LIFT INDUSTRY & GOLD COAST: STEVE BRAVO & HAYDEN VANDERKRUK
BTG TOUCH FOOTY TOURNAMENT
ETU YOUTH CREW MATES BIG LAP CONTRACTING EBA MASS MEETING
OPERATION ENERGISE BRINGS POWER AND HOPE BACK TO BUNDABERG WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
REGISTERED STATE OFFICE: BRISBANE
ORGANISERS
INDUSTRIAL OFFICERS
The Official Organ of the COMMUNICATIONS, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC, INFORMATION, ENERGY, POSTAL, PLUMBING AND ALLIED SERVICES UNION of Australia (Electrical Division)
Street South Brisbane 4101 P 07 3846 2477 F 07 3844 9851 E info@etu.org.au 1800 ETU YES (1800 388 937) www.etu.org.au
TRAINING OFFICER Damien McGarry
MEDIA & RESEARCH media@etu.org.au
William Yates
HONORARY MEMBERS GROUP CHAIRPERSON
Shane Mills
GOLD COAST OFFICE
Steve Bravo
Vanderkruk
6 Bay Street, Southport, QLD 4215
TOOWOOMBA OFFICE Damian Hewat 19 Russell Street, Toowoomba P 07 4638 9313 F 07 4639 2810
SUNSHINE COAST
Dan Bessell
6/33 Bulcock Street, Caloundra Qld 4551 P 07 5341 8927 F 07 5341 8953
Your union the mighty ETU QLD Branch has done a great job in securing the financial security of members through fighting for and winning employer funded group income protection. There are over 168 ETU QLD EBA’s with income protection covering more than ¾ of the membership.
Income protection ensures the standard of living you enjoy continues if you are injured or become ill and cannot work. A good union job should include employer funded income protection. The WIP group is working with the ETU to ensure every EBA has employer funded group income protection. Those members not currently covered by income protection have accesses to market leading individual income protection at reduced rates via Canopy: www.canopyinsurance.com.au/etu.
We encourage any member of the ETU please reach out and contact our Growth and Partnerships officer Michael Clayton on 0491919950 or michaelc@windsorip.com.au.
In Unity, Jason Potter Rose ETU Member 93553
CAPITALBENEFITSPOLICY
WIP Group proudly supported the ETU in strengthening its capital benefits policy, doubling the solidarity payment from $500 to $1000 and introducing a new $2500 specified illness benefit for members.
16,300 MEMBERS COVERED OVER 168
WIP Group Income Protection has PAID OUT OVER $33 million since 2020 in support to ETU Members and their Families.
FROM THE SECRETARY
Welcome to the 112th edition of the Electrical Worker. This edition has plenty to read about, with our members from Darwin to Tweed Heads either taking action, finishing action or gearing up to take action in the pursuit of better wages and conditions and the battle to hold unscrupulous governments to account over the privatisation of our essential services.
Strong union membership = good EBA’s
We all know it’s a no-brainer, but our members under the guidance of their organisers continue to deliver great EBA outcomes. Our members in Inpex, Monadelphous MEI, Downer and Gold Coast City Council, just to name a few, have delivered the best wages and conditions in their industries and have set the standard for a raft of companies to follow suit. (read more in Strawbs, Shawn and Bravo’s articles.)
Contracting Campaign
In June we kicked off the contracting industry EBA campaign “WE HOLD THE POWER” with a mass meeting to endorse the Log of Claims. This agreement will cover over 4500 of our members and it was great to see over 1200 of them role out on the day to endorse the log. (see Lynchy’s article)
May Day
It was great to see our members around the regions roll out on May Day in the thousands to celebrate their wins and enjoy a bevy or two, a good feed and entertainment with workmates and family. I love watching the kids have a ball on May Day.
Privatising Copperstring
Under the previous State Government, Copperstring had been fully funded and budgeted to be constructed, owned and operated by Powerlink. One of the first things the Crisafulli Government did when coming to power was to take it off Powerlink and give it to QIC (Queensland Investment Corporation), their only role is to find investors to build own and operate. (read more in Stuey, Lenny and Sharkey’s articles.)
New Office
The rubber is hitting the road with our new office in Spring Hill. We have purchased a 4-story building in Spring Hill after selling 41 Peel St last year. We take ownership of the new building on the 20th of September and have been working with planners, architects and engineers to gut and refurb our new office, and are now at the tender stage. We settle with the old building on the 30th of January and all things going well we will move straight into our newly refurbished of in spring hill at the same time.
New Building Code-The LNP hates workers
On the 3 of July this year, the Queensland Government, spearheaded by Jarrod Bleijie and with the assistance of the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU, dropped the latest version of a building code on the Queensland construction industry, one that threatens to derail the construction of the 2032 Olympic Games. rd
The reason I say latest version is because I think it is worthwhile going back through our dealings with building codes over the last 10 years.
When Tony Abbott came into power back in September 2013 the first thing he implemented was a royal commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption in March 2014. No adverse findings were found against any trade union or official, but it did launch an industrial building code for the construction sector and recommended the reimplementation of the ABCC.
This code was used to restrict unions and remove fundamental protections and conditions of workers by restricting what could be put into our EBA’s. Clauses like apprentice ratios, the restriction of labour hire, 6 weeks maximum for casual employment and many more all became illegal under the code and had to be removed from our agreements, or those contractors would not be able to tender on any project that had federal government funding.
In 2016, after the State Labor Government had been returned in Queensland, we asked them why they couldn’t put a similar building code in place, but instead of using it to reduce standards of safety and training and put downward pressure on wages and conditions, they would use it to apply the Best Practice Industry Conditions to the building and construction industry (BPIC).
All we wanted was a code that said if you want to tender on State Government projects you must have a Union EBA, but that wasn’t allowed, so over several years of negotiations with government we ended up with legislation that reflected our EBAs, and if contractors wanted to tender on State Government projects over 100 million they would have to meet the conditions of that legislation.
So all we did was take the LNP’s building code that they used to hurt workers and profit builders and developers and implement a building code that looked after workers and took away the builders' ability to win the tender of a job on how little they could pay their workers, a race to the bottom.
Whilst in opposition Crisafulli and Bleijie started attacking BPIC, labelling it the CFMEU tax and claiming it would push up the cost of construction by 30%, a figure they just pulled out of their arse. The simple fact is that no builder was going to build a $100 million project without using EBA contractors, therefore labour costs would be the same with or without BPIC.
When Crisafulli came into government and with the CFMEU being in administration the first thing they did was get rid of BPIC, the next thing they did was a commission of inquiry into the CFMEU (sound familiar). And now, straight from the commission, that’s right, they haven’t even waited for it to finish, they have dropped counsel assisting submissions on the re-introduction of a code of practice and an independent regulator or
parties are prohibited from coercing or pressuring another party to make over award payments, payments to industry superannuation, redundancy and income protection funds which provide for contributions in excess of award or legislation are prohibited, no ratios of apprentices, provisions that impose a site allowance will be non-compliant, no prohibiting of all in payments, no restriction on an employers short or long term labour requirements (including casual labour, part time labour or labour hire) just to name a few. Under this code it will be illegal for a builder to apply coercion or unduly influence a contractor into project-specific wages and conditions, and a project agreement can only be agreed by the minister.
So we can’t use our EBA’s because they won't comply with the code, we had started to negotiate with the builders about project agreements that might give them some flexibility around hours of work and RDOs, but now we can’t even do that. So why would we do anything except stick to our current EBA’s that were negotiated and agreed in good faith with the employers, that are registered federally and comply with the Fair Work Act. If Jarred Bleijie wants to disadvantage our contractors because of that, then I think we need to hold the line and call his bluff.
It seems to me the only difference between Labor’s building code and the LNP’s building code is labor’s was Best Practice Industry Conditions and the LNP’s is Worst Practice Industry Conditions.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
CONTRACTING
2026 EBA
In June we held the Contracting EBA Mass Meeting for the next EBA covering 2026-2029, we ran the “WE HOLD THE POWER” campaign which saw one of the biggest turnouts our industry has seen. Over 1200 contracting ETU members packed out the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to have their say and stand up for their future.
After hours of discussion and debate among the membership, we successfully endorsed the Log of Claims, meaning we can now commence bargaining with the contractors.
It was incredible to see so many contracting members turn up and show the contractors they mean business heading into this next EBA, sending a clear message that we are together and stronger than ever. A message that has landed. Contractors and builders have been calling me directly, referencing the sheer numbers at the meeting. They saw the turn out, and they know we're serious.
Log of Claims Points:
- Wage Increases 5% in 2026, 5% in 2027, 5% in 2028 and 7% in 2029
Allowances:
- All allowances to increase by annual percentage increase, other than multi storey and site
- Increase to leading hand and foreman allowance.
- On call allowance to increase and also be able to be broken down to a day rate.
- Update LAHA to reflect current ATO rates
- Increase boot allowance to $300.
Licenses:
- All work licenses including CPR, EWP, Safety Observer, Electrical License Renewal and any other statuary training required under the Electrical Safety Act or WHS Act, to be paid by employer and done in company time.
Superannuation:
- Super to be 3% above SGL for all divisions including Apprentices
Overtime:
- All overtime to be paid at DOUBLE TIME.
- Remove minimum 2 hour O/T payment from all sectors (including service) other than Commercial construction over $50 mil (SEQ) and over $100 mil (outside SEQ)
Apprentices:
- Superannuation to be 3% above SGL.
- Apprentice Mentor and Apprentice Supervision Clause to be included in Agreement. Clause is based around volunteers and the volunteers to be trained in an approved mentorship course.
- Apprentices to become Adult Apprentices once they turn age 21.
Annual Leave and Sick Leave
- Up to 5 days additional annual leave available to all workers (including workers that are rostered on call) who work Saturday and / or Sunday.
- Sick Leave, new full time employees to be granted 2 days personal leave on commencement.
Parental Leave
- Reword Parental Leave to align with current legislation
- Include a reproductive leave clause
- Include still birth / miscarriage leave (Male and Female) Other forms of Leave
- Reword Community service leave clause to allow top up of pay (ADF Reserves, Jury service etc.)
- Inclement weather clause (Cyclone) to increase to 3 days (24 hours) in addition to Inclement hours.
- Pandemic leave clause to be included in the agreement
- Bereavement leave to Increase to 2 weeks for death of immediate family members (Mother, Father & Children)
Hours of Work:
- Paid stand down day after working weekend night shifts (Friday/Saturdays)
- Re define "On-Call" wording around commercial construction workers doing on-call hours during RDO’s
- Amend wording around pay for call outs on public holidays.
Training:
- Silica Awareness Training Clause to be added (Training to be conducted Yearly, Paid for by Employer)
- Psychosocial Training and workplace assessment to align with the Code of Practice.
By the time this journal goes to print I am hopeful of having had discussions with the majority of the Tier 1 contractors around the above claims and other matters regarding the EBA. If all goes well the agreement should begin to be rolled out by mid August for approval by members.
Proposed QLD Building Code
As Ongy spoke on in his report, this anti-union, anti-worker LNP State Government is hell bent on bringing in a building code that will strip away hard-fought terms and conditions like RDO’s and apprentice ratios from contractors using Union agreements tendering on QLD Government construction work. This has now casts heavy doubt on the use of union EBA contractors for the Olympic and hospital builds and has also left the major QLD builders panicked as to how these builds will now be completed.
But we say bring it on. They're kidding themselves if they think they're going to build this infrastructure and these stadiums with mum and dad contractors or grubby interstate operators running lower wages and conditions. I don't know where they think they'll find the workers.
This building code is nothing but an out and out attack on unions and on the rates and conditions of union members, and it's aimed at driving down safety on our work sites. It won't stop at the Olympic build either. It will flow through to hospital builds right across Queensland.
May Day
May Day this year saw another outstanding turnout, both in Brisbane and right across the regions. May Day is, and always will be, the most important day on the calendar for us as trade unionists. It's the one day where we stop and remember what this movement was built on.
This year was another great day of family fun and solidarity, with members and their families coming together to celebrate what we've built and what we're still fighting for.
More than that, it was a strong show of where we stand as a movement right now. Despite this LNP anti-union government and the constant attacks and scrutiny our movement has faced, May Day proved that we are stronger and more united than ever right now, and we are prepared to stand up.
That unity is our biggest asset heading into the blues ahead, whether it's on wages, safety, or the attacks on our right to organise. The turnout speaks for itself. Union members showed up in numbers, and they showed they are willing to stand up.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
SUPPLY INDUSTRY
The Queensland LNP Governments Privatisation agenda is now in full swing despite promising Queenslanders prior to the state election they wouldn’t sell our publicly owned assets.
Queensland's publicly owned electricity network has delivered decades of reliable, affordable and secure electricity while providing secure jobs for the highly skilled workers ETU members across Generation, Transmission and Distribution.
The LNP’s decision to transfer delivery responsibilities from Powerlink to the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) with an explicit mandate to attract $13 billion of private investment is Privatisation no matter how much lies and spin we hear from the LNP. The Copperstring project team at Powerlink have been effectively blacklisted from roles at QIC or the eventual privately owned Transmission Network Provider and QIC has refused to respond to our legitimate questions regarding Ownership, construction, operation and maintenance of Copperstring. Of further concern, Peter Dutton has been appointed as Director at QIC and is another LNP member that would love to square up on the ETU.
This issue extends far beyond this transmission project. CopperString represents a test case for the LNP on whether Queensland continues to build own and operate our Power assets or progressively opens essential infrastructure to private ownership and control. The LNP has also removed all funding for future Generation assets. If we allow the LNP to get away with Privatising our future Generation and Transmission assets they will no doubt go further and pursue the agenda that Campbell Newman, David Crisafulli, Jarrod Bleijie, Tim Nicholls and the rest of the LNP tried in 2015.
Our publicly owned electricity assets have consistently delivered:
Lower electricity prices
Reliable power
Strong financial returns to taxpayers
Regional employment
This public ownership model has proven particularly valuable during periods of peak load to ensure that we have kept the power on, not only in Queensland but also other Eastern States.
CopperString is far more than a transmission line. It represents the largest expansion of Queensland's transmission network in generations. Its objectives include:
Connecting the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market
Unlocking critical minerals processing
Enabling renewable energy development
Improving energy security in North Queensland
Supporting regional employment
Strengthening national supply chains.
QUEENSLANDPOWERASSETS
Experience in other Australian states provides valuable lessons of the perils of Privatisation. Victoria privatised its electricity industry during the 1990s.
South Australia subsequently privatised major components of its electricity network.
New South Wales privatised significant transmission assets to private operators.
Common outcomes have included:
Higher Electricity prices
Increased outsourcing
Reduced direct employment
Reduced Maintenance and Services
Reduced reliability
Diminished public control
Public ownership prioritises community benefit whilst Private ownership prioritises shareholder return. The Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria were caused by a lack of maintenance by the privateers, we can’t and won’t allow that to occur in Queensland.
The ETU has been fighting against Privatisation for the last 17 years, Queenslanders have consistently rejected Privatisation of our assets. We launched our anti Privatisation campaign in Townsville on the 25 June and will need to ramp up the campaign if we are to stop the LNP from Privatising our Assets, our Industry and our jobs. We have beaten the Newman Government which held the largest majority of any Government in Australia’s history and we will do it again. th
Our assets are Not4sale, not now, not ever.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Generation Bargaining
We all knew that when the LNP were elected that they were going to put their ideological hatred of workers into practice, and they didn’t take long to show us that hatred. Our members in QBuild, QHealth and TMR were the first to see it in practice, followed by the QR members.
Now the focus appears to be on our members in Generation. We have 4 agreements in CleanCo and 1 agreement in CS Energy we are trying to bargain. Our members have realised that going in with a normal Log of Claims was going to be futile so they have gone in with a very modest approach in the hope that we could get a deal quickly. What we are seeing though is government incompetence at its finest.
The LNP have given no ability for the Generators to bargain unless its in the LNP’s terms. They are not permitted to discuss anything at all. They can’t test approaches that would settle agreements. When we do reach what we think is going to settle the agreements, the companies have to take the deal to CBRC (generally over a 4-6 week period) for approval only to be told to go back to their previous positions and “bargain harder.”
This isn’t really a surprise to us but the LNP’s approach will only lead us ultimately to arbitrated outcomes after 9+ months since their current agreements expire.
Our members are constantly taking action to force the issues but the LNP are instructing the Generators to press legal issues wherever possible to attempt to breakdown our members will. This is obviously failing and only making our members more resolute about their action. But all it’s doing is wasting tax payers money on frivolous matters instead of getting serious about bargaining.
We call on the government to get serious about bargaining and let the generators bargain properly with us so we can deliver reasonable wage increases so our members can deal with the cost of living pressures facing us all!
ESI CONTRACTING: ESI CONTRACTING:
We’re at the halfway mark of the year and May Day was a reminder of what this movement is made of. Across the state and in Townsville in particular, we saw our biggest turnout of ESI contractor members in recent years. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s members who give a damn, members who turn up and members who stand together.
But the reality is, the past few months haven’t been easy. Ventia shut Rockhampton and relocated Pinkenba to Toowoomba, with only around half the workforce offered the chance to relocate. The rest were shown the door. At the same time, Zinfra crews in the southeast are now looking interstate because work has dried up. Also in the same area Omexom have taken a hit and have had a reduction of workers.
Vegetation remains in limbo. There’s still no contract in place, just another extension while the tender process drags on. We’re on it and we’ll keep pushing for certainty. Asset inspection has been the one area that’s held steady this quarter, with workloads remaining consistent.
Transmission is lean, Substations are running on skeleton crews and Lotus Creek is the last major transmission project winding down. But it won’t stay that way. Gladstone Reinforcement, DNA and CopperString are all expected to ramp up from late this year into early 2027. We’ve also secured new agreements across the sector.
Think about that, Queensland is talking about an Olympic build, major transmission projects are on the horizon, yet skilled Queensland workers are leaving the state to find employment. Something is seriously wrong with that picture.
There’s also an important change members should know about. From 1 July, employers are required to pay your superannuation on the same day as your wages instead of monthly. It can still take several business days to reach your fund, but if it’s taking longer than a week, raise it with your employer or contact the union.
This quarter also saw the launch of our CopperString campaign in North Queensland. It was great to see delegates and members from contractor companies across the region standing together with one clear message: Queensland’s future infrastructure must stay in Queensland hands.
I’ll be honest, nearly two years in this role and I don’t accept what we’re seeing. I don’t accept that skilled Queensland workers should have to leave this state while the work they’re trained to do sits on the horizon here at home. I don’t accept that the people who build Queensland’s infrastructure should be the last to know who will own it, who will control it, and who will profit from it.
The Queensland Government is using QIC to pursue private investment in major infrastructure projects. Every Queenslander should be asking the same questions: Who will own these assets? Who will control them? And who benefits in the long run?
Don’t take my word for it. Read QIC’s annual reports, look at it’s investment model, ask the questions. Queensland workers deserve transparency before decisions are made that could shape our industry for generations.
Despite everything, I’m optimistic. We have proved what this membership is capable of, and the CopperString campaign will prove it again. This campaign will be no different. It’s our time to bite down on the mouthguard and run the ball up!
Built here. Owned here. Kept in Queensland hands.
NORTHERN QLD: NORTHERN QLD:
It’s hard to believe we are already into the second half of 2026, it has been one hell of a ride so far with the attacks on our members coming hard and fast from this grubby LNP State Government. After a long grueling industrial campaign not one of our State Government department agreements have been agreed, with the departments hiding behind the pathetic State Wages Policy offering our members nothing but a real wage cut. All agreements are heading to arbitration while our members have not seen a wage increase in 2 years. When it was put to the government to implement an interim wage increase while the process continues, they flat out rejected the request The request has now been put to the commission in a bid to give our members some form of increase while the process continues. It is clear to see, THE LNP HATES WORKERS!
The first half of this year has been filled with disputes, from unauthorised changes to shift rosters, blatant breaches of agreements with engaging contractors to do members core works, breaches of no extra claims clauses in certified agreements, implementing major changes without any form of consultation to even trying to challenge my right to represent members in a workplace investigation. These hostile actions from employers are keeping us extremely busy, I have never spent so much time in the commission, but these are fights we must take on and with the hard work of our industrial team & workplace delegates we have won every one thrown at us yet.
After the new government broke up the Townsville hospital upgrade into small packages, I am hearing that the first package & drawings will be going out to tender next month. The exact size of the package and what it will look like has not yet been confirmed. One thing is for sure, the progression of major projects for our region and the pipeline of work has been drastically stalled by the Crisafulli government.
Copperstring is another major project that the government is refusing to come clean about. While my multiple attempts for answers from the sitting Townsville MP have been completely ignored, the QIC are also refusing to give any clear answers to major industry stakeholders including the affected unions. After the deputy premier was in Mount Isa making public statements to the media indicating the government is seeking private investment for Copperstring the questions put forward included: What exactly does “private investment” in CopperString entail? Is the government proposing a public–private partnership, concession model, long-term lease, or another structure? Will any private entity have ownership or operational control of any component of the transmission infrastructure? Will the asset ultimately remain wholly publicly owned?
North Queenslanders have the right to know the intentions of such a major project for the region, but the sitting Townsville MP doesn’t believe he
While the multi-level carpark start date has now been pushed back until later this year, the electrical contract has been awarded to Synergy. While Synergy are only a relatively small company based here in Townsville and are not one of our tier 1 contractors, they gave a commitment that they would pay on par with our state agreement while working on the project. I am working through that process with them at the moment.
The Glencore dispute is still ongoing, with the Company recently rolling out an unsupported document to vote. It came as no surprise that 75% of the workforce voted down the offer. The feedback from the Union reps, employee reps & employees to the company was clear, the offer was not supported. Despite the feedback Glencore decided to go ahead with the vote anyway. It was clearly just another stalling tactic by this greedy multi-national delaying the bargaining process by 13 weeks with this move. Industrial action is continuing with the members united and willing to continue to take up the fight for as long as it takes to get a reasonable offer that keeps up with the cost-of-living crisis.
Glencore have now engaged a consultant to take charge of the negotiation who has indicated that the company will be in a position to provide a revised offer to the SBU next meeting.
We have some sugar EBA’s expiring at the end of the year, it is expected that Wilmar negotiations for a new enterprise agreement will commence next month, with QSL not far behind. I will be out for a run of meetings to the mills in the coming weeks to finalise and endorse our log of claims for the next round of bargaining.
As always, if you have any questions or queries about any of the above please feel free to contact me directly.
In Unity, Sharkey.
FAR NORTHERN QLD: FAR NORTHERN QLD:
Comrades,
How this year has flown already, it seems like just yesterday I was writing my last journal article, and we have wrapped up May Day already.
This years Cairns May Day event was important, with the ETU once again dominating from a number’s perspective. This just reinforces that the ETU in this region is a significant combined force that extends beyond individual workplace fences. We are a community, a family, that is striving to hand on better than we inherited and are proud to display that kinship, which is more important than ever whilst we navigate the transition into a changing Industrial Landscape due to hostile govern.
Thursday Islands’, May Day event, was also very important this year, in that it is the 90th Anniversary of the Torres Strait Pearl Divers strike, when First Nations Peoples, fought back against autocratic rule, which displaced them, had them working in atrocious conditions, for less than fair wages and often rations or money orders that could only be spent at the government store, to buy goods at inflated prices. The divers rebelled in 1936 and went on strike to ultimately improve conditions for all Torres Strait people. Peter Ong the ETU State Secretary attended to commemorate the event and was guest speaker at the May Day Dinner.
ETU THURSDAY ISLAND MEMBERS GATHER FOR THE MAY DAY MARCH
CAIRNS MAY DAY MARCH 2026. THE ETU NUMBERS AGAIN DOMINATED.
ONGY LEADING THE THURSDAY ISLAND MAY DAY MARCH FOR THE ETU CONTINGENT
Robert Hill
TMR, Qbuild and Qld Health are all continuing actions whilst heading into arbitration with a hostile State Government showing its belligerent distain for workers through an inflexible Wages Policy and Far Northern members are proudly doing their bit.
Cleanco Barron Gorge and Kareeya Power Stations continue to take Protected Industrial Action as well, in defiance to the offensive GOC Wages policy that would see them slip backwards significantly against the cost of living.
Local QR members are also involved heavily in their respective PIA.
There is some rumoured activity in the Construction space with the CQU about to be let, and the Cooktown Hospital also in the planning phase. There are a number or other littler projects such as the Atherton Hospital refurb, the Cairns Hospital Helicopter pad, and Cairns Hospital kitchen upgrade all coming through the pipeline.
Cleanco Barron Gorge members have been embarking on strategic Protected Industrial Action for a while now, in pursuit of an EBA offer that keeps pace with the cost of living. These hardworking members took the opportunity to blow up Scabby the Rat for a Board member visit to site recently to ram home their point, that the Workers United, Will Never Be Defeated!
CENTRAL QLD CENTRAL QLD
May Day
May Day in Central Queensland is much more than a long weekend. It is the ultimate showcase of bluecollar pride, community solidarity, and union power. While Gladstone serves as a massive deepwater port, resource processing, power generation and distribution hub, Rockhampton stands strong as the historic railway, manufacturing, and agricultural capital of the region.
CAIRNS TMR MEMBERS HAVE PROUDLY LED THE WAY THROUGH THEIR EBA CAMPAIGN AND THROUGH THEIR ACTIONS ARE CHANGING THE CULTURE OF THEIR WORKPLACE.
Together, these cities form the economic backbone of the state. Further west the coalfields service not just Australia’s, but the worlds energy needs. At the absolute centre of this industrial landscape are the members of the ETU for whom May Day is an essential affirmation of their hard-fought victories, safety, dignity, and collective voice.
Industrial powerhouses like Gladstone, Rockhampton and the entire CQ region, run on the sweat of its blue-collar workforce, making May Day the ultimate celebration of its community soul. While capital cities hold huge marches, CQ’s events are a deeply personal recognition of the hands that built the region’s economic pillars. From the massive alumina refineries and aluminium smelters to the bustling port and LNG facilities, power stations, coal fields and the vast distribution network the regions’ identity is completely forged by worker’s labour. At the forefront of this has always been proud ETU members and their families.
For generations, the working-class families of Central Queensland have used May Day to honour the hardfought victories that define modern employment. It is a annual reminder that safety standards, the eighthour workday, fair wages, and weekend penalties were not gifts from corporations. They were won through solidarity. In high-risk industrial environments, where heavy machinery and intense heat are daily realities, union-led advocacy for workplace health and safety is quite literally a matter of life and death.
The annual march and community family fun days held throughout the region bring together shift workers, tradespeople, and their families to connect outside the factory gates. It fosters a powerful sense of pride in a region that sometimes feels overlooked by metropolitan decision-makers. The event highlights that the true wealth of the region lies not in the commodities exported from the harbour, but in the collective strength of the people who process them. Ultimately, May Day ensures that Rockampton’s, Gladstone’s and the entire Central Queensland region’s industrial heritage is passed down to the next generation.
It teaches young workers that they are part of a proud legacy of solidarity. In an evolving economic landscape, the day reaffirms a timeless truth: Queensland’s prosperity belongs to the workers who show up every single day to keep the fires burning. In the current climate of constant union bashing in the media, by standing shoulder-toshoulder under ETU flags and marching through their local communities, electrical workers also remind their communities that unions are not a faceless entity but in fact normal Dads, Mums, Brothers, Sisters and neighbours. All of whom suffer constant threats of corporate overreach, casualisation of permanent jobs and the constant threat of Privatisation of our public assets under the current LNP Government.
Special thanks to Clark Stein as always for his assistance as well as Shane Dodds and his partner Trish for their help on the day in Gladstone. Jason Conway and Hayden Vanderkruk thanks for your assistance in Rockhampton as well as all the others who assisted making it a successful day throughout the region.
Central Queensland EBAsSince my last article a number of agreements in the region have been completed including VSTA Rockhampton , Monodelphous QGC, Downer, I&C and Monodelphous ME&I.
Eba’s in ProgressUGL APLNG
UGLGLNG QMAG
RRC/FRW
Downer Shutdown
By the time of publication QAL, WICET and possibly Cement Australia will more than likely have commenced.
Monodelphous MEI members took protected industrial action to secure an 18% pay rise as well as improved conditions. Special shout out to delegates Pryce Trevor and Jake McGrath who were instrumental in achieving a great outcome for their members. On the back of this I&C members were also able to achieve an 18% increase without the need to take any industrial action.
NORTHERN TERRITORY: NORTHERN TERRITORY:
Power and Water and Territory Generation bargaining underway
PWC and TGen Enterprise Agreement bargaining kicked off in the NT in late March for our next round of EA’s. We sought input from members for some months in formulating our comprehensive Logs of Claims and have been working through them at the bargaining table for a couple of months.
The process has been frustrating to an extent with both organisations calling for cost savings to be put forward to find offsets for our claims, which we have, only to have them not recognised anyway. There are millions of dollars to be saved over the life of the next agreement by the reduction of the use of contractors and consultants, top heavy administration, corporate wastage and some long term forward thinking being applied to work practices.
Our Delegates and Reps have been doing a mighty job in at the bargaining table taking our arguments forward on behalf of the membership. At the time of writing, we are a couple of weeks away from expiry of the agreements and receiving respective offers. Given the nature of bargaining to date, or the lack of, there is no confidence that an offer at this point will be acceptable to our members.
In this round of Northern Territory Public Sector EA’s across the board, we have seen every agreement offer initially rejected or voted down and Protected Industrial Action take place across most agencies. We will provide comprehensive feedback to our members when the offers come through and expect support to be heading into an industrial campaign pursuing an outcome our members deserve.
INPEX EA Fought and Won
After around 9 months of bargaining, we reached in principle agreement with INPEX in mid-June. In a campaign that involved the collective membership (INPEX employees) of the ETU Queensland and Northern Territory and ETU WA Branch’s, the Offshore Alliance and AWU, the new agreement covers the three INPEX Operations facilitiesOnshore ILNG, Offshore CPF and FPSO. We supplied a comprehensive Log of Claims in the form of an EA document that our members developed well prior to bargaining commencing, which INPEX were determined to ignore.
After just over 6 months of the most dysfunctional bargaining process all organisers involved had been part of, INPEX put an offer out to vote which was rejected by over 98% of the workforce. At the same time, we undertook a Protected Action Ballot (PIA) application that was voted up by 99% of our union membership.
This brought on the required compulsory conference in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) where the parties agreed to a FWC assisted Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) process to be facilitated by Deputy President Binet in Perth. DP Binet has a long history with matters in the Oil and Gas Industry, and her assistance was supported by the unions.
stoppages across all shifts. This then escalated to the introduction of work bans designed to have a major impact on production.
Behind the scenes, INPEX instead of focusing on bargaining to get an agreement, were preparing their s424 application to try and get an Injunction and stop our PIA on the grounds that we were harming the Australian Economy and that the lights were going to go out in Darwin if there was no INPEX gas.
We had suspected INPEX would go down this path and had done our homework and were ready for it. This was INPEX’s last roll of the dice, the application was dismissed by the FWC, and they were all out of cards. INPEX then had to bring some actual decision makers to the table or face unprecedented disruption to their operations. This FWC decision also shows that when these multinational companies are taken on by strong unions and our legal teams, they are not above our laws.
In the meantime, our members taking PIA and applying strategic work bans, in matter of a 5 days, crippled production across the facilities. With vessels not being loaded both Onshore and Offshore and tank tops being reached, equipment tripping and not being reset, production was quickly grinding to a halt costing INPEX millions of dollars.
This agreement locks in benchmark industry standards and conditions including;
Job Security – with INPEX Direct jobs being locked in and not being able to be performed by contractors
Remuneration – Industry benchmark rates of pay and allowances have been secured
Career Progression Framework – a new competency-based progression system will provide clear Carrer pathways and recognition of skills and experience
Improved Employee Representation Rights –Enhanced delegates rights, improved right of entry provisions to offshore facilities, and stronger representation rights for members in disciplinary matters
Like in any big campaign, the company was slinging mud at our members through the media via industry lobby groups, throwing everything they could legally at us and trying to derail our campaign. When a workforce is unionised, has active delegates and Reps and backs each other in all the way, the results speak for themselves. This is a win not just for the INPEX workforce, it’s for workers across the whole Oil and Gas Industry and workers everywhere.
I want to thank all of our members, especially delegates Caris and Harley for going above and beyond.
CONTRACTING: CONTRACTING:
It’s been a busy first half of the year, with a Delegate’s Conference and Contracting Mass Meeting. The Delegate’s Conference continues to go
Wendel Moloney
BUNDABERG: BUNDABERG:
G’day Comrades,
It was good to finally get up to Bundaberg and Maryborough attend Labour day this year. The number of members that made an effort to turn up was excellent. It was great to catch up with our members and their families and sneak in a few beers as well. Thank you to all that attended.
Its been a busy few months negotiating multiple agreements at Bundaberg Sugar Mill, Isis Sugar Mill, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and I will be starting negotiations with AKD Saw Mill Caboolture and CV Infrastructure.
Thanks to our members at Isis Sugar Mill that stuck to the plan and took strategic industrial action during our campaign.
Between those EBA negotiations we did the Ergon paid meetings visiting with members from Bundaberg, Childers, Gayndah, Munduberra, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Kilkivan, Kingaroy, Murgon, Biggenden, Gin Gin and Yarraman depots.
The new Bundaberg Hospital is slowly gaining momentum. The only contract that has been let at the time of writing this is the underground services contract that went to KME. I would guess they will be looking at ramping up with electricians some time in the new year for the main contract.
If you want to stay informed about things that happening in our region jump onto the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay ETU Facebook page. Don’t forget to answer the questions.
In Unity, Dan Bessell.
Dan Bessell
COAL INDUSTRY & MACKAY: COAL INDUSTRY
Coal Industry
On-going EA Negotiations with BHP Coal for the Central EA (Goonyella Riverside, Saraji and Peak Downs Mines) BMA are spruiking they are losing money with the current Coal Royalties scheme and are looking to reign in costs. The process will be another long one, but we will see how we go.
Anglo-American have secured a buyer for their Steelmaking Coal Operations being Dhilmar. This should help secure long-term continuation of those Operations with EA’s secured until 2028, this will give Dhilmar the opportunity to get up to speed with running Coal Mines in QLD.
& MACKAY:
Construction
Since the QLD LNP Government cancelled the Hospital Build Projects, there is not a bright future for Construction in the Mackay Region. There are some minor works but nothing that stands out.
May Day
Very good roll-out for the ETU at all May Day events (including Mackay, Moranbah, Blackwater and Tieri) Mackay was an uncertain start due to the weather, but it cleared up right on-schedule and allowed for a great day for all to enjoy. Thank You for all those that did turn out for the day.
Members would be aware from the previous Electrical Worker that with Stuey Traill retiring at the end of next year and i have moved to Brisbane to take on that role. For the last 12 months we have been canvassing delegates who might be interested in trialling for the Mackay role, unfortunately to no avail. The normal process is; delegates are approached to come and trial in the role as organiser and if successful they are employed by the union in that role. This is the first time we have had to advertise going out to the broader membership, so if anybody is interested in trying their hand as an organiser, please contact the office through an email with your resume to info@etu.org.au.
Craig Thomas
TOOWOOMBA / SOUTH WEST: TOOWOOMBA / SOUTH WEST:
Toowoomba Hospital
The Toowoomba Hospital has finally received funding for services packages. With construction continuing we have seen an uptake of ETU members joining the project.
With five contractors on site, we currently have 56 ETU members on the project. We expect onboarding to increase significantly, with more than 200 members likely to be employed on the project.
Ergon Energy
With August fast approaching, the next round of Ergon ETU paid meetings is coming up. Assistant State Secretary Stuart Traill and incoming Energy Queensland Coordinator Craig Thomas will attend, making this a great opportunity for members to catch up with Stuart Traill and meet Thommo. See details below for meeting dates and time.
ETU Paid Meetings
Tuesday 11th August 7:30am- Dalby depot meeting (Tara to attend)
10:30am- Chinchilla depot meeting (Wandoan to attend)
Overnight in Roma
Wednesday 12th August 7:00am Roma depot meeting
2:00pm Charleville depot meeting (Quilpie to attend)
Overnight in Charleville
Thursday 13th August 12.00pm Cunnamulla depot meeting
Overnight in St George
Friday 14th August 7:00am St George depot meeting
th
Tuesday 25 August 7:30amToowoomba depot meeting (Millmerran to attend)
2:00pm- Warwick depot meeting
Wednesday 26 August 8:00amStanthorpe depot meeting th
The next Toowoomba Youth Crew meeting will be held on Monday 7 September at 4:00 PM, followed by the Toowoomba Subbranch meeting at 5:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity for ETU members, new and old, to catch up and hear updates from across the region’s industries. Food and drinks will be provided after the meetings. The meetings will be held upstairs at Toowoomba Trades Hall, 19a Russell Street, Toowoomba.
APPRENTICES & SUNSHINE APPRENTICES & SUNSHINE
COAST: COAST:
Sunshine Coast Construction:
May Day on the Sunshine Coast was held at Caloundra rugby leagues club. It was an incredible family friendly event, with workers from all walks of life celebrating the history of the union movement! We paid our respect to workers that came before us and cheers’d a few cold ones. Watch this space as we may be changing the event location next year!
$5-7B Dual Track Rail project has kicked off on the Sunshine Coast, “The Wave”. Four new Stations to be built, and refurbishment to previous stations to come. This heavy passenger rail line from Birtinya to Beerwah will transform the Sunshine Coast leading into the 2032 Olympics. ETU members will be building the biggest project ever to hit the Coast, a job for the workers!
The Coast has Tower cranes standing tall, from Noosa to Caloundra. 5 Star Hotels, Commercial and Residential Towers all kicked off. Workers on the Datacentre have 100% union membership sticking together, this is worker solidarity! ETU Members can move mountains when we Stand up and Fight back!
If you are on the Sunshine Coast, reach out, get involved and demand change in your workplace! Workers Hold the Power!
Apprentices:
The ETU has proudly provided New Practical Testing facilities available for its members! This will come as a huge advantage for ETU Apprentices leading into their Capstone exams and gaining the confidence using Testing Equipment! If you are a 4th year ETU Apprentice and have an interest, please reach out to Joel Costa.
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ hundreds of Electrical apprentices in Southeast Queensland. The ETU negotiates the Enterprise Agreements for these GTO employers. MRAEL, NECA, EGA have Agreements all expiring in the next 6-12 months. We encourage all Electrical apprentices to participate in the bargaining process, get along to the mass meetings and push forward your Log of Claims. This isn’t just to better your wages and conditions but it’s bettering the industry for the next generation of GTO apprentices!
LIFT INDUSTRY & GOLD COAST: LIFT INDUSTRY & GOLD COAST:
Gold Coast May Day
Another successful May Day on the Gold Coast run as a Building Trades Group event, ETU members and their families showed up in force celebrating the achievements and wins over the previous and past years.
It was a great march down the main street of Broadbeach, families decked out in the ETU merchandise, T-shirts, hats and then celebrating the rest of the day with families coming together and kids enjoying the activities. On offer this year was Jumping Castles, an Ice Cream Van, BBQ, and music. It’s great to see over 200 members coming together with their families and celebrating.
Next year is only going to be bigger and better, the next half of the year is continuing to plan an end of year Xmas event, raise money for charities and put back into the community, this will take place on Saturday 12th December.
LIFT INDUSTRY
Moving into a busy time for the Lift Industry with agreements currently being finalised, and coming up to negotiations its more important than ever to keep building on what has been achieved through the last agreements, the Lift Industry Conference on the 26th August will see delegates attending from all Lift Companies to discuss and debate agenda and the issues that the Lift Industry is facing at the moment, still we see a use of Sub-Contractors and Labour Hire where leading into the 2032 Olympics a skills shortage in this industry is only going to get worse, we need to push for more training of apprentices which we have been calling for some time. Some of the Agreements currently being finalised and not far off negotiations are;
TK Elevators
Forte Lift Services
Kone Negotiations to commence from September 2026.
Schindler Negotiations to commence from 5TH April 2027.
Alimak
Liftronic
Door Industry Agreements currently being finalised, and in the mist of negotiations,
ASSA ABLOY
KONE DOORS
DORMAKABA
City of Gold Coast Council EBA
Negotiations with The City of Gold Coast Council, last agreement saw members achieve a 36hr week with No loss of Pay, (equals 5% increase with no loss of pay) Wage Increase include; Year 1 5%.
Year 2 4.5%.
Year 3 4% and a 5% relativity allowance on top of the wage increase which was added to the Local Area Agreement Rates Table before being inserted back into the Agreement.
Total Wage Increase over 3years = would equate to 23.5% for Electrical Workers.
Members have hit the ground running this time around as well with an indebt Log of Claims worth fighting for. So, if you’re a member working for council this is a good headway into having discussions with nonmembers.
Contracting:
Work on the Gold Coast is starting to drop off in preparation for some of the bigger projects due to pop off in the last quarter of this year. Notable projects wrapping up include Chevron One, Royale, DGC, Lagoon, Odyssey and Mantaray. The troubled Coomera Hospital is going nowhere quickly; We remain hopeful to see Electricians on the project at the back end of the year. The electrical contractor is still undecided at this stage after going through a redesign and retender process.
If you're a member and find yourself working out in the tier 2 space, reach out to your organiser. There is no better time to organise your workplace than right now.
Jason Constable – SPUD
This year so far, the ETU youth crew members have done some great work in the industry and community. We have achieved the highest amount of donations nationally for the Mates in Construction big lap, raising $12,097. This year we did group activities in each region, where we hold ETU Youth Crews. It was great to see a good show of support from our members in the community turning up and getting involved with youth crew's events.
The Youth Crew this year has also played part in the BTG touch footy carnival, being one of 6 ETU teams that participated to help raise crucial funds for Mates in Construction. Along with the teams from the CFMEU and the PPTEU we collectively raised over $125,000. The touch footy carnival is a great event that helps give back to the community.
With the BTG Youth Crew we are also gaining traction and have had great turn out from our ETU Youth Crew members at these meetings. The BTG Youth Crew have got some great initiatives that we are working towards. Watch this space for when it comes to fruition. Cheers!
Jason “Spud”
Constable | ETU
Delegate | Klenner
Murphy Electrical
Brisbane ETU Youth Crew
Roisin Lyon – Ro
My name is Ro and I am a committee member for the Brisbane Youth Crew.
I am incredibly proud to be a part of this branch because not only do we focus on industrial and apprentice issues, but we do a lot of community work/fundraising. I recently took part in the MATES Big Lap fundraiser as a member of the Youth Crew team and it was amazing to see so many of our members getting involved.
Mental health and suicide is both a big issue in our industry and something quite close to my heart, and it was wonderful to see people not just getting involved on their own runs/walks/etc but also coming to social walk/runs and building that community with each other. MATES is such an important organisation that makes it so easy to get in contact to talk to someone confidentially and quickly, especially if it's your first time reaching out for support or if you are facing long wait times for another mental health service but need support in the meantime.
Ezra Tyree
My name is Ezra Tyree. I am 27 years old, originally from New Zealand, and currently serve as a Youth Crew Committee member on the Gold Coast. I moved to Australia in 2022 in search of a fresh start and a new career path, and found exactly that in the electrical construction industry. Since then, I have loved every minute of it.
Growing up in the country, farming and hunting, you learn from a young age the importance of fairness, balance, and looking after one another. Those values seem harder to find in today’s world, where working people are constantly forced to fight for what should already be theirs, while the wealthy and powerful continue to take more at every opportunity.
I believe I speak for many when I say that the wolves have circled long enough. As union members, we refuse to stand by and be picked off one by one. We are the sheepdogs that stand between the flock and those who would exploit it. We protect, we support, and when necessary, we fight for those who cannot fight alone.
I would like to congratulate and thank all my brothers and sisters who participated in the 2026 MATES Big Lap. What an incredible result we achieved, proving what is possible when we come together with a shared purpose. When we saw the state government strip funding from an organisation that provides critical support to workers doing it tough, yet another example of the wolves trying to pick us off, we didn’t stand by and complain.
We stepped forward and took action to defend it, and because of that, MATES has the backing to go another lap around the sun.
We didn’t do it for recognition, and we certainly didn’t do it to stand out. We did it because many of us have needed that support ourselves. We know what it means to have someone there when life becomes overwhelming, and we want every worker who finds themselves in that position to have the same opportunity to get help when they need it.
That is the power of solidarity. It is not found in individuals, it is found in unity. It is found in ordinary people standing shoulder to shoulder, refusing to back down. Every right workers enjoy today was won because those who came before us had the courage to stand together and demand better. Now it is our turn. Seeing what we can achieve when we unite, I am ready to fight for you, for our future, and for the generations that will follow. I am proud to stand alongside each and every one of you as a member of the mighty ETU. United we stand. United we win!
Gold Coast ETU Youth Crew
Toowoomba ETU Youth Crew
Joseph Morrison
The Toowoomba Youth crew as well as other rank and file members of the ETU climbed Table top for the MATES BIG LAP 2026. It was a good day of comraddie, of catching up with colleagues and enjoying the shared struggle of reaching the summit of table top. Members were rewarded at the summit with beers and enjoyed the views of the rolling plains of the Lockyer valley.
Sunshine Coast ETU Youth Crew
Daniel Maudsley – Mauds
Our Sunny Coast Youth Crew recently tackled Mt Coolum as part of our regions MATES Big Lap event, followed by a well-earned BBQ breakfast. The hike was filled with plenty of laughs, great conversations, and a real sense of comradery.
Getting outdoors and being active gave everyone a boost to their mental wellbeing, while also creating a comfortable space to talk openly about mental health. These conversations help break down the stigma and encourage people to speak up instead of bottling things up.
As part of the MATES Big Lap, we were also proud to raise money for MATES in Construction, helping support the vital mental health and suicide prevention services they provide to workers in the construction industry. Being part of the Youth Crew and taking part in this event gave us all a great sense of pride, knowing we were making a positive difference and helping raise awareness for mental health in our community.
Note: General fitness should be improved if the ETU members would like to be the vanguard of the revolution.
[ massive turn out at the ÌÊÌÐ ETU Contracting EB[ Mass Meeting where the Log Of Claims for the ne|t Contracting EB[ was successfull} endorsed
It’s important to show our strength in numbers going into this next EBA campaign. We have the largest membership we have ever had, over 16,500 finacial members, 5000 of those in the contracting industry. We have the best delegate structure we have ever had and communications wise all of
State Secretary Peter Ong
Volunteer electricians from the ETU's Operation Energise initiative spent several days in Bundaberg, carrying out free electrical repairs and safety checks for residents left without power after severe flooding in March.
The initiative, which has now run across multiple disaster events, sends qualified electricians and apprentices into affected areas to restore power domestically, working alongside energy providers such as Ergon and Powerlink. This trip saw electricians Chris Freudenberg and Cameron Humphreys head to Bundaberg with apprentices Tom Morgan and Hadley Dearden.
"Operation Energise is about giving back to the community, using something that I take for granted — my electrical licence, and I'm able to actually assist those who are in need with a bit of help," Freudenberg said. "I’ve done this a few times now, once as a contractor and a couple of times with Powerlink."
Freudenberg said the transformation in people's outlook once help arrived was the most rewarding part of the work. "At the beginning of the day, you might go and see someone who is absolutely down in the dumps, they have no idea where to actually start," he said. "But when it comes to there being a little bit of assistance available, it can completely turn their world around to now where they can actually return back to work, have a smile on their face, and go back to seeing people around the community.“
"Oh, it's great, I absolutely love it," he said. "Especially when you're seeing someone as the homeowner get so excited about a simple thing, by turning their lights on or turning their fan back on. Being able to run the kettle. Having a hot shower. Some of these people haven't had hot showers in over two, three weeks."
He had a message for anyone still doing it tough. "If you are doing it tough, always speak out. There's always someone that's going to help you," Freudenberg said. "There is light at the end of the tunnel. So, keep standing up, keep looking ahead, keep doing what you're doing. We'll come to you. We'll get there."
At one Bundaberg home inundated by floodwater reaching well above bench height, the damage extended through light switches, power outlets, fan wiring and the switchboard itself. "The oven itself has been inundated, so that has been removed and the isolator replaced," Freudenberg said. "Obviously we're not reinstating power to that circuit while it's unsafe. We've had to replace all the switchgear and safety gear, then test right through it from start to finish before reinstating power alongside Ergon."
He said the work also gave apprentices Morgan and Dearden a grounding they wouldn't get on a standard job site. "Our normal work is a lot different to the domestic installs and situations we do get here on Operation Energise," Freudenberg said. "It's going to help their career as well as grow as a tradesman, because what they see is very, very small compared to what's actually real in the real world. This is real."
Cameron Humphreys
CHRIS FREUDENBERG WITH APPRENTICES TOM MORGAN AND HADLEY DEARDEN
Beyond homes, the crew also worked through local sports clubs, including the Eastern Suburbs Magpies Rugby League Club, restoring power to sheds, canteens and clubhouse facilities.
Freudenberg noted the flood had come close, but not quite as close as the last major event. "With evidence so far, we've found that the flood actually got to about knee height around here," he said. "Back in 2013, it was actually over our head where we're standing."
A club representative thanked the volunteers on behalf of the Magpies' senior and junior league. "On behalf of Eastern Suburbs Magpies, we'd like to thank Operation Energise for coming out and checking on everything and helping out our community.”
From everyone at the ETU we would also like to thank Chris Freudenberg, Cameron Humphreys, and apprentices Tom Morgan and Hadley Dearden for their hard work helping the people of Bundaberg get back on their feet. Fantastic work, comrades. A true showing of what being Union is all about!
up, and that little voice in the back of your head says don't do this, listen to it. Listen to it, because you're always right. That thing in your head is always right. Stop. Don't let anyone force you into getting a job done at no cost. A life is precious. If we can save one life, that's one life going home to a family, a friend, a work colleague.
It's not just a number. A person that dies on a work site is not just a number. 34 people have died in the last 12 months on work sites, that's 34 families. 34 work colleagues. 34 friends. Now in mourning. It's going to take a while, if at all, for that to heal.
You would think this LNP Government would sit there and say we need to do something about this. Not this government. They think it's fair to take more away. Take away access for your union delegates and organisers. Now we have to give 24 hours' notice just to come and inspect a safety issue. They're looking at taking away rights from the guys and girls who are on the ground looking after your wellbeing.
them not legal anymore. If you feel like following a code of practice, well, that's up to you, you don't have to... that's what they want to introduce.
They're opening the door for their grubby developer mates to make a bigger profit off the lives of you guys.
No matter what government you side with, whatever your politics, whatever your beliefs are, we should always strive to hit zero accidents on a worksite. We should be here in twelve months' time with a number that's going down, not up. And it pains me, the mentality of this government, thinking it's fine to take away everything we have fought for over the years.
They don't see how it affects the families. They don't see how it affects you guys, your work colleagues. They're just interested in the profits for their developer friends. That's a shame. That's a shame that we have to live and work under a government that thinks that's fair to do.
So i've got a few questions for this government. Let's start with why. Why has this government decided to roll clauses out of the Workplace Health and Safety Act? Why are they going backwards on our safety conditions? These are the conditions we stood on the steps of Parliament House to get. This is the stuff you guys fought for. And yet the LNP think that in the darkness of the night, with a stroke of a pen, they can take it away.
You've taken these things away from us. Now you want to take more. We will get up. We will fight. Because that's what we do as unions. So be prepared.
Assistant State Secretary Chris Lynch speaking at the IWMD service in Brisbane
WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY AND REMEMBER ALL WORKERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES ON THE JOB.
WE REMEMBER THE DEAD & FIGHT LIKE HELL FOR THE LIVING!
May Day is the most important day in the trade union calendar. A day of respect and pride. Pride in everything we've achieved over centuries. The working conditions of Australians today are thanks to the fights that we've had, the wins that we've had on the ground. But it's not just about looking back. It's about looking at what's coming down the path. Whether it's fighting bosses on the ground or taking on politicians in Canberra and parliaments around the country, it doesn't matter, we do it day in day out because we stand tall, we stand after more than 120 years, and we stand on the shoulders of giants. And in another 120 years, folk will be standing on our shoulders.
Solidarity comrades.
ETU NATIONAL SECRETARY MICHAEL WRIGHT
SPEAKING AT THE BRISBANE MAY DAY MARCH
SHOP THE WINNING DESIGNS SHOP THE WINNING DESIGNS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE ETU SHOP NOW AVAILABLE IN THE ETU SHOP
WOMEN’S TOOL BELT T-SHIRT WOMEN’S TOOL BELT T-SHIRT NOW IN STOCK! NOW IN STOCK!
SCAN TO GET YOURS!
ALEX TSARTOGLOU
TIMOTHY DENT
NICK DUNCAN
www.electrogroup.com.au www.electrogroup.com.au
ContractingIndustry RedundancyTrust
CIRTwas establishedin 1990 to provide income security for employee members working within the electrical industry particularly those on major construction sites. Benefits from the fund are designed to assist members and their families when confronted with the realities of redundancy.
BENEFITS OF CIRT MEMBERSHIP
Redundancy Retirement Leaving the Industry
• When your employment is terminated due to shortage of work you may be eligible to claim and NO TAX will apply. Claimyour funds when you permanently retire from the industry when you have reached your preservation age.
CIRT MEMBER PORTAL
•
•
TheTrusteewill consider paying your benefit after assessing your individual circumstances.
•view your CIRTbalanceandupdatepersonal data • for all your CIRT and JETCO forms Log into the Member Portal: www.cirt.com.au
For all CIRT and JETCO enquiries contact the Administrator Severe Financial Hardship Death or Total & Permanent Disabilit y
Ifyou die or are disabled and cannot work, a benefit will be payable when the required supporting documentation is supplied.
JETCO can subsidise the cost of your electrical industry-related training from $500 to $2,200 per financial year upon obtaining eligibility. For eligibility rules, please refer to the Members section of the CIRT website.
Examples of some of the Training Courses that may be subsidised (refer to the website for further details).
Elevating Work Platform Course
Whenyou permanently leave the industry, you must submit a claim for your benefit. A waiting period and the applicable tax will apply. •
Electrical Contractors Course – Qualified Technical Person
Electrical Contractors Course – Qualified Business Person
First Aid Course
Electrical Instrumentation Course
Conditioning Courses Hazardous Areas Training As a CIRT member you may be eligible to apply for a training subsidy from JETCO to assist you to maintain or upgrade your electrical industry related skills.
