Livewire Summer 2022. Official publication of ETU NSW & ACT

ETU NSW & ACT

SUMMER 2022

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A YEAR OF GROWTH & GREAT OUTCOMES 2022 was a very special year for the ETU and our members. We commemorated 120 years since our great union was founded by 37 electricians at Trades Hall, Sydney.

The finale was a gala dinner attended by hundreds of ETU delegates, life members, officials and special guests. There was a lot of proud history in that room, and a lot of promise for the future.

The ETU NSW & ACT is today in our strongest position for generations.

In challenging times for unions, we are growing with substantial recruitment month after month. More members are becoming active in the union, the best stepping up as ETU delegates. This year we got our delegate training back on track with monthly courses.

The ETU is growing in every major industry because we are working hard to deliver what electrical workers need: safe workplaces, the best pay and conditions, and the integrity of our trade. Our strongest growth sector is construction and contracting. In 2022, construction members emerged as the ETU NSW & ACT’s largest single cohort with more than 5,000 members.

There is plenty more growth ahead – and a bigger, stronger union benefits all ETU members.

We saw a strong EBA campaign this year from more than 1,000 ETU members at Sydney Trains. After 13 months of industrial action, the ETU won improvements. Along the way, a new generation of workplace leaders emerged.

This determined effort in rail follows good outcomes at the big power companies and numerous smaller sites. When we stick together and fight smart, we win.

Industrial relations reform from the Labor Federal Government will put more wind in the ETU’s sails. The first tranche of legislation introduced the option of multi-employer bargaining, which may assist the ETU’s efforts in the renewable and other sectors.

We look forward to further reform in 2023, including ‘same job, same pay’ laws, which should put the brakes on unethical use of labour hire.

I thank every ETU member for your support this year. Please enjoy the festive season with your loved ones.

PROUD TO BE UNION

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ALLEN HICKS

SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT

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SUMMER 2022

CONTENTS

04

CONSTRUCTION EBA BREAKTHROUGH

07 08 09 11 12 16

ETU NSW 120 YEAR DINNER POWER SECTOR NEWS RAIL DELEGATES EBA WIN LIFT SECTOR WAGES WINS INDUSTRIAL ROUND UP ETU 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

IT PAYS TO BELONG

ETU members employed by CE Group at Tallawarra B Power Station have negotiated a union EBA which delivers:

METRO’S ‘APPALLING’

SAFETY RECORD EXPOSED

The Sydney Metro is plagued by safety fails as the NSW Government recklessly rushes the project ahead of the March 2023 election.

Leading hourly rate in Wollongong $4.15 hourly site allowance $111 per week Protect severance fund Electrogroup apprentices paid EBA rates (up to $35 ph 4th year) ETU organiser Stewart Edward congratulated members on achieving this good outcome.

‘It’s great to see our regional members sticking together to win improved conditions. ETU members are active in the fight to lift standards across the Illawarra and South Coast.’

ETU members stopped work in October after workers were not supplied with correct PPE while stripping cables.

The Guardian exposed multiple incidents when a whistleblower alleged safety may have been compromised to meet deadlines and budgets.

A 30-tonne trailer ran out of control for 1.5 kilometres through unfinished Metro tunnels. ‘A breach of a basic train safety principle,’ said the regulator. Workers on site escaped only because they were on a break.

The Guardian listed two collapses during Metro-related demolition in Parramatta, the collision of three large rail trucks in a tunnel, and a dangerous near-miss when Metro scaffolding slipped on a truck.

Grant for

LIFESAVER

JOEL WARD ON THE TONGS AT THE CLUB

The ETU demanded action after an escalator being installed fell four floors at Martin Place station, narrowly missing workers. Safework NSW issued four Prohibition Notices. The ETU again spoke out when a labourer was seriously injured after a hoist failed on Metro Pitt St.

Thanks to an ETU campaign, every truck in the electricity sector is equipped with a life-saving defibrillator.

The whistleblower revealed the NSW Government placed huge pressure to speed up works with the project massively over-budget.

An early opening of the Chatswood-Sydenham stage could boost the Perrottet Government’s chances of re-election in March.

Endeavour Energy employee Joel Ward wanted to see the same at Wollongong University Junior Soccer Club where he and his family are closely involved

ETU secretary Allen Hicks said no worker should be put at risk for political gain. ‘The Metro is a huge governmentfunded project with an appalling safety record. It’s a miracle there has not yet been a fatality.

‘The ETU will continue to monitor and enforce safety to protect our members and all Metro workers.’

Joel applied for an ETU Community Grant to fund a defibrillator and was ‘stoked’ to hear the grant was approved.

‘This has been on my mind for 16 years.

It makes me so proud to be a union member when I see the ETU’s good work.’

APPLY FOR ETU COMMUNITY GRANTS AND ETU SCHOLARSHIPS:

https://tinyurl.com/4bctfue9 SUMMER 2022

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CONSTRUCTION

ETU MEMBERS

POWER UP FOR EBA 2022

Negotiations are underway for agreements covering ETU members at more than 30 Sydney electrical contractors.

The talks come after more than a thousand ETU members packed a mass meeting in Sydney’s CBD. They endorsed a log of claims for the next round of EBAs and pledged to back demands up with industrial action, if required.

The current construction EBAs expired on 31 October. The ETU has geared up for a major campaign to improve conditions and secure the value of wages.

ETU Secretary Allen Hicks said the union has increased the number of organisers in the construction sector and strengthened its legal team

‘We have ensured the union is in the best possible position with adequate resources to achieve the best outcomes for members.’

The ETU seeks a three-year agreement that delivers a 17% pay rise and increased leave for workers. Other key claims include improved redundancy paid into the Protect trust, enhanced job security, ‘same job, same pay’ provisions and stronger delegate and HSR rights.

The Power Up EBA campaign for 2022 builds on the significant gains won by ETU members in the 2019 campaign.

ETU officials, delegates and members fought hard to increase the wages and conditions of members in the construction sector over the last three years.

Monthly ETU delegates meetings are well attended. Remarkable

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SUMMER 2022

growth has seen the union’s construction sector increase to well over 5,000 members.

‘There is a strong groundswell of support and a growing membership base keen to take whatever steps are required to deliver improved wages and conditions for electrical workers,’ said ETU Secretary Allen Hicks.

‘It is an exciting time to be part of the NSW & ACT branch. The next round of EBAs will deliver significant improvements to ETU members and their families.

DELEGATES ENDORSE ETU CLAIMS

The ETU log of claims was developed by delegates and endorsed by the August mass meeting.

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

‘I’m confident that the outcomes we deliver will help address the soaring cost of living, stop the exploitation of labour hire workers, improve members work/life balance, and finally address the disparity experienced by apprentices for far too long.

Pay rises 5.5%/5.5%/6%

‘Apprentices are the future of the trade and the future of our union. This new EBA will recognise that and deliver considerable and meaningful changes to apprentice wages and conditions,’ said Allen Hicks.

32 paid hours per month inclement weather

ALLEN HICKS

SECRETARY ETU NSW & ACT

Increased leave provisions Increase redundancy contributions Reduce casualisation

Double time for working in rain Triple time for work during industry lockdowns Increased superannuation Increased parental & personal leave Job Security Allowances HSRs/delegates to be paid leading hand rates Site allowance for apprentices

Proudly ETU at WestConnex

ETU members employed by Fredon at WestConnex Rozelle Interchange held a spirited mass meeting. ETU Assistant Secretary Fred Barbin and organiser Antony Stegic presented on the EBA log of claims and upcoming infrastructure projects.

Protect severance fund field officers were on hand.

COURT ORDERS BUILDER

CHRIS PAPPAS

KYLE BATTY

TO PAY ETU $100,000

ETU ORGANISER

ETU DELEGATE

The Federal Court ordered Builder Richard Crookes must pay $100,000 to the ETU. Justice Goodman imposed penalties for three 2020 contraventions of Sections 501 and 502 of the Fair Work Act, which relate to right of entry. Employees of Richard Crookes Construction, a major builder, had either obstructed, delayed or denied entry to ETU organisers Antony Stegic and Lawrie Duff at the Opera Residences site on Macquarie St. Significant penalties were imposed because the contravening conduct was ‘flagrant and deliberate’.

The third and most serious contravention saw a security guard barge into Lawrie Duff to prevent his entry, on the instructions of a Richard Crookes manager.

The penalties to be paid to the ETU are $20,000, $35,000 and $45,000.

ETU Secretary Allen Hicks said ‘this great result sends a clear message to employers in the construction sector. You must not hinder, deny or obstruct our officials in the course of exercising their lawful right of entry’.

The ETU construction team continues to monitor and enforce safety across sites in NSW and the ACT.

DELEGATE POWER

THANKS KYLE The ETU farewells delegate Kyle Batty who made a lifestyle change into a new industry.

Kyle was an outstanding delegate for contractor Stowe. ETU organiser Chris Pappas said: ‘We wish Kyle all the best.

He is a great workplace leader with strong union values liked by all.’

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION, KYLE.

At monthly meetings, ETU delegates compiled and endorsed in-principle a log of claims for the next round of EBAs in Sydney construction. Delegates discussed a range of industry issues with ETU Secretary Allen Hicks, Assistant Secretary Fred Barbin and the ETU construction crew.

SUMMER 2022

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NATIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

ETU DELEGATES

BUILD POWER

ETU senior delegates and officials from all Branches and industries met in Sydney for the union’s National Delegates Conference. Conference workshops saw delegates share experiences and insights and collaborate on strategies to address common challenges.

CONTRACTING

GROWTH

Senior delegates and organisers, including ETU NSW & ACT Assistant Secretary Fred Barbin, pooled their experiences at the ETU National Delegates Conference.

The conversation focused on practical strategies that will win for members and meet challenges across the ETU’s strongest growth sector.

FRED BARBIN

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

ETU FUTURE LEADERS Apprentices from across the ETU enjoyed two days of lively discussion.

Led by ETU National Technical Officer Sarah Brunton, the group covered issues around trade training, apprentice support, mental health and union building.

Power delegates grill REGULATOR Power sector delegates grilled Australian Energy Regulator (AER) deputy chair Jim Cox. Issues raised included poor consultation with workers, insufficient funding and regulation to ensure proper maintenance of the failing grid, rewarding companies for underspending on maintenance, increased safety risks for consumers and workers, and energy companies price gouging for jobs in small rural towns.

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Focus on lift safety

ETU women network

Lift industry delegates tackled safety issues, reviewed Australian standards and compared experiences across branches and companies.

ETU women discussed the role of health and safety representatives, personal protective equipment, how to harness social media in campaigning, and building networks in male-dominated industries.

The workshop thanked Keith Mackenzie for and David Mier for their massive contributions.

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SUMMER 2022

Industrial officers pow-wow

General Trade tags shipbuilding

ETU industrial officers shared tips and knowledge on navigating the complex world of industrial law.

General Trades delegates discussed protecting coverage in the rail industry and challenges in naval shipbuilding.

The group was briefed by the ACTU’s Tom Roberts and former Fair Work Deputy President Commission Peter Sams.

The group heard how the ETU exposed shipbuilding company Austal and won back $200k for temporary migrant workers.

ETU NSW celebrates i n

s t y l e

Hundreds of ETU members and supporters celebrated in style at the ETU NSW 120 Years Gala Dinner.

Speakers included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns, ETU Secretary Allen Hicks and ETU President Glen Potter.

Chris Minns pledged to introduce a new comprehensive electrical safety and regulation system, if Labor is elected at the NSW election in March 2023.

‘I affirm my Party’s commitment to establishing a robust, tri-partite oversight regime for the electrical industry.

It will be one of the priorities of my government.’

Allen Hicks welcomed the commitment. ‘The policies adopted by Chris Minns and Labor represent genuine historic reform that the ETU has campaigned for over many years.’ Prime Minister Albanese congratulated the ETU on its achievements for members. He presented awards to the ETU Apprentice of the Year and finalists.

Guests at the dinner donated over $50,000 to the Isabella & Marcus Foundation, a children’s brain cancer research charity. The ETU encourages further donations which can be made at

www.isabellaandmarcusfoundation.org The ETU thanks CBUS and Protect, the Principal Sponsors of the 120 Year Gala Dinner, and other Sponsors Energy Skills Australia, Electrogroup, Hall Payne Lawyers, Chifley and Shark Island Brewery.

THANKS ALSO TO THE ETU LIFE MEMBERS, DELEGATES AND MEMBERS WHO HELPED MAKE THIS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.

SUMMER 2022

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7

POWER SECTOR

POWER DELEGATES PLAN TO WIN

Senior ETU delegates from five NSW and ACT power companies met to discuss key industry issues.

The full-day ETU Power Industry Delegates Conference focused on the need to align enterprise agreements across the sector.

A gap analysis of differing rates and allowances was presented.

Representatives from Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Evoenergy, Essential Energy and Transgrid voted unanimously to continue the Transmission & Distribution Levy for the next 12 months.

ETU NSW & ACT Secretary Allen Hicks advised delegates that the union will employ a Power Industry Recruitment Officer focused on engaging with contractors and ASPs. ‘It was great to bring together our senior workplace leaders from across the industry for the first such in-person meeting since the pandemic,’ said ETU organiser Darran Miller.

‘We achieved some good outcomes through our industrial campaigns in 2021. The challenge now is to build on that strength and prepare for the next round of bargaining which will kick off in late 2023.’

ETU Assistant National Secretary Trevor Gauld briefed delegates on the Queensland ETU’s experience with a three-tier union structure comprising ETU organisers, senior power delegates and local delegates.

DARREN MILLER ETU ORGANISER

ETU NSW & SA COMBINE TO RE-CONNECT COMMUNITIES Around 50 ETU members employed

by Essential Energy helped rebuild the South Australian electricity network after it was smashed by freak storms.

ETU delegate Simon Davies and his Mudgee crew were in the Adelaide Hills for a week.

‘It was great to be able to help local communities. They were very welcoming.

‘We worked side-by-side with ETU South Australia members who are pretty much 100% union across SAPN and the contractors.

Excellent to catch up and share the ETU spirit.’

FULL BENCH DECISION MEANS AUSGRID EMPLOYEES CAN RETURN TO WORK Four ETU members who were stood down by Ausgrid since January 2021 have returned to work following an Appeal Decision from a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission.

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The Decision is damning of the process by which the company targeted 10 employees for work practices the company knew were commonplace among up to 150 other workers.

The Decision, which upheld two of eight grounds of Ausgrid’s Appeal against an earlier decision, closes a shameful chapter in the company’s history.

The ETU estimates that Ausgrid spent more than a million dollars on legal fees and wages.

The ETU welcomes the resolution that allowed

SUMMER 2022

our members, employed as Operating Depot Supervisors and District Operators, to resume work with their heads held high.

Our union, especially the ETU legal team under Adam Jacka with organiser Darran Miller, devoted every resource required for more than 20 months to defend and support this group of senior workers.

We are proud to stand with our Ausgrid members and we will always do so.

RAIL SECTOR

RAIL BREAKTHROUGH FOR EBA VOTE More than a thousand ETU members at Sydney Trains will vote on a proposed EBA after 13 months industrial action.

A breakthrough in the long-running dispute came in late-November.

The Combined Rail Unions and the company agreed to refer outstanding matters including wages for arbitration in the Fair Work Commission. Unions and management will conduct a road show to discuss the proposed EBA with workers across the network. Employees will then vote on the EBA.

The NSW Government’s Wages Cap restricted the wages offer to just 5.5% plus superannuation over a two-year agreement. The ETU and other unions aim to get rid of the Wages Cap by throwing out the conservative State Government at the next election.

Meanwhile the ETU will advocate strongly during Fair Work arbitration for a better pay rise.

The proposed EBA is a good outcome for ETU members regardless of any decision from Fair Work on wages. ETU delegates steered a disciplined, highly effective industrial campaign that won all major ETU-specific claims.

Sydney Trains has already agreed to a $4,500 sign-on payment with the first pay rise backpaid to May 2022.

The introduction of an Electrical Safety Allowance will deliver between $78 and $130 per week for eligible ETU members. Significant improvements were achieved around LAHA, apprentices and classifications. ETU members will be entitled to more parental, compassionate and domestic violence leave, with breastfeeding mothers able to take paid breaks.

’This good outcome is a credit to every ETU member, our fantastic delegate group and the bargaining committee,’ said ETU organiser Tara Koot.

Hopefully Fair Work decides on fairer wage rises. But the EBA package as it stands is one ETU members can support.

DELEGATES SAY Groundbreaking ‘It’s been a long road but a successful road to a groundbreaking EBA. The ETU’s campaign developed a new generation of delegates.

It’s been a great learning process, particularly for our senior delegates on the bargaining committee. Organiser Tara Koot was tremendous. Let’s get this EBA voted up and signed.’

Glen Potter, ETU PRESIDENT

Good result

It’s a win

‘It’s a win. We don’t have the wages we want, but we’ve locked in all our major claims, with the possibility Fair Work will bump the wages up. The process was long and frustrating, but ETU members have shown a lot of resilience.

Our people refused to take “no” for an answer. They continued to strive for better wages and conditions.’

Jesse Saville,

BARGAINING DELEGATE

‘We’re happy to take this EBA to members. Our key ETU claims were signed off six months ago at the bargaining table. Arbitration is a good result for ETU members. This campaign has always been guided by members, from surveys, through meetings and our delegate structure.

We’ve successfully addressed the issues raised by members.’

Alec Beville, BARGAINING DELEGATE

SUMMER 2022

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9

SOUTH ETU COAST PEOPLE

locked-out sparkiesgiant agribusiness ETU rallied around 13 er by ns who were locked out in Octob icia The ETU rallied behind 13 electr paign. ustrial Action during an EBA cam Ind ted tec Manildra for taking Pro lied legal came after ETU members app The company’s extreme action workers ut ed-o lock The s. icle work veh bans to phones, computers and ildra’s Bomaderry Man ide outs line et pick a immediately established ement ss the ETU, the wider union mov plant. Support came from acro bers mem r eight days, the 13 ETU and the local community. Afte s ds held high. ETU delegate Rhy hea r thei with k wor returned to s. The company gres pro ing mak e wer and Arnold said talks resumed should be moving quicker’. improved its offer, however ‘it

together. Most of ‘The lockout brought electricians closer on. The boys saw Acti l us had never taken Protected Industria for a better outcome.’ the impact action can have in pushing

ted the group. art Edward and all who suppor Rhys thanked organiser Stew SOLIDARITY.’ NG TO SEE SUCH POWERFUL ‘IT WAS AMAZING AND UPLIFTI

action A B E r fo t e s s r e b m e m a b a Dormak epared ny Dormakaba are pr

inational door compa itions.

ETU members at mult nificant uplift in cond sig a ve hie ac to n tio to take industrial ac

ted overwhelmingly Sydney employees vo Industrial Action to endorse Protected ld extend to the cou t in a campaign tha in Newcastle and company’s workers ate Jesse Dukes said leg Canberra. ETU de ges. the key issue was wa s in NSW and the ‘Dormakaba employee e work for the sam the ACT do exactly receive lower wages same company, but in Victoria and nts ale than our equiv Queensland.’

s Jesse, one of five delegate ers, said mb me representing 50 ETU ‘ha g rdball’ the company was playin reements that compared to previous ag r annum. delivered CPI plus 1% pe

h ETU organiser Delegates working wit a range of 24 legallyStewart Edward have tions and stoppages ita lim protected bans, to choose from.

aign mp ca k ee -w 11 r te af % 15 m mu ni mi re cu ur years.

South 32 sparkies se y rise over the next fo pa % 15 um m ini m a cket

will po use in their new h 32’s Appin coal mine to a ‘CPI backing’ cla ETU members at Sout on inflation, thanks ing nd ts up to 5% annually, pe en de rem %, 20 inc to up es for

of use provid eek eive a total increase 5/4/3/3% -- but the cla mbers apply an 11-w The workers could rec ed annual pay rises of nte ign that saw ETU me ara pa gu cam l ers ria liv de ust A ind d ne mi ter de a of agreement. The EB the fruit ion. The outcome is depending on inflat ions over six weeks. act nt ica nif sig er oth overtime ban with

ryone stuck ‘We had total solidarity. Eve and got the good together, took the actions Trent Healey. result,’ said ETU delegate

U delegates Lauren Trent with fellow ET berts ‘made the Jones and Nathan Ro aniser Stewart org U ET difference’ said . rd-fought campaign Edward.‘ This was a ha s to knock tic tac t en fer dif d The company trie strong and united.’ us over but we stayed

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SUMMER 2022

SCHINDLER WORKERS NET 12% MORE PAY & 1.5% MORE SUPER

ALLEN HICKS

A new EBA at lift company Schindler delivers a 12% pay rise and 1.5% more in super contributions for ETU members.

CLAYTON JOHNSON

ETU DELEGATE & SCHINDLER’S INDIGENOUS LIASON OFFICER

The three-year agreement sets a benchmark for the sector with Schindler employees enjoying industryleading pay and conditions. ETU delegate Dave Zieba said the outcome was ‘fair for both sides’.

‘It’s a reasonable result achieved without industrial action during uncertain economic times.’

MITCH JOHNSTON

LIFT SECTOR

ETU SECRETARY

DAVE ZIEBA

ETU Clayton Johnson, ETU delegate and Schindler’s ORGANISER Indigenous Liaison Officer, said the EBA is ‘a good win in today’s economic climate’. ETU organiser Mitch Johnston thanked the bargaining committee and congratulated union members for sticking together.

ETU DELEGATE

Mitch also had a message for the other major lift companies.

‘The pay and conditions in place at Schindler set the standard required to attract and retain quality skilled labour. Companies across the sector need to raise the bar or face a shortage of specialised electrical tradespeople.’

SOLIDARITY STRIKE WINS 15%

KONE SYDNEY WORKERS SECURE 16.5%

AT KONE CANBERRA

ETU members at Kone lifts Canberra won a comprehensive victory after service division employees stopped work to support colleagues locked out by the company.

The solidarity strike forced management to concede on all key EBA demands tabled by the ETU.

The outcome is a three-year agreement that delivers: 15% pay rise 0.75% more superannuation all overtime at double time from August 2023.

The union win came after an employer lockout backfired on management. Kone locked out indefinitely its Canberra lift installers division which consists of around 12 ETU members.

The company planned to keep its service division, which is essential to client service, operating. But ETU members in service launched an indefinite strike to support their workmates. The company, unable to

ETU members employed

by Kone in Sydney have secured a 16.5% pay rise over 3.5 years.

function, tapped the mat within days.

‘Kone thought they could divide the guys but that backfired. It only brought the guys closer together, said ETU organiser James DartonTurner. ‘Our members stuck together, they fought and they won.’

Their new agreement also delivers a job security clause, an additional 0.5% superannuation and extended sick leave. Around 170 ETU members are covered by the EBA, which was voted up the day before the result of a successful Protected Action Ballot was announced. ETU delegate Nathan Giles said ‘the overall result is a good win for the boys’.

‘We would have liked more but this EBA strengthens our position and enhances our job security. We’ve got strong union membership and a platform to build on in the future.’

ORGANISER

JIMMY DARTON-TURNER WITH KONE CANBERRA MEMBERS

SUMMER 2022

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ETU organiser Mitch Johnston thanked the delegate team for their work and all ETU members for their support.

11

INDUSTRIAL ROUNDUP

Wind farm

Vales Point members

obstructs

Secure 12% Jump

ETU organiser

30 ETU members employed by Delta Electricity at Vales Point Power Station have secured a 12% increase to pay and allowances over three years.

Major energy company Elecnor was caught out obstructing lawful entry to an ETU organiser and exposing workers to risk of shock or electrocution.

Their new union agreement updates and clarifies numerous clauses applying to members of the ETU, MEU, AMWU and Professionals Australia.

DAVE TREHERNE

ETU A location allowance will DELEGATE deliver an immediate 26% improvement compared to previous allowances for technicians and operators.

ETU delegate Dave Treherne is a 40year veteran of the generation sector, previously working at the old coalfired Tallawarra site.

‘The new EBA gives us a decent wage increase, better conditions, improved access to leave – and it’s accessible in plain English.’

ETU organiser Brad McDougall welcomed the outcome and thanked Dave for his hard work as delegate.

Bega Cheese

Offers 12% to Avoid industrial Action Bega Cheese offered a 12% pay rise after ETU members threatened an industrial campaign.

The company also agreed to a separate agreement covering maintenance workers when the next EBA comes around in three years. This was a key demand from around 30 ETU and AMWU members who are currently covered by a common agreement with the numerically-dominant meatworkers’ union.

‘This is a real breakthrough,’ said ETU organiser Matt McCann. ‘It means maintenance workers will be able to maximise their industrial strength and negotiate a better outcome on the issues that matter to them.’

Bega Cheese improved its wages offer after ETU and AMWU members voted up a Protected Action Ballot. The three-year EBA delivers pay increases of 4,4 and 4%.

Elecnor receives billions of dollars in state and federal funding for multiple renewable energy projects. The company attempted to deny ETU Central West organiser Nick Bligh entry to Flyers Creek Windfarm near Orange. Nick was responding to multiple reports from ETU members of unsafe conditions on site.

Police called

by Elecnor acknowledged the ETU had a lawful right to visit the t workplace. The gh u episode worsened Ca er mera for the company g a when Safework an n ca M o NSW issued two notices ordering the company to rectify breaches that exposed workers to ‘electric shock or electrocution’.

‘Elecnor’s attempts to bar entry suggests they have something to hide,’ said Nick Bligh. ‘Their behaviour is particularly unacceptable for a company so reliant on taxpayer money.’

First union EBA Delivers 8%+ More Around 15 ETU members at ACE Engineered Convenor Solutions have negotiated an 8% pay rise in their first union agreement.

The two-year EBA delivers 5.5% in 2022 and 3% in 2023, plus a series of new and improved allowances. The agreement includes a new classification structure, union delegate rights and training, and above-award apprentice rates.

ETU member Ben Peck said workers had sought a union EBA because ‘we felt we were slipping behind wages and conditions at our competitors’. Employees contacted the ETU after the company, which is owned by Fenner Dunlop, failed to offer a wage rise for 18 months.

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SUMMER 2022

‘We’re pretty happy with the outcome. It’s brought us back in line with conditions at similar companies. It’s good to have everything properly documented in an official agreement. ETU organiser Brad McDougall was excellent!’

ACE is a specialist company mainly producing conveyor systems for the mining industry.

Canberra water workers set to escalate

STEVE SAARINSEN ETU DELEGATE

ROB KELL

ETU DELEGATE

12% Downer Service EBA

raises the bar

Around 400 employees at Canberra water utility Icon Water continue to press for a fair pay rise after voting down two company offers.

While negotiations continue, the company refuses to improve its wages offer of 3% per year. ETU organiser Matt McCann foreshadowed a renewed industrial campaign in the New Year if the dispute is not resolved.

‘The message from workers is loud and clear after 67% rejected the most recent offer. We need a decent increase that preserves the real value of wages.’

ETU delegate Dean West said employees ‘are disappointed that the business is dragging it out and avoiding a resolution’.

‘It’s damaged morale and relationships. The ETU has worked extremely hard to resolve this. Icon Water needs to do more to bridge the gap.’

A union EBA secured a 12% pay rise and numerous improvements for around 20 ETU members at Downer Service.

ETU delegate Rob Kell said ‘the boys are all quite happy’ and grateful for the good work from ETU organiser Chris Pappas.

The three-year agreement includes annual 4% increases, boosts several allowances and pays all weekend overtime at doubletime.

Downer Service workers also achieved Protect severance fund and Chifley top-up insurance and enhanced delegate rights.

‘This EBA is in line with several others that have raised the bar when it comes to conditions for electrical workers in service divisions,’ said Chris Pappas.

SUMMER 2022

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Ups and downs are a normal part of investing This year, we’ve seen investment markets respond to a range of global issues such as, rising inflation, the Russia/Ukraine crisis, and fresh waves of the Covid-19 pandemic.

These market conditions have led to a challenging year for all super funds, including Cbus, with investment returns lower than in previous years. While drops in performance can be uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that super is a long-term investment, and that ups and downs happen.

Over our 38-year history, we've delivered strong long-term outcomes for members. As the graph below shows, this is only the fourth negative financial year return for the Fund and the first since the GFC.*

Growth (MySuper) investment option Since inception average 8.88% p.a.*

20% 15% 10% 5% 0% -5% -10%

2022

2021

2020

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-15%

We’ve been through difficult times before, and together, we’ve gotten through them, and this time will be no different. When looking at your investment options, it's important to consider your long-term goals and that changing to lower risk investment options or making frequent switches can, over the longer term, leave you with lower retirement savings.

Cbus is one of Australia’s top performing industry super funds with strong returns over the long-term and we're here to help. If you're unsure about anything, please contact our Advice Services team:

Email advice@cbussuper.com.au or call 1300 361 784 8.30am to 6pm (AEDT/AEST) Monday to Friday

* Since inception in 1984 to 30 June 2022. Over the past 38 years, the Growth (MySuper) option has returned 8.88% on average. The Growth (MySuper) investment option crediting rate is based on returns minus investment fees, taxes, and until 31 January 2020, the percentage-based administration fee. Excludes fees and costs that are deducted directly from members’ accounts. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Media Super merged with Cbus on the 9th of April 2022. The historical performance prior to this date relates to Cbus investment options and does not incorporate the performance of Media Super.

The information in this flyer only considers performance and doesn’t take into account your specific needs. Before opening an account with Cbus, some other important things to consider include fees and charges, investment options, insurance options and any existing benefits associated with your current super fund. 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 to decide if Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy.

United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for Cbus Super Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 offering Cbus and Media Super products.

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SUMMER 2022

Making hard work pay off One of the top performing industry super funds with strong long-term returns*

Call 1300 361 784 8am to 8pm AEST/AEDT Monday to Friday cbussuper.com.au * The Cbus default Growth (MySuper) option obtained top quartile performance ranking over 7, 10, 15 and 20 years from the SuperRatings FCRS SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index Survey, for the period ending 30 June 2022. SuperRatings is a rating agency that collects information from super funds to enable performance comparisons – visit superratings.com.au. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

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.

United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for Cbus Super Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 offering Cbus and Media Super products

SUMMER 2022

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ETU DELEGATE TRAINING The ETU provides full training and support to our workplace leaders.

Trainer Scott Wilson ensures ETU delegates get the required knowledge and skills at monthly classes across NSW & the ACT.

PICTURED ARE DELEGATES FROM ENDEAVOUR ENERGY, DOWNER SERVICE, SIEMENS, NILSEN, CITY ELECTRICAL, STOWE, ARA AND EQUANS.

PROUDLY UNION

AC/DC GUITAR

STRAIGHT TO MAN CAVE

The signed AC/DC guitar will go straight to the man cave, said ETU competition winner Bill Fraser.

The ETU has launched a member recognition program to thank long-standing members for their loyalty and support.

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!

ETU SUPPORTS SCHOOL The students of Mt Keira Demonstration School are one step closer to a new playground, thanks to an ETU Community Grant.

ETU member Reuben Viles and wife Stephanie are working with the school P & C to raise funds to replace condemned play equipment. An ETU Community Grant got their campaign off to a great start. ‘We’re so grateful! The ETU’s donation has lifted spirits and spurred everyone on. We hope to have the new playground in place next year,’ said Stephanie.

Find out more and apply for ETU Community Grants and ETU Scholarships: https://tinyurl.com/4bctfue9

HELP US HAVE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS OR ADDRESS CHANGED? KEEP IN Please help the ETU stay in touch by updating your details. Use the QR code to update online, TOUCH email etunsw@etunsw.com.au or call the ETU office (02) 9267 4844

The Newcastle-based electrical fitter won the prize draw from all NSW & ACT Branch members who paid ETU fees for 2022/23 annually.

‘I’m stoked. It’s the first thing I’ve won in my life,’ said the Scotsman, who was born near Edinburgh, just 25 kilometres from former AC/DC singer Bon Scott. The 60-year-old joined the British electrical union 42 years ago as an apprentice. He’s been a loyal ETU member since 2006 when he started working for Ampcontrol in Australia. Bill will display the guitar above the juke box in the man cave he built in a backyard shed. ‘Thank you, ETU. I can’t wait to show this off.’