAFETY FAILS
4TH WESTCONNEX 3B AGREEMENT DELIVERS GOODS A new Greenfields EBA with contractor NXGEN is the fourth ETU agreement delivering industry-leading conditions at WestConnex 3B. ETU members employed on the project by NXGEN, Fredon, the John Holland/CPB joint venture and Transco Power enjoy benefits including: Current base rate $51.42 ph Infrastructure allowance $6.25 ph Travel $26.05 daily Fares $16.83 daily Redundancy $112.50 weekly All overtime @ double time ETU Assistant Secretary Fred Barbin said the union’s ongoing campaign has lifted standards across Sydney construction and infrastructure. ‘We’ve come a long way, but our union won’t back off as we continue to organise electrical workers at new
The Electrical Trades Union called for an urgent investigation into the Sydney Metro project after an escalator collapsed and a worker was seriously injured while working in two separate incidents.
companies and projects.’ ETU Secretary Allen Hicks congratulated organisers, delegates and members for their efforts and great results, as he looked to the future.
‘It is critical that this good work in the Sydney area is expanded across NSW and the ACT. We will continue to campaign and organise for the rights of all electrical workers to safe, secure employment with the best possible wages and conditions.’
UNION EBA RATES (GRADE 5) SYDNEY CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTING All-purpose hourly rate
Productivity Allowance per hour worked
Daily Travel Allowance
Daily Fares Allowance
Redundancy weekly
May 2022
$51.42
$3.00
$25.25
$16.83
$75.00
October 2022
$52.10
$3.15
$25.25
$16.83
$75.00
‘If the escalator crash happened 20 minutes earlier, we’re probably talking about fatalities,’ Electrical Trades Union Secretary Allen Hicks told 2GB. The two incidents have raised concerns about safety on government building sites, with the ETU calling on the regulator to take urgent action.
‘Why do we have to wait for these serious incidents and accidents to occur before the regulator gets off their backside and actually does the job they’re required to do?’ said Allen. On 21 June, an escalator collapsed at Martin Place, falling four floors and through a wall and narrowly missing nearby workers. A separate incident at the Pitt St Sydney Metro site on 9 June saw a worker seriously injured while operating a hoist. He suffered serious injuries including a broken leg and pelvis.
WINTER 2022
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AUSGRID APPEALS
SCATHING
FAIR WORK DECISION
Fair Work is considering Ausgrid’s appeal against the Commission’s Decision that the company was not justified in taking disciplinary action against 10 ETU members. Ausgrid stood down 10 District Operators and Operating Depot Supervisors, six for four months while four remain stood down after 18 months.
FOR ETU RAIL MEMBERS
The NSW Government and Sydney Trains have suffered a major defeat after the Fair Work Commission rejected an application to halt industrial action by the ETU and other rail unions.
Fair Work Commissioner Cambridge handed down a scathing Decision after hearing six days’ evidence on top of documentary submissions. ‘The disciplinary action taken by Ausgrid … was unreasonable and unjustifiable,’ the Commissioner found.
The case exposed deep cultural, procedural and management failures which put 10 long-serving employees through hell. Fair Work found the 10 ETU members were ‘scapegoats’. Management ineptly and deliberately manipulated its investigation to produce a list of 10 workers although the company admitted up to 150 shared similar work practices. Fair Work found Ausgrid breached its own policy banning the collection of electronic tracking data for vehicle use within one kilometre of an employee’s home. The damning Decision vindicated the 10 ETU members who were unfairly targeted while exposing what goes on behind closed doors among at least some senior Ausgrid managers. Ausgrid sought leave to appeal at a Fair Work hearing on 6 July. Fair Work is expected to hand down a Decision in August – firstly on whether to allow the Appeal. If the Appeal is allowed, Fair Work will address the Appeal grounds.
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FAIR WORK VICTORY
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Sydney Trains and the State Government argued ongoing Protected Industrial Action endangered safety or people’s welfare, or was causing significant harm to the economy.
But Deputy President Cross rejected the application under section s424 of the Fair Work Act, concluding: I find that no part of the protected action of the Unions (either individually or together), or the totality of the protected action of the Unions (either individually or together), that is challenged in the Applications has threatened, is threatening, or would threaten to endanger the life, the personal safety or health, or the welfare, of the population or of part of it, or cause significant damage to the Australian economy or an important part of it. The ETU has a long list of Protected Industrial Actions in place since October 2021 after two Protected Action Ballots received overwhelming support from members. The previous EBA expired in May 2021. Despite extensive negotiations the NSW Government has failed to make an acceptable comprehensive offer. The ETU Bargaining Team has made significant progress on ETU-specific claims. The final stages of bargaining are focused on wages.
TARA KOOT
ETU ORGANISER
ETU organiser Tara Koot welcomed the Commission’s Decision which leaves rail unions free to continue Protected Industrial Action. ‘We saw some great work from the ETU legal team led by Adam Jacka with Daniel Austin and ETU delegates who prepared statements and appeared as witnesses. ‘The Commissioner recognised that the ETU has been responsible in the application of our Actions. We have compromised on numerous occasions at the company’s request, especially in relation to work on the Metro project.’ Fair Work halted all industrial action for 60 days during the last Sydney Trains EBA campaign in 2018. The difference in 2021-22 is that the ETU and other unions have applied targeted Actions rather than large scale stoppages.
RAIL REPS DRIVE EBA BARGAINING
ETU BARGAINING TEAM LUCAS DOBOSZ, MICHAEL DE MARCHIS, ORGANISER TARA KOOT, JONO BELL, ALEC BEVILLE, JESSE SAVILLE, PHIL DAWE, ETU PRESIDENT GLEN POTTER
Rank-and-file delegates are driving one of the ETU’s most complex and long-running EBA campaigns. For more than 12 months, 50 Sydney Trains delegates have met weekly to plan strategy and guide high-impact industrial action. Seven senior delegates have taken on even more responsibility – they sit on the ETU Bargaining Team with ETU organiser Tara Koot. It’s a huge commitment taking at least a day per week since July 2021, and several days a week in periods of intense negotiations.
Only ETU President Glen Potter had prior bargaining experience. The other six delegates stepped up to the challenge of juggling multiple rail unions, hostile management and attention to thousands of details.
Together they have steered the ETU campaign to the brink of great success, on behalf of more than 1,000 ETU members at Sydney Trains.
I am so proud
Learned a lot
‘They are an amazing team! They go above and beyond. Always on the ball, ready and willing to do what’s required. Nothing would have been won in this EBA campaign so far without our bargaining reps. Congratulations to all. I am so proud.’
‘We made a conscious decision to involve more delegates in bargaining. It’s been a positive experience that will deliver a very positive outcome for members. We’ve learned a lot from lead delegate Glen Potter. We’ve built a team for the future.’
TARA KOOT,
ETU organiser
LUCAS DOBOSZ,
team leader signals
Hostile management ‘It was pretty daunting at first, but after a few meetings I worked out the process. For months we faced a hostile environment with management placing obstacles and the same repeated garbage. I learned how to prosecute an argument so they understand our claims.’
MICHAEL DE MARCHIS,
train technician
Credit must also go to all ETU members at Sydney Trains who have stuck together in a disciplined and effective industrial campaign that placed enormous pressure on the company. The Sydney Trains campaign has been strengthened by the ETU’s experience in recent EBA campaigns in other sectors. The list of rail industrial actions included actions found to be effective in the power sector in 2021.
Congratulations to all involved!
Eye-opening!
Significant gains
‘It was eyeopening! I enjoyed getting to know the delegates from other sections and hearing their perspective. I learned heaps and improved my communication skills. The whole process should have been a lot quicker though.’
‘I’m pretty stoked. I wanted to be in bargaining so we wouldn’t lose any conditions. In the end, we’ll do a lot better than that. Thanks to our industrial campaign, we will deliver significant gains for ETU members at Sydney Trains.’
PHIL DAWE,
rail maintainer
WINTER 2022
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JONO BELL,
work group leader, signals
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’GONG BOSSES MUST LIFT PAY or lose workers
STEWART EDWARD ETU ORGANISER
The ETU has increased resources in the Illawarra and South Coast regions as workers seek to organise for better wages and conditions. The aim is to lift standards for electrical workers by negotiating good union agreements based on strong and active ETU membership.
Rail members -- based at locations including Wollongong, Clyde, Werris Creek and Parkes – ran a two-month industrial campaign.
ETU organisers have informed local electricians of substantial increases in rates of pay in Sydney. Employers are on notice that the ETU will encourage union members to travel to Sydney if rates are not significantly improved.
At Tallawarra B, a gas hydrogen power station project, negotiations are well advanced for an EBA expected to deliver the best on-site rates in the Illawarra. This could include substantial site allowance and Protect redundancy trust in excess of $100 per week, plus ongoing employment and solid union rates for apprentices.
‘We will not accept regional workers being paid inferior rates for the same skills and work,’ said ETU organiser Stewart Edward. ‘There is high demand for electrical workers. Good union agreements with fair rates will help close the gap and make it viable for regional workers to stay in their local area.’ ETU members at Progress Rail recently settled an EBA with a total pay rise of 13.5% over four years, bringing the hourly rate to $54.50 for a Level 2 tradesperson by January 2025. Progress
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The latest union agreement at Bluescope delivers 12% higher wages over three years, although the ETU and other trade-based unions remain unhappy about the failure to address all claims. The ETU is seeking to organise throughout the steel works from apprentices upwards. Negotiations continue at Stowe Wollongong/Nowra, which was ‘nonunion’ for many years. Recently joined ETU members and delegates at Stowe aim to lift Grade 5 rates from a dismal $33 to $42 per hour.
At ARA Electrical, newly-joined ETU members are determined to get substantial increases to protect themselves against soaring inflation and interest rate hikes. The company has ongoing work at Bomaderry, Bluescope and Dubbo. Downer ETU members – in the Illawarra and Hunter Valley – achieved an 11% wage increase and significant improvements to conditions. At Boral, ETU members continue a long struggle to defend jobs and conditions. Stewart Edward said regional electricians at many companies have elected their own ETU delegates who encourage their mates to join up, compile a log of claims and sit in on negotiations with their organisers during negotiations.
‘The Illawarra and South Coast have a proud union history with high rates of union density. Our work today builds on the best of that tradition.’
DELEGATE TRAINING IN WOLLONGONG JUNE 2022 WITH MEMBERS FROM A RANGE OF LOCAL COMPANIES.
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TARGET
PAY & STANDARDS
ETU Kone members in Sydney are determined to win an EBA that keeps up with industry standards and soaring inflation. A meeting at Trades Hall in late-June formalised and endorsed a log of claims that will launch negotiations with the company. ETU delegate Nathan Giles said cost of living was the main focus at the mass meeting.
LIFT SECTOR
KONE WORKERS
‘We helped management out during COVID with a special two-year EBA that delivered very modest pay rises. The boys agreed to take a hit then and catch-up next time – we haven’t forgotten that.’ ETU organiser Steve Bankes said around 150 Kone members covered by the EBA want to ensure they keep up with standards being achieved across the lift sector.
TK 12.75% Pay boost
LIFTRONIC MEMBERS
Up to 50 ETU members at TK Elevator (formerly thyssenkrupp) voted up a three-year EBA that delivers a 12.75% boost to pay and allowances.
SCORE 12% MORE
Delegate Tim Cusack described the outcome as ‘a good result achieved without any pain’ to workers.
‘This outcome demonstrates that it pays to belong to the ETU. The only reason the TIM CUSACK company gives us anything is because (LEFT) WITH ETU ORGANISER we are united as union members.’ STEVE BANKES ETU organiser Steve Bankes congratulated TK members on sticking together and welcomed new delegate Rhys Moon.
Around 25 ETU members employed by Liftronic have accepted in-principle an EBA offer than includes 12% higher wages. The three-year agreement boosts redundancy to $90 per week and provides 0.5% additional superannuation. The agreement proceeds to a formal vote. Liftronic is now owned by Schindler.
SCHINDLER EBA talks open
Negotiations at Schindler are in the early stages with ETU members demanding a substantial pay rise. SCHINDLER UNION COMMITTEE WITH ETU & AMWU DELEGATES AND ORGANISERS.
KONE CANBERRA action vote
‘The guys are keen to maintain the value of their real wages. It’s an uncertain time,’ said ETU delegate Dave Zieba.
Around 30 ETU members at the company voted down a proposed 4-year agreement that included annual increases of 3.75% including wages and super. ETU organiser Jimmy Darton-Turner said members need a higher pay rise that meets the cost of living, plus income protection and increased redundancy.
‘Our members at Kone will not accept a below Canberra Kone workers are inflation pay rise because that would mean a cut voting in a Protected Action to the value of real wages. Ballot after rejecting the company’s EBA offer.
JIMMY DARTONTURNER
ETU ORGANISER
‘The strong feeling at meetings is that ETU members are ready to take industrial action if required to achieve a fair outcome.’ WINTER 2022
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INDUSTRIAL ROUNDUP
DOWNER REGIONAL EBA deliverS
11% + MORE Regional ETU members employed by Downer will receive an 11% pay rise and improved conditions under a new union agreement. The Downer Regional EBA covers workers employed by the contractor in the Hunter and Illawarra. The three-year agreement boosts wages and allowances by 4.5%, 3.5% and 3%. Casual loading will apply to all hours worked. A casual conversion clause is included. Redundancy payments, top up insurance, LAHA and travel allowance all increase. The EBA brings in paid pandemic leave and domestic violence leave. ETU organiser Brad McDougall congratulated members for sticking together during months of negotiations.
‘This is a good outcome that helps ETU members keep up with the cost of living and introduces a range of new conditions.’ BRAD MCDOUGALL ETU ORGANISER
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NILSEN SERVICE EBA SETS BENCHMARK ETU members at contractor Nilsen have set the benchmark for service divisions in their new EBA.
AARON ABELA
ETU DELEGATE
The three-year agreement delivers 10.5% total wage rises paid in sixmonthly increments with a base hourly rate of $55.40 by 2025. All overtime is now paid at double time – a first for service divisions in NSW, although it’s a standard condition in Sydney construction. The EBA boosts a raft of allowance and loadings, with night shift now attracting 45%, up from 30%.
ETU delegate Aaron Abela said around 40 ETU members covered are ‘really happy’ with gains around overtime and night shift. ‘I hope other ETU members working in service can use our EBA as a benchmark so we go forward together.’ ETU organiser Chris Pappas congratulated Nilsen members on a good outcome. ‘These are highly-skilled and disciplined electricians who are 100% union. That’s why this group leads the pack.’
CHUBB MEMBERS VOTE ON 11.25% OFFER
ETU members at Chubb Fire and Security Services were voting on an improved EBA offer, at the time of writing. The company put the proposed agreement out for a ballot of workers in Sydney and Wollongong after employees voted down an earlier draft. The new offer would deliver an 11.25% increase to pay and allowances over three years. Wollongong delegate Chris Valic said there were ‘differing views’ among members, but most recognised the offer is a step forward. ‘The big concern is keeping up with inflation and interest rates. If this EBA is voted up, we will be pushing hard for a 36-hour week in the next agreement.
‘We’ve worked very hard the last couple of years. We want to improve our work/life balance.’ Sydney delegate Simon Kerswell welcomed improvements to LAHA and top-up insurance in the new offer. ‘It’s still not quite what we wanted, but it’s closer.’
ETU delegate Chris Valic with colleague Eduard Loncar. /
WINTER 2022
ARISTOCRAT TECHS BUILD UNION TO
WIN FAIR EBA
Aristocrat delegates are building an EBA log of claims after surveying ETU members and non-members in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT.
LOCKOUT FALLS TO STOP EBA CAMPAIGN Workers at coffee manufacturer Freshfood Services continue their industrial campaign for a fair EBA after being twice locked out by the company in June and July. More than 100 UWU, AMWU and ETU members were locked out over a weekend and then soon after for several days in aggressive employer action. In between the lockouts, workers took a snap 24-hour strike – an action they could legally apply because the company lockouts came without notice. ETU organiser Prameesh Chandra said workers had placed overtime and other bans after Freshfood Services refused to offer a decent pay rise and restore leave rights.
‘The lockout was an own goal from management because it made workers even more united determined to defend pay and conditions.’ Freshfood Services makes coffee brands including Robert Timms and Bushells.
The ETU team with organiser Prameesh Chandra will table the union list of demands after further consultation with around 200 technicians at the gaming machine company. A wage rise to keep pace with inflation and increased superannuation will be high on the agenda. Employersupplied PPE, weekend allowance and backpay are other key claims.
ORGANISER PRAMEESH CHANDRA WITH DELEGATE STEVE ARGYOS.
‘We need to boost union density and activism at Aristocrat to lay the foundations for a strong campaign that delivers a decent agreement,’ said Prameesh. This will be the first EBA covering all technicians employed by the company across states and territories.
SOLAR SURGE
ETU members at Wagga South Solar Farm elected a delegate and two Health & Safety Reps during a visit by organiser Mitch Johnston. The ETU continues our campaign for a safe renewables industry that employs licensed electrical workers and meets industry standards.
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BACKPAY WINS
ETU WINS BIG BACKPAY FOR MATURE APPRENTICE TIM
A mature age Sydney Trains apprentice has secured major backpay thanks to ETU representation. Tim O’Brien is not your typical electrical apprentice. Aged 40 and a father of three, he exemplifies the diversity of the Sydney Trains apprentice cohort recruited over the past five years. Tim was already qualified and working as a Sydney Trains rail traction linesman when he signed up for a substation apprenticeship in 2021.
‘I love working for Sydney Trains – great job, great people. I wanted to upskill but I was concerned about the financial side. My wife and I looked through the EBA and saw a clause guaranteeing that existing employees who were offered an apprenticeship would not suffer a pay drop.’ But as Tim settled into his new training role, his pay was not maintained at his previous rate. ‘I wanted to raise it but I was nervous about jeopardising my position. In the end I sent an email to management but didn’t get much of a response. ‘Then ETU organiser Tara Koot took up my case. Pretty soon everything got fixed and I received a nice backpay covering almost 12 months.
‘Tara was great. My experience proves why it’s beneficial to be part of the union!’
DELIVERS MULTIPLE BACKPAYS
ETU ACTION
FOR P.H.E. WORKERS
The ETU has recovered substantial underpayments to electrical workers employed by the same contractor at different sites.
NICK BLIGH
ETU ORGANISER
A union investigation and monitoring of payslips revealed that Pat Hogan Electrical (PHE) had incorrectly paid annual leave to at least 70 workers.
The company wrongly classified the employees as day shift when in fact they worked a continuous shift roster. As shift workers, they are entitled to five weeks annual leave compared to four weeks for day workers. ETU organiser Nick Bligh said backpay was delivered for PHE employees in Cadia Valley Operations, Snowy 2.0 and South Australia. The ETU also alleged that the company had failed to contribute around two years worth of portable long service leave.
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After ETU involvement, Pat Hogan Electrical was required to make contributions to the NSW Long Service
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Corporation for a different group of around 30 workers on the Cadia Expansion Project. The NSW Long Service Corporation, which administers the building and construction industry portable long service scheme, ruled in the ETU’s favour that the work being undertaken is classified as construction. The ETU continues to monitor the payment of all entitlements across the construction and contracting sectors.
‘Our highly skilled members work hard every day. They deserve every cent they are legally entitled to. The ETU will always pursue employers who fail to pay in full,’ said Nick Bligh.
For power sector campaign Levy
ETU members across the power sector have overwhelmingly supported the establishment of a campaign fund dedicated to assisting members during industrial action, and for legal proceedings and sectoral delegate conferences. The Electricity Supply Authorities Transmission & Distribution Campaign Levy was proposed and approved by delegates to the ETU NSW & ACT Biennial Conference in 2021. A motion supporting the Levy was passed by a large majority of members voting in nearly 150 depot meetings held across NSW and the ACT between April and July. The $2 per week Levy will apply to around 4,500 ETU members at Transgrid, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy and Evoenergy from 1 August, 2022. The campaign fund will be administered by five trustees, each being a delegate from one of the five companies. A power sector
POWER SECTOR
OVERWHELMING SUPPORT delegate conference will review the Levy annually. ETU Secretary Allen Hicks thanked members for the strong support given to the Levy.
‘This is a great step forward for ETU members across the power sector. It places ETU members in a much stronger position for future EBA campaigns.’ The fund can only be accessed to support members taking protracted industrial action at Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy, Evoenergy and Transgrid, including legal actions and delegates conferences related to EBA campaigns.
WINTER 2022
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A super history
Super guaranteed for all This year marks the 30th year of the Superannuation Guarantee legislation which made super a compulsory part of the pay of almost every worker in Australia. A leader in the campaign for compulsory superannuation were the building unions. Their successful campaign meant Cbus was up and running in 1984, 8 years prior to the passing of Superannuation Guarantee legislation.
Tom McDonald, a super pioneer On 16 April, one of the key pioneers of superannuation in Australia, Tom McDonald, passed away. Tom was the federal secretary of the Building Workers Industrial Union, the forerunner to the CFMEU. Tom led the building unions and their members with the ACTU to campaign in the early 1980s for the creation of an industry based occupational superannuation scheme for building workers. This became Cbus.
Reflections on our achievements Three decades on, superannuation still stands out as one of the most successful examples of structural reform undertaken in our country’s 120 years of federation. And it is still celebrated as one of the world’s leading retirement pension systems.
Total superannuation assets in Australia have grown from around $148 billion in 1992, when the SG was introduced, to $3.5 trillion as at 31 December 2021. Of course, Cbus has been doing this for a long time. As a long-term investor with a large asset base, Cbus is able to access a broad range of assets on behalf of our members, including Australian and international shares, private equity, property, infrastructure, and Australian and international debt securities. The vision of people like Tom McDonald and the sacrifice of ordinary workers in the construction industry who waged a hard-fought industrial campaign means our members enjoy a better retirement while we support their industries and help build Australia.
It is a time to reflect and feel proud.
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 and Target Market Determination prior to making any decisions. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy. All figures presented as at 31 December 2021, unless otherwise noted. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.
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It’s smart to be with Cbus.
Call 1300 361 784 8am to 8pm AEST/AEDT Monday to Friday cbussuper.com.au
One of the most important decisions you’ll make about super is where to invest it. Make sure you choose the right super fund for you.
Find out more
This information is about Cbus and doesn’t take into account your specific needs. You should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and related documents to decide if Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262 WINTER 2022
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PAY ETU FEES ANNUALLY FOR CHANCE TO WIN
There are significant benefits for ETU members who choose to pay their union fees annually in one payment.
Annual fee payers receive a 10% discount and are eligible for ETU Funeral Benefit (conditions apply).
If you have already paid your 2022/23 fees in one annual payment, you will automatically be entered in the draw.
If you choose an annual payment for your ETU 2022/23 membership fees, you will go in the draw to win an electric guitar signed by AC/DC legends Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson, Cliff Williams, Angus Young and Phil Rudd.
All other members are invited to pay their 2022/23 fees in one payment by 31 August. You can pay by bank transfer, direct debit, credit card, cash or year in advance DSR.
This professionally framed guitar comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
So save yourself 10%, qualify for ETU Funeral Benefit and get the chance to win this fabulous collectible guitar!
For more information, emailletunsw@etunsw.com.au or call the ETU office (02) 9267 4844
PROUDLY UNION
ETU HAS YOU COVERED Union members are covered by ETU Journey Insurance in case of accident or injury while travelling to or from work.
The ETU scheme through Chifley Services covers financial members not otherwise insured (conditions apply).
The ETU has launched a member recognition program to thank long-standing members for their loyalty and support.
Eligible members unable to work will receive lost wages up to $1,500 per week.
Eligible members will receive an official certificate of recognition, a badge or other union memorabilia. It’s something we can all look forward to on milestones such as 10, 20, 30, 40 and even 50 continuous years of ETU NSW & ACT Branch membership. Proudly ETU!
To make a claim please call
1800 800 002
TOP CLASS
The ETU provides full support and training to our workplace leaders from all sectors. Trainer Scott Wilson ensures ETU delegates get the knowledge, skills and support they need at monthly classes in Sydney and the regions. The group pictured includes a big contingent from Coca Cola, plus delegates from contracting, tunnels, rail, water, lifts and fire service.
HELP US KEEP IN TOUCH
Have your contact details or address changed? Please help the ETU stay in touch by updating your details. Use the QR code to update online, email etunsw@etunsw.com.au or call the ETU office (02) 9267 4844