KEEPING THE STATE’S LIGHTS ON STRONG TRADE STRONG UNION ON THE RIGHT TRACK
SECRETARY TROY GRAY
Time goes fast, far too fast… It seems like only yesterday that I was an apprentice sparky – however, it wasn’t. It was 1987 and it’s now been 23 years since I was elected as an official with the Victorian ETU and before that 10 years as a workplace Delegate.
After representing ETU members in one form or another for 33 years, I couldn’t be prouder to see where the Union stands today, with its record high membership. There’s been a lot of hard work done by many people; the Delegates, staff, officials and membership, to ensure that Victorian ETU members not only have the best wages and conditions pretty much anywhere in the world, but they also have access to a state-of-the art training centre to help them upskill and keep up with the pace of the industry.
In particular, for the last decade I’ve had the honour of being the Victorian Branch Secretary. As we tend to move at lighting speed around the Union, I thought it would be timely just to stop and reflect on what we’ve all achieved in the last 10 years, as well as a bit of an overview of where the Vic Branch currently stands. I’ll be interested in your feedback after you wind through the list of achievements featured on the following two pages.
Whilst it’s important to acknowledge the last decade, it’s also critical that we have a vision for the future. If you go to page 32 of this magazine, you’ll see an article on our 120 Anniversary Shop Stewards conference that had a record attendance of over 400 workplace Delegates. At the conference, these Delegates split into five different workshops for discussion and debate about everything from the industries they work in, to the benefits for members and how the Union is going as a whole. From those workshops, the feedback’s been great – we’ve literally had over 100 suggestions and comments, which in real terms lets our State Council pencil together a roadmap for the coming years for the Union and its membership.
This is vitally important for the next two decades, not just for Victoria, but across the nation as we enter and play a huge role in the electrification of Australia. The Union, as strong and as resourced as we are, is well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities this boom brings and to lead us through this exciting time.
This year again in the contracting industry we will start the midterm meetings and I look forward to being faceto-face with 10,000 contracting members from about August onwards. Our lead Organiser in Power Matty Boyd will be negotiating the Power industry EBAs this year, and you can see his report on page 17. No doubt Matty, together with the Power Delegates, will deliver an outstanding outcome for our members in Power, and I also look forward to participating in those EBA sign up meetings later in the year.
As part of several industry EBA negotiations, we have inserted clauses and deliberately restructured the Union and training centre to cater for the expected 10,000 members that will utilise our Melbourne and Regional offices for everything from EBA sign-up meetings, midterm contracting meetings, licensed members coming in to do their professional development course, to young tradespeople participating in their first ETU apprentice development day. It’s a great opportunity to get one-onone feedback from thousands of members, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as I can.
Also for our regional members, we’ve completed major upgrades on our Morwell office, Geelong office and Bendigo premises as well as opening a new training centre in Cranbourne to cater for growing training demand. Please refer to page 28 for all centre locations and contact details.
In summary, ETU Victoria has proudly been around for over 120 years, we have record membership and resources, we are stronger than ever, and we are providing more benefits than ever. With this united team, the future is exceptionally truly bright.
Enjoy reading this magazine and be proud that this is your Union. Your ongoing support and loyalty has contributed to this Union’s growth, success and strength.
Included in this magazine are hard-hat and car stickers. Let’s show everybody you are a proud member of Australia’s greatest union – THE MIGHTY VIC ETU!
Thank you all,
STRONG TR STRONG UN
ADE ION
DECADE OF
RECORD HIGH MEMBERSHIP
PROJECTED TO BE 20,000 BY 2024
Members enjoy some of the best wages and working conditions for electrical workers anywhere in the world. 2023
RECORD NUMBER OF DELEGATES 2023
RECORD FINANCES 2023
INFRASTRUCTURE EBA’S
ETU members working on the major Victorian projects are now the highest paid infrastructure workers in Australia all thanks to ETU negotiated Agreements. 2020
REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION ACRREDITATION STATUS ACHIEVED 2019
$7M CENTRE FOR U TRAINING CENTRE OPENED
The training centre offers over 40 professional development, mental health and support services for ETU Members and their families. 6,800 members utilised services in the last 12 months. 2019
$4M PARTNERSHIP WITH HOLMESGLEN TAFE
Futuretech Electrical Training Centre, training hundreds of electrical apprentices each year. 2016
INTRODUCED NEW MEMBER BENEFITS
Decease spouse payment $30K
Funeral cover increased to $10K
Family Ambulance Cover 2021
INITIATED MAJOR CAMPAIGNS
Omnibus, CUB, Change the Rules, Building Code, ABCC, Integrity Bill 2013-2023
POLITICALLY ACTIVE, INVOLVED AND RESPECTED THEN & NOW
CREATED A YOUTH & WOMENS COMMITTEE. BRINGING BACK THE BRANCH MEETINGS 2019-2023
HONORARY MEMBERS RESPECTED AND BENEFITS INCREASED 2019
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Over 500k of grants put straight back into the community i.e. Ronald McDonald house, Father Bob, Huddle, local sporting groups. 2013-2023
MERCHANDISE & BRANDING
Merchandise and Branding has increased and is widely recognised and respected. 2013-2023
INCREASED OFFICIALS SUPPORT
With communications, research, political, merchandise, safety, legal and training departments. 2013-2023
CREATED THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACVOCACY GROUP
To defend our members’ rights to access the great outdoors. 2023
LODGED A SUBMISSION ON HOW OFFSHORE WINDFARM IN GIPPSLAND CAN WORK FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY 2021
PARTNERED WITH A2B
Insuring our first nations people have career opportunities within the electrical industry. 2019
INDUSTRIAL
Over the last decade, the branch has successfully campaigned and renegotiated over 2,000 industrial agreements, improving our members wages and conditions each and every time. The ETU was also instrumental in turning out hundreds of thousands of workers to three of the biggest union rallies in Victoria’s history. 2013-2023
FACE TO FACE WITH 10,000 MEMBERS FOR INDIVIDUAL EBA MEETINGS 2022
ALMOST 2,000 APPRENTICES ATTEND THE OFFICE FOR THEIR FACE TO FACE EBA MEETINGS 2022
PROGRESS LEADING THE CHARGE 2013 TO 2023
NATIONALLY INCLUSIVE AND RESPECTED
The Victorian Branch, along with the other states, have played a key role in recent years bringing the Union back together nationallyunited and stronger. 2013-2023
LICENSING OF ALL LINEWORKERS DELIVERED 2021
CAMPAIGNED FOR A COMMITMENT THAT TRAINS & TRAMS ARE MANAUFACTURED IN VICTORIA
Creating long-term secured jobs for members 2022
MANDATORY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL LICENSED ELECTRICIANS DELIVERED 2022
MANDATORY APPRENTICE DEVELOPMENT DAY
Training for all apprentices; drug and alcohol, domestic violence and suicide prevention awareness. 2021
CONDUCTED THE LARGEST CONTRACTING MASS MEETING IN OUR HISTORY 2016
INITIATED THE WAVE PROGRAM
Introduction for women to the electrical industry. Placing over 50 women a year into electrical jobs. 2020
RE-REGULATED THE REGULATOR - ENERGY SAFE VICTORIA
ESV now has a new CEO, Commissioners and Working Committees with heavy union involvement. 2019
INSTRUMENTAL IN ACHIEVING WAGE THEFT, MAN SLAUGHTER LAWS AND THE CREATION OF A LABOUR HIRE COMMISSION 2019
UPSKILLING 500 SPARKIES FOR THE NEW ELECTRICAL VEHICLE COURSE 2023
INITIATED RETRO FITTING COURSES
To help ETU members meet future sustainability demands. 2023
MELBOURNE & REGIONAL OFFICE EXPANSIONS
To cater for close to 10,000 members attending ETU offices each year, we are redeveloping Melbourne and regional offices for the growth. 2022
CELEBRATED TURNING 120 YEARS OLD
Conducted our largest shop steward conference in history with over 400 delegates in attendance. 2022
CAMPAIGNING FOR ONE UNIFIED NATIONAL ELECTRICAL LICENSE 2023
CAMPAIGNING FOR A NATIONAL MENTORING APPRENTICE SCHEME TO ADDRESS THE DROP OUT RATE FOR APPRENTICES 2023
Enjoy reading this magazine and be proud that this is your Union. Your ongoing support and loyalty has contributed to this Union’s growth, success and strength. Included in this magazine are hardhat and car stickers. let’s show everybody you are a proud member of Australia’s greatest union – THE MIGHTY VIC ETU! ”
“ KNOWLEDGE IS LIVE, LEARN, TRAIN, UPGRADE, RESKILL AND UPSKILL. ”
OUR
OUR
FUTURE PRESIDENT DANNY FILAZZOLA
In my day, we would use the term ‘educate, agitate and organise’, which most successful unions would recognise.
The ETU Victorian Branch is just that; a successful, well-resourced Union of which I have the privilege to be President. It is an honour, and I am truly grateful to every member who has supported my passion for training, and now as Principal of a world-class training organisation, the Centre for U.
I recall doing my apprenticeship in the 90s; and once I became an A-Grade Electrician, I continued my urge for learning post-apprenticeship. This became the catalyst for my role as a Shop Steward, as some of my early blues on the job were around trying to get employers to pay for training. There was literally nothing offered other than the Construction Wiring course out of the Union Office, and it was always a massive argument as to who would be trained. It wasn’t long after this that a few of us Delegates took our plight to the ETU State Council, where we debated having our own Union-run Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Fast forward to today, and I could not be prouder of our great Union, which now boasts a 10-million-dollar registered training facility, the Centre for U, offering an abundance of courses under five pillars – Upskilling, CPD, Personal & Family Services, Health Services, and Workplace Support.
The Union also delivers apprenticeships days and the WAVE program which shows our commitment to the growing numbers of both apprentices and women in the electrical industry.
Lastly, I have the pleasure to announce that we have a new member on our team, Alex Del Grosso, who will be taking responsibility for our HSR & Shop Steward training. It has been a personal privilege to have run these training courses – a rewarding role that gave me the opportunity to engage and deal directly with our Delegates. It’s bittersweet to hand this title over into the very capable hands of Alex; he has a strong background in representing workers in the industry, and we wish him all the best for his new ETU journey.
In-house training keeps our Union connected with our members but best of all, it proves that the ETU Victorian Branch is resourceful and looks after members in all stages of their working life. I couldn’t be prouder to have built and been part of the training division, and I see my responsibility as President and Principal of the CFU as a great achievement for which I respectfully thank every member, Delegate and especially my family for their support.
Today we would use the term ‘knowledge is power and training is fuel’. We will always keep refuelling the Union passion – if you touch one, you touch all.
RIGHT ON TRACK
TRACK
“ OUR INDUSTRY IS THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. ”
“ THE STRENGTH OF THE TEAM IS EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. THE STRENGTH OF EACH MEMBER IS THE TEAM. ”
TE
AMWORK
Alot of things have changed considerably in my 30 years in the mighty ETU Victorian Branch, all for the better and great for all ETU members. We are now one of the most powerful and well-resourced unions in the country and I am so proud to be part of this leadership team.
The Union has an excellent Branch Executive who, in conjunction with the leadership team, has overseen the transformation that drives this great Union to unprecedented outcomes.
Today, the ETU is growing stronger all the time: currently, internally, we have around 50 dedicated staff, including a membership team to assist with all membership enquiries, a legal team, a finance team, a political research team, a training and welfare centre and a wonderful communications team. This is a significant change from the past and we are well resourced to deliver the best outcomes for ETU members and their families.
See page 12 for details of our ETU officials and all their areas and contact details.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the following people to our exceptional lineup: Ben Schmidt as our new Power Industry Official; Kirsten Spence as accountant on our Finance team; Ryan Rintala as Digital Designer in our Communications team; and Alex Del Grosso as the new ETU OH&S Co-ordinator/Trainer.
Having a strong financial base is the key to being able to achieve great things and to deliver outstanding outcomes and benefits for all ETU members and their families.
One of the benefits available to ETU members is Partner Bereavement support payments to help members deal with the heartbreak of losing a partner while still needing to raise children. Tragically, we have had four members who have needed to claim this, and the Union has been able to assist with $30,000 payments as well as $10,000 funeral payments.
In addition, since the start of 2021, the ETU has paid $1.4 million in emergency transport for members and their families who have required an ambulance. Also in that time, the Union has paid over $450,000 towards funerals for members who have sadly passed away.
These are some of the great benefits that the ETU is able to provide for our members and their families. We achieve this by being a strong Union, a well-financed Union, and a well-resourced Union.
Me (standing) with new team members from left to right: Kirsten Spence, Ben Schmidt, Alex Del Grosso & Ryan Rintala
VICTORIAN
CHRIS PATTERSON
Head of Contracting
CBD & Docklands
chris.patterson@etuvic.com.au 0458 001 029
LUKE MANSFIELD
Contracting Industry
Western Suburbs
luke.mansfield@etuvic.com.au 0438 373 500
GABRIEL BRINDUSE
General Trades & Lifts
gabriel.brinduse@etuvic.com.au 0428 143 796
ALEX DEL GROSSO
OHS Coordinator & Trainer
alex.delgrosso@etuvic.com.au 0401 859 408
AL DAVEY
Contracting Industry
al.davey@etuvic.com.au 0431 768 624
JOSEPH YOUSSEF
Contracting Industry
joseph.youssef@etuvic.com.au 0412 655 776
SHANNON CRUNDWELL
General Trades Western Suburbs
shannon.crundwell@etuvic.com.au 0460 425 232
JOHN ISLIP
Rail, Tram & General Trades
john.islip@etuvic.com.au 0428 345 844
JAMES BARNES
Contracting Industry
Northern Suburbs
james.barnes@etuvic.com.au 0430 933 461
MATT BOYD
Lead Power
matt.boyd@etuvic.com.au 0405 124 953
DANNY TIMMERS
General Trades South East
danny.timmers@etuvic.com.au 0419 378 404
TROY KNIGHT
Geelong & Western District
troy.knight@etuvic.com.au 0400 982 292
MARK CONNELLY
Contracting Industry
Inner South East
mark.connelly@etuvic.com.au 0447 965 686
BEN SCHMIDT Power Industry
ben.schmidt@etuvic.com.au 0447 201 429
AARON DOUGLASS
Northern Regional District
aaron.douglass@etuvic.com.au 0427 288 290
PETER MOONEY
Gippsland & Latrobe Valley District
peter.mooney@etuvic.com.au 0418 338 725
CO
NTRACTING AMPS UP!
ORGANISER CHRIS PATTERSON
ETU members in Victoria are on top of the world. We are safer than ever, happier than ever and we have the best wages and conditions in the world. It’s a great time to be an electrician.
Last year, I was given the opportunity by Troy to head up and lead the Contracting division of the Union. This division has the largest membership of the Victorian Branch, comprising around 10,000 members working in a number of different industries. With the average age of a contracting member being around 28 – inclusive of 1,000 apprentices – it’s also our most youthful division and great fun to organise with a dedicated team of officials.
With over 100 Delegates representing the 10,000 members that meet regularly at quarterly Shop Stewards meetings, we get great feedback about what is important to our members and what’s happening in the industry.
The Contracting division is experiencing the same boom as the entire electrical industry. Covid may have slowed things down for a while, but the industry has bounced back bigger and better than ever with a number of highrise towers and hospitals being built throughout Victoria with an overlap into major infrastructure projects. The industry is looking sound for years to come.
Our members in the Contracting sector enjoy some of the best working conditions and highest pay of any of our members, and it was a pleasure to be involved in the Contracting EBA sign-up meetings held over the last 18 months. I’m also really looking forward to attending the upcoming midterm meetings with leadership, which will commence in the second half of this year.
As I go around different sites, the feedback about the A-Grade professional development course has been fantastic along with many questions about other training available at our Centre for U facility – so just a reminder, if you work in the Contracting industry and your CPD is coming up, make sure you come into the office so the ETU can look after you.
And finally, a special shout out to Paul ‘Harmsey’ Harmen who is the Delegate on our largest Contracting project at the moment; the Government initiated Footscray Hospital . The project will peak at some 600+ members and it’s one of the best, well-run Union jobs in town! Well done Harmsey, and to all the members in the Contracting industry – thanks for your support and thanks for staying Union. It’s a great trade, and a great time to be ETU.
LININGUP
MATT BOYD OUR INDUSTRY
It’s been a big few years for our Power Industry membership. We have delivered some key reforms that will protect our trades, while also ensuring a more independently-regulated industry.
We have delivered an ESV-regulated electrical licence for our trades, as well as a technical regulator and a workforce engagement committee. These bodies will ensure that our members on the ground will be heard, and they will influence the decisions made regarding their health and safety, and how they perform their jobs.
The ETU has also played a key role in the re-establishment of the SEC. This undoes one of Victoria’s worst mistakes. Privatisation has failed our members on health and safety and investment in apprentices, while also producing an overpriced, unreliable and unsafe supply of electricity to consumers. It has only benefited the power companies who send billions of dollars offshore every year. The re-establishment of the SEC will start to undo the wrongs of Jeff Kennett’s Liberals, and will once again deliver investment in apprentices and a safe, reliable supply of electricity. It will return putting people before profits.
We have a huge year ahead with our Enterprise Agreements expiring in August. These EAs cover 2,400 members (lineworkers, cable joiners, electricians, fitters, testers, asset inspectors and PERU operators) working all over Victoria.
We are meeting with our Delegates in early April to put together our game plan, with a strong emphasis on aligning our EAs and investing in apprentices, apprentices, apprentices! I look forward to working with our brothers and sisters in continuing to improve our safety standards, conditions and wages, as well as securing the industry for the decades ahead.
INSECURE NECTED
INSECURE WORK NECTED
PAUL JEFFARES
“ Our Power is our unity, and our strength is our solidarity. Our achievement with CUB will be our legacy for a new generation. We stand here proudly today knowing that working people can achieve what they strive for as long as they have the courage – it’s all about finding your bravery. Unity should never be underestimated, and our win is proof that there is power in numbers. ”
TUNNEL
LINE WORKERS
WATSON
There is a good reason why we are told not to bring up politics at the dinner table; some people love it, and some hate it, but most would rather talk about anything else.
The reality for the ETU is that decisions that impact every aspect of members’ lives are made through political structures. The Victorian ETU takes this very seriously and has worked strategically over several years to position the Union as a politically respected force to deliver results for members.
a love - h
Good riddance and big plans
Since our last magazine, the Albanese Government has abolished the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the Registered Organisations Commission (ROC). Liberal governments established these anti-worker organisations to persecute workers and their unions, and Labor, to their credit, held up their commitment to get rid of them within the first 12 months of being in government. On top of this, Industrial Relations Minster Tony Burke ripped up the building code within weeks of being sworn in as Minister last year, meaning we can put good Union clauses back into our EBAs.
Our Shop Stewards conference last year gave the Branch several national political goals, which will take a lot of work, but the leadership team will get cracking on them during 2023.
Campaign for a National A-Grade Licence
It’s ridiculous that we have so many different versions of A-Grade electrical licences in a country with a population like Australia. We need a national A-Grade licence system, but this has to be done the right way, with independent licence exams governed by the industry as we have in Victoria.
ate relationship
Build a National Apprentice Support Network
Too many people start an electrical apprenticeship but don’t finish it; they fall through the gaps thanks to a support network currently run by forprofit companies. The ETU will start working with Labor at a State and Federal level to intervene and support the next generation of electrical workers. The SEC is back
The future of electricity generation in Victoria was the centrepiece of last year’s State election. Bringing back the SEC was the one political message that cut through – a plan to lower
power prices while creating jobs and building renewable energy.
Prior to the 1990s, Victorians owned all their electricity assets, including power supply and poles and wires, and the network was maintained in the interest of public safety and reliability. Jeff Kennett sold this off, and since then, private multinationals have made billions of dollars off the back of Victorian families.
Daniel Andrews took to the election a plan to bring back the SEC, with the State playing a role in generation again, starting with an initial investment to deliver 4.5 gigawatts of clean power – the equivalent replacement capacity of Loy Yang A.
The rebirth of the SEC will help support 6,000 positions for trainees and apprentices, and the government has also announced that it is exploring re-entering the retail electricity market, which will drive out grubby profit-hungry companies.
The ETU has been campaigning for two decades for the State to return to energy generation. Finally, on 22 December last year, Energy Minster, now Minister for the SEC, and a great friend of the ETU Lily D’Ambrosio, announced that the SEC had been re-formed. Best of all, the announcement was made at the Centre for U in Arden Street.
Politics might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s an important way of getting results.
SKILLING
I absolutely enjoyed completing my CPD course as an electrician. The experience was really helpful for my career development and I appreciated the opportunity to refresh my skills and knowledge. The course provided me with access to top-of-the-line testing boards and facilities at the Centre for U which helped me test my abilities and learn new techniques.
Moreover, the instruction on new regulations and technologies was fascinating and has allowed me to remain competitive in the fast-changing electrical industry. Overall, I had a fantastic time learning new things and improving my skills, and I would highly recommend the CPD course to other electricians looking to advance their careers.
Shout out to James Pilbeam the operations manager and trainer at the Centre for U. James was great and a wealth of knowledge that made the whole process feel relaxed yet very insightful.”
UP THE TRADE CPD
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As we head further into 2023, the ETU’s state-of-theart training facility, the Centre for U (CFU) has seen more than 500 sparkies come through to do the mandatory professional development course. This course ensures that our members are trained up and skilled up to the highest level. Remember, this course will always be free for ETU members.
It’s only once every five years, and the Union has negotiated into the majority of Agreements that you’ll be able to be released from work for the day – not have to do it at night or on a RDO, even though those options are available.
So when you’re up for the day, remember you can do it at any of our offices at North Melbourne, Geelong, Morwell, or the new training centre in Cranbourne.
For more details go to centreforu.com.au
“ JAMES WAS GREAT AND A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE THAT MADE THE WHOLE PROCESS FEEL RELAXED YET VERY INSIGHTFUL ”
• Geelong: 67 Gheringhap Street, Geelong
• Morwell: 42 Buckley Street, Morwell
• Cranbourne: 27 O’Tooles Road, Cranbourne
• Shepparton: 152-200 Fryers Street, Shepparton
• Wangaratta: 12-16 Cusack Street, Wangaratta
“It is important to do the CPD program because you get to keep your A Grade. Also it helps you refresh your memory if you haven’t been on the tools for a long time. The Centre for U is an amazing place to train in: they have the state-of-the-art equipment, friendly environment and the teachers have a lot of knowledge. Doing this course has helped me understand the new regulations in the industry and what is required of an electrician, also the practical exam refreshes your memory of what the standards are. It’s an amazing course, and I’m glad we have courses like that.”
RAFAEL MARTINEZ
“This is my first time renewing my licence as I’ve only been qualified for four years, I found it so bloody useful and educational - interacting with other sparkies also made it more beneficial! Very appreciative of the notepad and the booklet that got passed on with the course; it has gone straight into my tester draw as well as a set of new rubber gloves and leathers. Keep doing what you guys are doing!!! Loved the course and can’t wait till next time!!! ”
JOEL MONGER
APPR
TOM CHARMAN HEALTH SERVICES
“The myotherapy definitely assisted with tightness of my upper back. As an electrician working for Yarra Trams doing overhead work, I experience restricted mobility and soreness in my upper back often. The myotherapist was good, and after three sessions so far, I plan to do more in the future. As far as Union perks go, this is definitely one of the better ones!”
MARIO GOLUZA CPD
“I refreshed my knowledge from 30 years ago with new regulations and standards. I think the CPD is a good direction to go. The Centre for U is a bloody good build and I was impressed. From the beginning at reception right up to the end of the day, it was well organised; really high level.”
ADAM MCNEIL WORKPLACE SUPPORT
JOHN WARREN HEALTH SERVICES
“The myotherapy has been great and having the service in Geelong just shows how connected the ETU is with its members. The myotherapy is wonderful, and Hayley is really good. We like it so much my wife and I go every fortnight, once a month with Centre for U, and in between on our own.”
“The apprentice development day was fantastic. I really found Ella’s story relatable to us, and it showed how a couple of bad decisions compounded into really bad decisions. I learnt you’ve got the choice of either sweeping it under the rug or to make changes. Mental health issues and statistics were confronting and quite shocking. It made me realise how many people are dealing with them.”
OVED
RICHARD WATKINS UPSKILLING
“I went to The Centre for U to do the Construction Wiring course. It was my first time there. I was very impressed with the facility and courses on offer. I really enjoyed the course. It was exactly what I needed to bring me up to speed with recent work practices. Brad the trainer was also good value and very knowledgeable.”
SCOTT COLLOM CPD
“My favourite part was going over correct procedures for testing electrical circuits and understanding new laws and regulations. I can see how sparkies who have been on the tools for most of their life would be concerned about CPD but the Centre For U really has your back. There should be more CPD courses in more areas within the vast electrical industry.”
TOM CHARMAN PERSONAL & FAMILY
“My wife and I attended this course to help our little one in times of need. It was educational, easy to understand and the breaks with food supplied were a bonus. We learnt CPR for babies, how to clear obstacles from their throat and to not slap their backs in panic when they are choking. It was a great day and we always pass this information onto anyone babysitting.”
MICHAEL GRECH HEALTH SERVICES
“I couldn’t recommend this service highly enough. I complete mine annually which gives me peace of mind and reassurance. I keep the same medical booklet that allows me to compare my results each year, such as my blood levels and cholesterol. The health checks are completed by a dietitian who provides professional advice, and the skin checks are very thorough.”
FULLY CH
HARGED
120 YEARS SHOP STEWARDS CONFERENCE
Guest appearances included Victorian Premier DANIEL ANDREWS; Australian of the Year (2019) DR. RICHARD HARRIS; Director of the Centre for New Industry SHIRLEY JACKSON; Chief EVC Head of Energy and Infrastructure ROSS DE RANGO; Chief Development Officer - Star of the South ERIN COLDHAM; plus an unforgettable heart-felt fundraiser which resulted in $40,000 worth of donations for kids living with cancer.
120
PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS
ROSS DE RANGO SHIRLEY JACKSON ERIN COLDHAM
ROSS DE RANGO
It was fantastic to hear from the Premier Dan Andrews regarding the importance of our trade to the Victorian economy and his personal support for our strong licensing system. The Premier then went on to discuss the immense amount of renewable energy and infrastructure work in our State and the ETU’s pivotal central role in delivering these projects for all Victorians. Along the way he also had a crack at crappy bosses and privatisation while at the same time reaffirming his long standing relationship with the Vic ETU.
Big thanks go to our Premier for attending the conference –you were truly deserving of the standing ovation you received from our Delegates.
DR. RICHARD HARRIS
Dr. Richard Harris – Australian of the year, anaesthetist and diver – was heading off on a cave-diving holiday in Western Australia when British divers telephoned him with an urgent request to fly to Thailand to assist them. He risked his life to swim through the Thai cave system to rescue a team of young soccer players and their coach who were trapped inside. Deep inside the caves, he medically assessed and administered anaesthetic to each of the evacuees to facilitate their rescue.
Richard took the Delegates through this harrowing Thai cave rescue, drawing parallels between that experience and the everyday decisions our Delegates and electrical workers have to make in our hazardous industries One of the most thrilling edge of your seat presentations our Delegates have ever had. On behalf of the ETU, thank you Richard.
We need to build the resilience to rise to an occasion when the time comes. All of us have a challenge to face. Whether it’s career, health scare or relationship, resilience is key.
Ross De Rango spoke about the future of electrical vehicles in Victoria, and how great it is that ETU will be part of this future. Australia has the potential to be an electric vehicle powerhouse which will employ Australians to build batteries, chargers, cars, buses and trucks while cutting pollution from transport and doing our fair share to combat climate change. It will also reduce our reliance on foreign oil by using Australian energy to move us around.
Ross and his team have a goal to have one million EVs on Australian roads by 2027. A very informative and much appreciated look at our transport future.
SHIRLEY JACKSON
Using our 120 Year Anniversary conference, Shirley Jackson launched the Victorian ETU’s blueprint for better, cleaner jobs. This report is a very simple and clear roadmap of how Australia will transition from a carbon economy to a zero-emissions future while at the same time creating thousands of skilled jobs – and leaving no community behind.
ERIN COLDHAM
Following Shirley’s speech Erin Coldham the Chief Development Officer of the Star of the South presented the details of Australia’s first offshore windfarm.
Star of the South is Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project. Proposed to be located off the south coast of Gippsland near towns such as Port Albert, McLoughlins Beach and Woodside Beach, it has the potential to supply up to 20% of Victoria’s electricity needs while creating jobs and investment. If developed to its full potential, Star of the South would generate up to 2.2GW of new capacity, powering around 1.2 million homes across the State.
LIGHTING UP SMIL
In a huge show of festive generosity, $40,000 was raised to send kids from Camp Quality (an Australian children’s cancer charity that has been improving the quality of life for kids facing cancer for 40 years) to an unforgettable event experience at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland – truly lighting up the kids’ smiles. Big thanks go to Unity Bank for their enormous contribution of $30,000, to all the gala dinner guests for their individual support, Keith Brown from Christmas Wonderland for delivering an unforgettable magical experience, and Camp Quality for co-ordinating the families.
“We had a fantastic time at the event. Wishing you and all of the team a Merry Christmas. We are so happy to have found such an amazing organisation in what has been a very challenging year. ”
ES
“The Families had an amazing and magical time.” Hazel Grunwaldt - Camp Quality Head of Philanthropy & Donor Engagement
“Thank you to the ETU and Camp Quality for an awesome end-of-year celebration. One our family will remember forever. ”
“I loved watching my five year old laugh and get so excited. Since my cancer diagnosis, her anxiety is heightened and to watch her enjoy herself was absolutely priceless. ”
GOOD FEEDBACK IS THE KEY TO IMPROVEMENT MAPPING OUR FUTURE
ETU Vic turns 121 years of age this year, and one of its fundamental cornerstones is that it’s a rank-and-file democratic Union and always has been. At the recent Delegates conference, a nod was given to the past and the hard work that has been done by so many before us, particularly in the last decade with some remarkable achievements and progressive outcomes that go a long way to making the ETU what it is today.
Looking back and recognising our history is vitally important, but also at the 2022 Anniversary conference (which boasted a record attendance!), a challenge was set for the 400+ Delegates - what are the priorities and initiatives for the next decade and beyond for the Victorian ETU and its membership?
What do we need to achieve? In which direction do we head? What is most important to our members and their families?
All of this and more was discussed at packed-out workshops for over two hours, with the result being a roadmap for the next decade and beyond.
With over 100 suggestions coming out of the workshops – covering everything from increased training, protection for the trade, increased family time, improved benefits, and more apprenticeships – the ideas and topics brought up at the workshops are not only invaluable to the Union, but set the pathway for the ETU over the next decade.
We would particularly like to thank all the Delegates who participated in these workshops. Our future is in safe hands - great job!
LIFE MEMBERS
Within the ETU movement, Life Membership is not bestowed lightly. Over our more than 120 years of proud history and with almost 200,000 electrical workers being members of the union in that time, only a small handful have been awarded Life Member status. It was great to see all the exisiting Life Members in one room at the Honorary Members lunch have their photo taken. On behalf of our members, big thanks for the hard work and dedication of these Life Members. Enjoy your retirement years and know that much of what the ETU is today is because of your hard work.
KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON
“ TOGETHER, LET’S ALL BRING BACK THE SEC! ”
THE STATE’S
Prior to the State Electricity Commission [SEC] being sold off by Jeff Kennett in 1994, it provided Victorian consumers with the most reliable, cheapest power anywhere in the world, while at the same time returning $100 million a year back to the Victorian Government. Every year, the SEC also employed hundreds of apprentices who went on to be top trades people in many different industries throughout Victoria. Post 1994 – thanks to Jeff Kennett – we have seen hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars of profit head overseas, and our power supply become reliably unreliable! Not to mention thousands of opportunities for apprenticeships go begging.
Premier Daniel Andrews’ 2022 commitment to bring back the SEC is the beginning of reversing that trend, and has been welcomed by all ETU members, as well as the general public. We are proud to say on behalf of all our members, the Vic Branch of the ETU will play a pivotal role in the reconstruction and creation of the new SEC. Together, let’s all bring back the SEC!
AND WHAT IT ALL MEANS
Australia must halve its carbon emissions by 2030. New energy technologies are part of the answer but there are solutions that are available today. No matter how we cut emissions, the electrification of Australia will be built and maintained by electricians and electrical workers.
Electrification requires good planning and management of new energy-efficient alternatives to fossil fuels.
The focus to date has been on policy and training to support new energy supplies, however the ETU Vic Branch has initiated steps to implement training that focuses not only on electric vehicles but the wider notion of electrification, energy efficiency and energy management.
The implementation of large scale electrification, will have a significant workforce impact, creating new jobs, all during an existing skills shortage.
The electrification of buildings through heating systems, appliances and vehicles powered with renewable electricity will provide the pathway towards net zero buildings.
The ETU Vic Branch is well aware of what this will mean for members, as well as the broader electrical sector.
Electrification will need to occur in both commercial and residential buildings, and the sector where this will occur fastest includes our own households.
Electrification of cars, kitchen cooktops, water heaters, and heating systems, which may be cheaper to operate with renewable energy but are currently more expensive to purchase, will significantly change with the uptake of strategic technologies, more widespread renewable energy supply, and when gas substitution or ‘de gas’ is recommended by government.
The organisation Rewiring the Nation states, “The average Australian household currently uses ~102kWh of energy per day and spends $5,248 per year on energy related costs. Much of this energy use is due to the inefficiency of conventional fuels like natural gas and petrol for cars, which also create a large amount of emissions.”
THE ELECTRIFICATION OF AUSTRALIA
ELECTRIFICATION AUSTRALIA BEGINS!
The electrified household on the other hand “with solar panels on the roof, a home battery, electric vehicles in the garage, and replacement of gas appliances with efficient electric ones, can save thousands per year in household costs for the average home by 2030.”
So not only will electrification change the way we work, it will impact on the way we live.
As we go through the next two decades of the electrification of Australia, the Vic ETU will be proudly at the forefront, leading with training on new technologies, upskilling the apprenticeship system and ensuring ETU members in the trade are the ones to electrify Australia.
SAFETY FIRST HSR DELEGATE VLAD JURIC
Duties: Maintaining health and safety on site, compliances, working conditions and supporting members requiring mental health assistance.
For many members, this is the first time they’ve worked on a project of this magnitude and it can be somewhat intimidating breaking ground on a new project. Making the transition from shopping centres to major projects is a whole new level in standards that tests people and their capabilities.
METRO TUNNEL
KEEPING WITH KU PROJECT DELEGATE JOHN
Mental health issues can stem from the pressures of employers, and workers’ personal, financial and relationship situations – and fortunately, members have the Union to offer support. We are their voice. I have completed a two-day mental health first aider course that has given me the tools to support my fellow workmates. I am also very fortunate to be working alongside Kussy whose industry experience is recognised and utilised significantly on this project. He is a personal mentor of mine and I wish to thank him – a truly grounded and supportive Union Delegate.
“When I first started in the industry, my drive and passion was to support our apprentices – and that same drive and passion grows stronger each day. I want apprentices to come onto this job and leave with confidence having a greater understanding of safety. My focus is that our apprentices and industry maintain a high level of safety. If the foundation of our apprentices is solid, then our next generation will be in safe hands. I always take a step back and think, what if one day my son wants to become an electrician? I have true sense of relief and trust knowing that our Union standards and procedures will have him working in a safe and secure industry.”
In 1995, at just 17 years of age, John ‘Kussy’ Kus entered the union movement as a first-year apprentice working at the Maryvale Paper Mill HV Upgrade project.
Today Kussy’s industry experience, knowledge, passion and talent made him the perfect choice and first pick as the leading Delegate on Australia’s largest infrastructure project, the Metro Tunnel. With more than 800 ETU members and 10 Delegates on the job, the Metro Tunnel Project is booming!
The project commenced with 18 months of tunnelling progressing to fit out, with over 30 electrical contractors. It includes multiple shifts and rosters, with day shifts going from 7am to 5pm, followed by the night shift from 5pm to 3am. Tunnelling is 24/7.
Kussy is proud to see around 100 apprentices on the project getting involved and being part of the union movement. Back in 1995, there was a huge intake of apprentices but not all were Union members. In the early to mid 90s there was a slow decline in the number of apprentices that were being employed, mainly due to the privatisation of the SEC. Today, thanks to our active Union, apprentices are back, and better than ever with fantastic safety and working conditions.
TUNNEL
UP SSY KUS
Over my years of experience in the union movement, I have seen the brutal attacks of the ABCC. Unfortunately for them, these attacks had a positive counter effect on the Union by causing us to become sharper and smarter by tightening up policies and tactics to fight them – Dare to Struggle, Dare to Learn. Our EBAs today are far greater at taking into consideration the cost of living for members, and giving them a realistic and sustainable living standard. Upskilling of workers is imperative and safety has become more regulated in this high-risk industry we work in. ETU safety reps are provided with regular training, enabling them to assist members on site and ensuring that safety always come first.
I want to give shout out to our current leadership for what they’ve achieved in the last decade – it has been fantastic. It is a privilege and honour to be a Union Delegate, and I’m very grateful to be able to help members in setting the standards for major projects in Melbourne.
ETU IN THE COMM UNITY
GISBORNE MASTERS FOOTBALL CLUB
Supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Through our community grants scheme the ETU is a proud sponsor of the Gisborne Masters Football Club. The Gisborne Masters is a football club with a focus on men’s mental health and wellbeing.
With the struggles in today’s society, and what we have all been through over the past couple of years, it’s more important than ever for us to keep positive, motivated, fit and active whilst having a laugh at the same time.
The Gisborne Masters Football Club has two teams - an over 35’s and an over 45’s - playing in the Victorian Country Masters League.
The ETU grants scheme helps pay for gear, equipment and the running of the club and is greatly appreciated by everyone involved there. The ETU helps many organisations and clubs across Victoria and will continue to do our bit for society moving forward.
THE ETU RUNS A COMMUNITY GRANT SCHEME TO GIVE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE TO GRASS-ROOT COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
ENERSYS FOOTY COLOURS DAY
In September Enersys held its annual footy colours day after a few years off thanks to Covid. All the workers from both factories, including ETU members, came together for an afternoon of food, drinks, games, auctions, and a massive raffle of prizes donated by suppliers including the ETU.
This year we once again broke the previous record and raised a massive $16,400 of which $1,000 was donated by the ETU. All funds were donated to the Fight Cancer Foundation. There was a $5-entry handball competition and a kicking accuracy competition, both with slabs of beer up for grabs, and a $2 coin toss with the coin landing nearest a bottle of whiskey winning it.
It was a great day spent with co-workers, with most people leaving their cars at home to fully enjoy the festivities, and of course raising $16,400 for a very worthy cause.
TJARRI BASKETBALL
U14 GIRLS WINNERS TJARRI
The Tjarri under 14s girls’ basketball team are the winners of this year’s Surfcoast Basketball Association winter season competition. Remy Sliwa, a member of the team and proud Gunditjmara girl, wrote to the ETU to thanks us for the funds which were used to purchase team uniforms that she designed.
“ I am writing to say thank you so much for giving us our basketball uniforms. They are really special. The artwork I designed represents teamwork, resilience, strength, and friendship. When I wear my uniform,
I feel proud of my culture and strong in my identity. When I see my teammates wearing it, I feel like they are supporting me. Our name Tjarri means ‘play together’ in Wadawurrung language.”
The ETU has also raised $13,000 on the Cherry Creek Youth Rehabilitation Centre site for the Delama MokBorryn youth leadership program. The program is run at the Narana Cultural Centre and helps indigenous kids get back in touch with the local First Nations traditions and language.
ONSITE WITH ETU APPRENTICE KANA
Marcus ‘Kana’ Kanavas is 19 years old and currently completing his third-year apprenticeship at Melbourne’s biggest infrastructure project, the Metro Tunnel.
“I love it! It’s different to anything I have ever done – I’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s a great experience; the boys are great and there is a good community in the tunnel. Being part of the Union is awesome – the ETU is all over it! One great initiative from the ETU that I particularly benefited from during my apprenticeship was attending the apprentice development day at the Centre for U.
It was insightful to hear about other people’s stories and their struggles with drugs and alcohol. What starts off as experimenting and having fun, to the harsh reality of where it can take you. It was scary listening to their struggles and fight to become sober. This program was a real eye opener and I highly recommend this session to all apprentices.
Hobbies:
Footy training, gym every now and then, camping and fishing. Recently I won a basketball flag for Team Croatia.
Typical Work Day for Kana:
I wake up at 5am, have brekkie, leave at 5:30am, arrive at work and then sit in the car for 10 minutes before work starts. Pre-start is at 6:30am where we are updated with daily tasks, change of access, and any other details that we need to know. I then head down to the Alimak for the day, finish at 2:45pm and go back to the Alimak for home time.
Pros and Cons on Job:
Pro – Working on a safe Union job. I can say from experience having worked on non-Union projects there is a major difference! Con – No reception. Killer! But also good as it avoids me being on my phone all day lol! Having said that, I have however managed to find the cheeky hot spots for reception.
Shout out:
Ivan Balta, Kussy, Tommy, Vlad and Jess, the new Deputy Shop Steward Assistant.
SHEEDS KICKS IT TO PLOUGH
APPRENTICE DEVELOPMENT DAYS
2022 saw over 500 apprentices come into the Arden Street office to participate in the Branch’s apprentice development days. Providing awareness training on the real-life issues of drug and alcohol problems, domestic violence and suicide prevention is invaluable to the youth that are coming into our industry.
Those 500 apprentices had a great opportunity at the end of the day to listen to the wisdom of Kevin Sheedy in what it takes to be successful in the journey of life.
In 2023 Sheeds kicked it to Plough, as we welcomed Terry Wallace to the Vic ETU’s apprentice development days. With a wealth of experience in dealing with and coaching young people, Terry’s personal experiences, energy and disciplined approach to life will leave a lasting impression on all apprentices who listen to him.
I have been an ETU Delegate for over 25 years and over this period there were times where I was either unemployed or waiting for new projects to start. This would place a huge strain on my family and I often thought about giving up the fight - I am so glad I didn’t! I continued to fight for myself and the members for better wages and conditions. The ETU Protect redundancy scheme is just another membership advantage that offers reassurance should you find yourself unemployed.
MAURICE MASTROIANNI
I was made redundant after six years of employment. After receiving my separation certificate I logged onto the Protect app where it literally took five minutes to lodge my application. In a matter of days the money was in my bank account, and the best part was that it was tax free! Losing my job so close to Christmas I was still fortunate enough to have a stress-free holiday and take the wife and kids up to Eildon in the caravan. All this wouldn’t have been possible without the ETU-endorsed Protect scheme.
DAN NOTT
After being off work for the last three months, I couldn’t recommend the ETU’s Protect Insurance enough. I had an operation to my shoulder, which also required extensive rehabilitation and physio care. Without Protect, I absolutely couldn’t afford to be off work for that long, but now I’m back feeling as strong as ever with no debts or regrets.
Thanks ETU
THOMAS ZAHNER
Knowing that I had a backup redundancy provided a sense of security and peace of mind when I lost my job. It can be very stressful during such uncertain times, in particular when it happens unexpectedly. With the ETU’s Protect, I knew I had a safety net in place to provide me with financial support during the transition period between jobs. The entire process was a breeze, I jumped online, filled out the claim form and received a phone call back the next day from a field officer who offered me support and guidance throughout the process. There’s nothing else like it.
PAUL BRADFORD
WE HAVE YOU
REDUNDANCY
Up until the 1990s, if an electrical worker was made redundant, they would leave with their lunchbox and would hope like hell they’d pick a job up sooner rather than later. Thankfully, those days are gone and now the ETU’s Protect redundancy fund is seen as one of Australia’s best. The latest Contracting EBA delivers higher rates of redundancy pay with tax-free claims in the event of a genuine redundancy. Once again, when a job finishes and you’re terminated, you can rest easy knowing the Union’s got your back with Protect.
PROTECTION
The Union’s injury and illness insurance cover through Protect is paid for by employer contributions and provides global income protection for workers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The cover is an important financial safety net for workers and their families facing the difficulties of non-work-related injury and illness.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT HUB
We understand how hard it is when you are out of a job or seeking to upskill to improve your career prospects, secure your family’s future or in need of personal or family assistance. For this reason, the ETU started up our state-of-the-art support and training centre - The Centre for U. With over 6,000 people now having accessed and utilised the centre it is truly rewarding to hear from a few ETU members about their involvement, feedback and experience – thank you to all who provided the testimonials on pages 30-31.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1 DAY CPD COURSE FREE TO ALL ELECTRICIANS TO COMPLY WITH NEW ESV RULES
PERSONAL AND FAMILY SERVICES
PERSONAL AND FAMILY SERVICES TO ENSURE YOU HAVE ALL THE RESOURCES YOUR FAMILY NEEDS
UPSKILLING
CFU HAS PARTNERED WITH ACCREDITED TRAINERS TO PROVIDE WORLDCLASS TRAINING FREE FOR UNEMPLOYED MEMBERS
WORKPLACE SUPPORT
A RANGE OF COURSES AND PROGRAMS TO HELP MAKE WORKPLACES BETTER PLACES
HEALTH SERVICES
A RANGE OF HEALTH SERVICES FREE FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALL IN GOOD HEALTH YEAR ROUND
“800 members walked off the Metro Tunnel project - the largest Victorian government infrastructure project to support the principle that they have the right to enjoy the great outdoors for such things as, boating fishing, camping, and specifically targeted hunting in a sustainable and responsible manner.”
HERITAGE, HISTORY & CULTURE
UNPLUG AND DISCONNECT
Countless members have contacted the ETU raising concerns over their much-loved recreational outdoor activities being banned or severely restricted. In response to these concerns, on the evening of Tuesday 28 March, the ETU Victorian Branch created and endorsed the Outdoor Recreation Advocacy Group (ORAG) and its charter. This union body is a political lobby group that will defend our members’ rights to utilise and enjoy the great outdoors in a sustainable and responsible way.
Following that evening, (which was extremely well attended) 800 members walked off the Metro Tunnel project - the largest Victorian government infrastructure project to support the principle that they have the right to enjoy the great outdoors for such things as, boating fishing, camping, and specifically targeted hunting in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Furthermore, the ETU along with other organisations representing over 100,000 Victorians took out a newspaper advertisement across Victoria to bring awareness to the overregulation of outdoor activities in Victoria. It’s time to take the politics out of our recreation.
ETU Vic wishes to thank and express our gratitude to all who are supporting and following this campaign. We are off to a strong start.
The feedback on social media has been phenomenal and for those who submitted their outdoor recreation photo memories (which can be seen on the following pages) a big thanks. These pictures are clear examples that demonstrate how outdoor recreation is a part of our history, heritage and culture. Let’s keep those memories with a positive future and make many more to come.
Please continue to follow us for further and upcoming campaign updates.
The ETU Outdoor Recreation Advocacy Group recognises that working Victorians and their families have the fundamental right to enjoy outdoor activities in a safe, regulated and sustainable way. ETU members and their families enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, hiking, four-wheel driving, hunting, boating, diving, target shooting, and motorbike riding, as well as simply spending quality time in the great outdoors.
Outdoor recreation drives substantial economic benefits across all regions of Victoria, including in some of our smallest regional communities. Participating in outdoor recreation has fantastic mental health benefits and benefits to physical health. In addition, it is an important way for Union members to spend their hard-earned free time outside work. However, from time to time, special interest groups have taken it upon themselves to campaign against various outdoor activities, and the Victorian ETU will take the lead in resisting this.
Noting the above positive benefits of outdoor recreation, this Charter empowers the ETU Outdoor Recreation Advocacy Group to campaign for the continued availability and access to outdoor recreation activities in a safe, sustainable, and regulated way. Our goal is for ETU members and their families to be able to enjoy whatever outdoor hobbies they pursue into the future in a sustainable regulated way.
WHAT’S ON F
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND POST A PIC OF HOW YOU SPEND YOUR RDO FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN!
REGIONAL REDEVELOPMENT
With record membership and compulsory CPD and apprentice days, together with the Union’s industrial EBA meetings and training, the Victorian ETU sees over 10,000 electrical workers accessing our Melbourne and regional offices on a yearly basis. To cater for this unprecedented growth and demand, the Branch has committed to major redevelopments of our Melbourne and regional offices.
GEELONG ETU HEADQUARTERS
MORWELL ETU HEADQUARTERS
RELIGHTING THE BRANCH MEETINGS
AS WE GO THROUGH THE BIGGEST BOOM IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY, FEEDBACK FROM THE MEMBERSHIP IS IMPERATIVE.
In line with that, February’s State Council has endorsed bringing back general Branch meetings.
These Branch meetings will be held quarterly on Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and will be open to all members.
We welcome all members to our 100% inclusive meetings where we’ll have open and honest discussions, learn more about the Union and brief everyone on what’s happening in our industries.
For further details, keep an eye on our social media.
LITTLE SPARKIES ETU BABY PACKS
Another great member advantage for expecting parents is the ETU’s complimentary baby pack, available upon the birth of your new bundle of joy. The hamper includes a baby blanket, ETU-branded onesie, bib, socks, beanie and a voucher for a children’s first aid training course.
The ETU baby packs, especially the infant first aid course voucher is really great. Thank you ETU . Patrick Benson - Member
ETU MEMBER CHRISTOPHER WITH DAUGHTER GOLDIE
➊ Protected Action clause in your
➋ Home Loan refinance offer
➌ First Home Guarantee4 Buy with a deposit from just 5% and no LMI.5
➍ Single Parents with at least one dependent Buy with a deposit from just 2% and no LMI.5
➎ Community Support Loan Relieve financial hardship during industrial action.1
GORDON LEGAL HAS EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS WHO CAN PROVIDE ETU MEMBERS WITH ADVICE IN RELATION TO THE COMPENSATION THAT YOU MIGHT BE ENTITLED TO.
We can help with
• Workers compensation
• Industrial hearing loss
• Asbestos related diseases
• Silicosis related diseases
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Public liability
• Medical negligence
Gordon Legal can also assist ETU Members in the following areas of law
• Family law
• Criminal defence
• Wills and Estates
• Employment law
• Commercial law
Offices:
Melbourne Level 22/181 William Street Call (03) 9603 3000
Geelong 183 Moorabool Street Call (03) 5225 1600
Dandenong 1/75 Robinson Street Call 1800 21 22 23
Warrnambool 145 Timor Street Call 1800 21 22 23
ADA AUSTRALIA
The partnership between the ETU and ADA Australia has spanned several years and provides training and wellbeing advice and support around mental health and drugs and alcohol for ETU members and their families.
Work is hard enough; but too many in the trades struggle with problems not related to the tools:
Like problems with drugs and alcohol
Like problems with relationships (at work, and at home)
Like problems with ‘coping’ – anxiety, stress, gambling… (Our training and awareness programs can change thinking, and turn this round.)
ADA Australia programs and support services include:
• Full-day Apprenticeship BEST LIFE - BEST WORK Training
• Full-day HSR and Delegate Training
• Toolbox talks
• Online Worker Wellbeing Hub and Wellbeing App (with Wellbeing Monitor, information and online support)
Covering topics such as:
• Alcohol, drugs and workplace risk
• Protecting wellbeing around alcohol and drugs
• Respect, relationships, positive behaviours
• Anger, coercive control, gendered violence
• Depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide
• Looking out for others, getting conversations going
• Self-help behaviours, seeking support
• Positive thinking, resilience and protective practices
And remember, if you, a mate, or a family member is struggling, why not reach out and give us a call
THE STRENGTH OF THE MIGHTY VICTORIAN ETU
IS YOU THE MEMBER ON BEHALF OF THE EXECUTIVE WE SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOYALTY AND SUPPORT
