ETU National 2021

MDbeeetlmitvebererdyresCaaeltnfDrtoreemvwotnahpneotirratEBA Members from the Hobart Mail
pDMreoelpmiveebrrepyrasCyaeatnnttrdheeceoKxnipndegitcsitotonns Centre and Eastern Shore Delivery
Centre want a fair wage increase

MPefoamsirtblSyehrfsoorpasteetxhrpveeinHcgtottbohaebrtepGupbPalOiidc

Our members at Australia Post TAS
won't cop another pay cut

WaitnrheteoessptreeeisrswsnteehSddohoioanfrcftetthuhDeaaielrtllyoievwxdeeorncytwuhCtaeievgnweetsosreratkrhPeaonmstooiefrse TELSTRA

CEPU members at Australia ALTUS TRAFFIC CONTROL Members at Telstra are in the middle of
Post are standing up for bargaining for their EBA as the company
themselves Workers at Altus Traffic Control this continues to roll on with redundancies,
year have realised they need good restructuring and splitting the company
membership numbers in their Union into three. What Telstra looks like
to keep up the pressure during EBA once the dust settles from these
bargaining. Altus have continued to changes remains to be seen but the
try and stall bargaining during the message for members remains the
pandemic. Our members at Altus know same: we need to sign up new starters,
the work they do is important and it is collectivise the workplace and realise
about time the company recognised that workers are the backbone of all
that with an updated agreement that these businesses. Every member needs
provides for the future. This agreement to remain accountable to themselves
is just the beginning too – our members and their colleagues as the custodians
are committed to improve their wages in of these jobs and workplaces for the
future EBAs too. future generations. Whether our current
members will work at these places in
the future or not isn’t relevant – we will
continue to fight so those members
both current and future get a deal that
is fair and provides for a good future.

49

lSpecial paid leave
bnThe ETU NSW ACT branch is leading the
for miscarriage to be included in
all new EBAs in NSW

way in committing to include special paid

leave for miscarriage in all future EBAs.

n something we committed to in the ETU
Currently the only EBAs that include NSW ACT Branch in 2019. By including
this leave in NSW are at Ausgrid, and it in the EBA, rather than in company
more recently, Endeavour Energy. In policy these benefits can’t be changed
Queensland, Energy Queensland also or removed. If companies are committed
has a cessation of pregnancy clause. to them, they shouldn’t have a problem
with including them in their EBA.
The commitment has come after a
In NSW other companies are now
recommendation this year by the ETU following suit. Special paid leave for
miscarriage has been added to the log
NSW ACT Women’s Committee. The “In many workplaces, we’re seeing more of claims in major EBAs such as at
Essential Energy and Sydney Trains in
committee drove this change because males take parental leave than ever NSW, and the superannuation clause
has been added to the log of claims in
they believe that EBA conditions should before and, in some companies, more the current Ausgrid EBA campaign.

meet the needs of women doing physical men than women are accessing it so “We hope that provisions such as
these attract more women to the
work and help close the pay gap. they can support their partners. We feel electrical trades, as it shows that we
as an industry are changing our culture
The leave will allow workers who that a shared parenting role changes to adapt to the needs of more of our
experience miscarriage to take time the dynamic and reduces the perception workforce,” said Ellen.
off to grieve, get support and recover that women are a burden on workplaces
physically and emotionally if they need due to their ability to have children. It “It also sets the benchmark for our
to. It also provides leave for partners of makes parental leave a shared society industry nationally, and we hope that
women who have a miscarriage, so they thing,” she said. the other states follow suit.”
can support their partner’s wellbeing
At Endeavour Energy the leave
nduring this time. payments also include superannuation,

“Including partners in this was ensuring that women are not penalised
important to the Women’s Committee financially by accessing this leave. This
because we’ve seen in recent years a is one of the first companies in the
significant shift in the parenting role in power industry to include this in their
our industry, with many of our peers EBA, and not just in their policy.

being more hands on in the parenting We want to see superannuation paid on

role, regardless of gender,” said Ellen top of miscarriage and parental leave

McNally, NSW Affirmative Action Officer. also included in all EBAs in future,

50

NATIONALm

Protecting

nothe trade

The ETU fights to protect our members and our trade in different n
ways, representing the interests of workers on over 100 committees,
working groups and forums that make decisions about the electrical
trades, standards, safety and many other areas.

“As a Union, we must have oversight over what is happening to our trade and industries.
We fight for our members at these committees on issues like safety, equipment,
industry standards, workers’ entitlements and skills. It’s essential vthat our voice is
heard clearly in these areas,” said ETU National Assistant Secretary David Mier.

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA SKILLS AND TRAINING POLICY ADVOCACY

A key focus is the standards committees The ETU is part of the IRCs for electro The Union argues for policy that will
and sub-committees. These decide technology, aerospace, and naval benefit our members, trades, and
on minimum standards for protective shipbuilding. We advocate for licensing, communities. The renewable sector is
equipment e.g. rubber gloves, machinery secure employment, WH&S, high a key emerging area where we must
such as EWPs, electrical equipment, wages and high skills and training for ensure workers aren’t left behind in
safety standards (both international workers in these sectors. the transition. We work with bodies like
and local), wiring rules, high voltage the Clean Energy Workforce Reference
installation rules and much more. INTERNATIONAL UNIONS Group (aiming for best practice
standards in jobs, procurement, safety
SAFETY The ETU is a member of Global Union and community engagement), The
Federations including IndustriALL, PSI, Climate Action Group (which develops
WH&S is always a big focus for the ETU. BWI and is a founding member of the the union movement’s climate, energy
Global Power Trade Unions where we and Just Transition policies), and the
“We are a part of the body that deals collaborate on international trends NSW Renewable Energy Sector Board
with high voltage installations, including and developments. Our participation in (establishing the NSW government’s
HV safety standards for renewable global unions helps bring international procurement guidelines for Renewable
energy systems. There is a gap in the pressure on multinational companies. Energy Zones).
standard that needs filling, and it’s vital Recent examples include Schindler
that safety is front and centre,” said Lifts, Solvay Interox and Ausgrid. The “This work is crucial in protecting our
ETU national industry coordinator, Union is an active supporter of Apheda, trade and lifting the standards in this
Matt Murphy. the Australian union movement’s rapidly growing sector. While it’s not
international aid agency. Michael Wright, the most glamourous work our Union
The ETU also participates in who sits on Apheda’s board, said: does, it is vitally important for all our
WH&S and workers compensation members,” said ETU national policy
committees, such as with the ACTU “Apheda is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of officer, Trevor Gauld.
and Asbestos Safety and Eradication the union movement, not least because
Agency. This year we achieved a big it leads the campaign to ban asbestos 51
win, getting Border Force to finally throughout Southeast Asia, which
start testing for asbestos in imported directly benefits Australian workers too.”
building materials.
We encourage all our members to get
“This should have already been involved with Apheda, helping workers
done – instead we had to coordinate across the world.
a nationwide campaign to get Border
Force to do its job,” said ETU Assistant
Secretary, Michael Wright.

From the State Secretary

QLND&T Like all ETU branches, the ETU Queensland and Northern Territory
branch has been dealing with the COVID-19 rollercoaster, balancing
the priorities of our members’ health and safety with keeping them
employed and able to provide for their families. Meanwhile our
incompetent federal government has mismanaged this pandemic at
every turn.

We have been integral in implementing must make sure that employers and
COVID-safe procedures across all industry bodies don’t use what has been
industries to make sure we are looking done in good faith in the middle of a
after our members while keeping them pandemic to reduce conditions as we
working. We’ve implemented things like move out of this pandemic and into
reducing the numbers of workers in crib the future.
rooms and Alimaks as well as increased
cleaning and hygiene programs on BIENNIAL CONFERENCE
construction sites. We also limited
the numbers of workers travelling in In May we managed to hold off
vehicles and working in ELP’s in our COVID-19 long enough to fit in our
service, ESI, and coal industries and biennial conference where we brought
introduced staggered shifts in the sugar together 150 delegates from QLD and
and manufacturing industries. NT for two days of debate, discussion,
and strategy to pave the way forward
All of these changes have been made in for our Branch over the next two years.
the interest of protecting our members
and keeping them employed, but we

Biennial Conference

Peter Ong

ETU QLD & NT State Secretary
52

ETU members rally out
the front of ALP Conference

RENEWABLES Othrega'NniOsTer4JSaAsoLnE'Yroaulnlyg at

By the time this goes to print, we will Labor government to invest in WaotrtkhaeerrseAnsLetPawncadobinnlefgefruueptnufcroeer
have started construction on our constructing, owning, and operating Our future is renewable
Renewable Energy Training Facility. renewable assets, culminating with
The Queensland Government backed a rally at the ALP conference in June
our submission with a grant of $17 this year, we were pleased to see the
million towards its construction, the establishment of the state renewable
first of its kind in Australia. Based on the energy fund with an initial investment
International Brotherhood of Electrical of $2 billion for Government Owned
Workers (IBEW)’s institute in Chicago, Corporations to establish renewable
our facility will not only train up to 800 assets. These projects will then fall
apprentices, but also provide post-trade under the Government’s best practices
training for electricians in renewable principles for industrial relations,
technology, in wind, solar, and hydro health and safety and skills and training
generation and infrastructure, as well delivering the best outcomes for our
as hydrogen technology. Built beside the members working on these projects.
Brisbane River at Pinkenba, close to the
Brisbane airport, our facility will become QLD & NT
the go-to for the industry’s skills and
training needs as we transition into a
renewable future.

Our Branch has consistently
campaigned for both Liberal and Labor
governments around public ownership
of electricity assets and it is no different
with renewable electricity assets. After
lobbying the current Queensland

Organiser Jason Young speaking
at the 'NOT 4 SALE' rally

53

Thor Anderson
takes home

eNAIDOC Award
Thor Anderson won the Dr Robert (Uncle Bob) Anderson Award this year for his
activism within the ETU. The matching surnames aren’t a coincidence – Uncle Bob is
Thor’s grandad! It was a special ceremony at the Queensland Council of Unions during
NAIDOC Week, as Uncle Bob presented the award to his grandson.

“It was funny for me, because he’s my “I focus on educating members and the Committee and connecting with
grandad, he’s always been someone talking to people about some of the more Indigenous members to grow
I looked up to, and of course a very challenges that Indigenous members the group.
important part of my family,” said Thor. have faced or are facing. Some people
will not be as educated or don’t “We’re in the early stages of setting that
“And to everyone else, he’s Uncle Bob, a understand some of the stuff that we’re up, I’ve had some conversations with the
very respected Elder in the community facing. That’s what we’ve noticed - people who will be involved with that. It
and the union movement and has been probably everyone who got together will be interesting to see where we go
for so long. For me, it’s just like I’m in for the anti-racism video is facing these with that, because there will probably
the room with my grandad, but then issues. A lot of people are just ignorant be different issues facing people out in
you’ve got this whole crowd who have to what’s going on.” the regions than in the city or Southeast
a different perspective. It was pretty Queensland. But I’m sure we’ll be able
special. I’m really proud of what he’s At the 2021 Biennial Conference, to work together and figure out the best
done, and I know he was pretty proud to establishment of an Indigenous way forward.”
be able to present that award to one of Advisory Committee was endorsed.
his grandchildren.” Thor is now a key player in setting up

Much of Thor’s activism is done through
conversations on the jobsite.

Thor Anderson and Dr Robert
'Uncle Bob' Anderson

54

Peter Ong, Thor Anderson and QLD & NT
Dr Robert 'Uncle Bob' Anderson

I focus on educating members and talking to people about some of the challenges that
Indigenous members have faced or are facing. Some people will not be as educated
or don’t understand some of the stuff that we’re facing. That’s what we’ve noticed -
probably everyone who got together for the anti-racism video is facing these issues.

A lot of people are just ignorant to what’s going on.

Queensland Council
of Unions NAIDOC
Union Award winners

55

n»_ tC_h »a_rmotuhagerhvaetrody»_e_e»rn_ide 1. CONNECT WITH
A new group has been “We noticed there weren’t too many YOUNGER WORKERS
established within the ETU older electricians on our site and
QLD & NT branch called it’s the biggest site in Brisbane, so it As the number of young workers
‘Old School’, made up of struck us as quite strange,” said Old in foreman positions increases
workers aged 50 to 65. School President Tom Campbell. it’s more important than ever
It was started after some to connect.
members noticed specific Old School held their inaugural
challenges facing these meeting on Wednesday 28 July, “They often just do what’s asked
workers along with key where Tom was elected President, of them, and don’t question it,”
changes in the industry. Ross Malvenan Vice President, said Marcus.
and Marcus Shane Secretary. At
the meeting, three main objectives “Workplace activism is perhaps not
were decided upon: as strong as it once was and this is
happening on our watch, so we want
to turn that around and win the shop
floor back again from the boss.”

Old School will focus on connecting
with young workers to educate them
about the rights and conditions won
by previous generations.

“We want them to know that
everyone has the right to ask
questions, you don’t just have to
do what you’re told,” said Ross.

Old School President
Tom Campbell
56

2. ACKNOWLEDGE 3. OSSULUDPPEPPROORMRTTEOMLBDEERRSMEMBERS
THE WORK DONE
Old School will focus on supporting We’ve started getting involved in the
“We want to acknowledge the work and accessing advice and help for ETU’s ongoing campaigns already,
the ETU has done over the years, the older members. like the Mater negotiations and the
campaigns fought, and rights won,” Voluntary Assisted Dying debate,
said Tom. “As well as ageism, in some and we will run our own campaigns
industries older workers will face in due course,” said Ross.
“And we want to make sure it’s physical ailments, like hearing loss
recognised in a positive light.” for construction workers. Some have “It all comes down to camaraderie,”
lost partners or are going through said Tom.
Old School has put a strong focus rough times. We want to make sure
on recognising the work done by they feel supported and can access “We want to be a voice for the older
previous generations and making what they need,” said Tom. workers. Life can take a toll, but if
sure the rights and conditions won you sit with your peers, mates with
are maintained well into the future. Some workers in this demographic mates, you can find camaraderie.”
will be looking to retire, and others
may be ready to transition into a Some older members are not as
different career. active in the Union as they once
were, or perhaps never have been,
“We want to make sure they’re set but Old School aims to change that.
up with their superannuation and for
the Union to be a source of social “We want to leave the industry
connection and support. It’s easy better than we found it,” said Marcus.
to get out of the habit of staying “We need to keep them active, give
involved with the Union, so we want them a reason to be active. We need
to help older workers get involved to remain relevant and involved and
again or join in for the first time. avoid becoming silent.”

QLD & NT

Old School with members
from the ETU Youth Crew

57

VOTE NO

to Zero%

campaign

Northern Territory organiser In April enterprise bargaining with At the end of July, ETU members
David “Strawbs” Hayes has been PowerWater commenced, with rejected the first offer put forward
working with combined public members submitting a long log of by PowerWater. Due to COVID-19
sector unions on the ‘Vote No to claims with a core aim to maintain restrictions, in-person campaigning
Zero%’ campaign, as the Gunner conditions previously won. has been limited. However, the
Government proposes a four-year campaign has been gaining traction
wage freeze. As PowerWater is a publicly-owned across the NT over the past
asset under a Labor government, the several months.
proposal for a wage freeze came as
a shock. The current offer would see public
sector workers’ salaries fail to keep
“The very workers Chief Minister up with inflation, even with the $1000
Michael Gunner calls ‘bloody heroes’ yearly payment.
are the ones he also believes deserve
no pay increases for four years,” “Territory workers are being left
said Strawbs. behind in relation to wages and
conditions and will potentially have to
The Government proposed a taxable leave the NT to work in other states
$1000 yearly bonus as a thinly veiled where it’s cheaper to live and work is
attempt to make the offer seem fair. becoming available,” said Mr Hayes.

WpprrooorttkeeessrttsrtachlaelmyfoienutrSo-eygpeetatehrmewrbaaegtreatforeeze “PowerWater is also looking to ETU members and Unions NT
introduce a two-tiered wage system affiliates held a protest rally on
with the proposed grandfathering of Tuesday 21 September where
the hard-won Industry Specific Skills workers were given the opportunity
Allowance (ISSA). The grandfathering to voice their concerns over the wage
of this allowance would see newly freeze and come together with their
employed tradespeople over $9,000 comrades. The rally was well attended
worse off than current employees,” and gained attention from local and
said Strawbs. national media.

The ETU and combined unions PowerWater ETU members and their
under Unions NT refused to accept Unions NT comrades are staunch on
this proposal, so they began a this issue, and a fair offer is the only
‘Vote No’ campaign. one they will accept.

58

NATIONAL

ETU members stop a dangerous
anti-privacy bill in its tracks

ETU members from Powerlink to the real risk. Protections need to be Intelligence and Security (PJCIS). This
in Queensland stood up for in place to prevent employers abusing is the high-powered committee with
worker privacy and successfully this power. oversight of national security legislation.
stopped a national security bill
from becoming law. Thanks to the quick thinking and Backed by the ACTU and other unions,
hard work and lobbying of the ETU Cam and the ETU led the way in calling
In February our Powerlink members and its members around the country, out the drastic potential consequences
made us aware of a bill before the we achieved a significant win. The for what could be over a million workers.
Federal Parliament that would give government saw sense and dropped
employers the power to: the provisions of the Bill that were “This outcome is proof of what unions
identified by us and the Labor members can achieve, and the kind of significant
► conduct detailed police and of the PJCIS as unacceptable. impact one member can have by
background checks on potentially getting involved, raising an issue and
all workers in the power industry The government made 59 amendments advocating all the way to the top, with
(and 11 other industries) to the Bill in total, based on our major the full support of the Union,” said Cam
concerns, including provisions that Humphries.
► institute digital surveillance of facilitated employers snooping into
power sector workers – including personal emails and direct messages. “The ETU creates an environment
their private email and social media. It also got rid of sections that gave the where delegates can regularly catch up
minister discretion to declare certain about issues in their industries and are
“Protecting our grid is essential – but assets to be systems of national supported in speaking up and facilitating
it does not have to be, and should not significance. We led the way in raising change,” he said.
be, at the expense of our basic rights to objections to the proposed ‘AusCheck’
privacy,” said ETU National Assistant regime which was knocked off due to “The more that members get involved in
Secretary, Michael Wright. our efforts. campaigns and speak up and back each
other, the stronger our union is, and the
In our view, the law needs to clearly Key to the campaign was Powerlink bigger impact we can have.
acknowledge the right to privacy and, senior delegate Cam Humphries who
if there is any intrusion into worker appeared with National Assistant “This Bill in its original form was a
privacy, it can only be if it’s proportional Secretary, Michael Wright, before the drastic overreach that would have seen
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Australian workplaces have stricter
surveillance than most prisons. Our
This Bill in its original form was a drastic overreach electricity network’s greatest strength is
that would have seen Australian workplaces have the workers who keep it running – they
stricter surveillance than most prisons. Our electricity network’s shouldn’t be treated like criminals,” said
greatest strength is the workers who keep it running Michael Wright.

– they shouldn’t be treated like criminals. “If the government tries to put these
intrusive laws back on the table again,
Appearing before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence we’ll be ready.”
and Security (PJCIS) to address the issue
59

Our energy

gridINisCRISISo
The resilience of Australia’s electricity infrastructure is
being undermined by a chronic pattern of underinvestment in
maintenance, upgrades, and augmentation. The grid is less reliable,
more expensive for consumers, poses an increased risk to health
and safety, and is unable to meet the challenges of the energy
transition or more frequent extreme weather events.

The underinvestment is largely caused Essentially, companies are rewarded
by a combination of rent-seeking by financially for not spending money
privatised electricity companies and a on important maintenance. They let
deeply flawed regulatory system that critical infrastructure age far beyond
rewards poor behaviour, managed by recommended timeframes running the
the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). risk of electrical equipment failures or
A report by The Australia Institute was things like poles and wires rotting and
released in May that highlighted how the falling over. It creates a huge safety risk
rules governing how money is spent on for the public and the electricians and
maintaining our electricity infrastructure line workers who work with the grid.
are contributing to this problem.

60

NATIONAL

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT:

► T he electricity grid is facing escalating challenges including increased
severe weather events, bushfires, and the need to reliably integrate new
renewable energy generation into the system.
o

o

n
► Maintenance and operating costs should be increased by at least
$1 billion per year, to match historical levels of real spending per
electricity customer.

► The electricity industry is allocating just 15% of its revenue to capital
spending, despite the need for new capacity and upgrading (down from
25% in 2007).

► The industry’s focus has shifted away from hands-on upkeep of the grid

S in favour of managers, sales staff, financial experts, and other overhead
functions. There are now 36% more office managers and professionals
working in the industry (mostly in finance and sales) than electrical
workers.

► With the expansion of unproductive corporate bureaucracies,

o nproductivity in electricity has performed worse than any other sector in
Australia’s economy: real output per hour worked has fallen one-third
since 2007.
no

n
Thousands of jobs have already ► Transmission and distribution companies underspend on operating
been cut in this sector, and the expenses which they have committed to, and then the AER allows them
grid can’t repair itself after severe to keep some of the savings. Funds for essential maintenance then fall
weather events.
ninto the already-rich profits of energy companies.
“Over the past 15 years, high-vis WHAT’S NEXT?
maintenance and transmission as the number one focus on how our
workers have been replaced by The report makes seven electricity system is run,” he said.
telemarketers, spin-doctors and recommendations for regulatory The Union’s proposed rule changes
banking spivs. This has done reforms that would allocate more will focus on increasing proactive
nothing for network reliability and resources to the real work of preventative maintenance activities
has instead left us unprepared for maintaining and upgrading the grid. rather than the current situation where
the challenge of extreme weather That’ll mean a safer network and more often the work isn’t prioritised until
and the influx of renewables into good quality jobs for our members. something fails.
our energy supply,” said Michael “The current system actually applies
Wright, ETU National Assistant The Union is launching a campaign financial penalties to power companies
Secretary. to change the broken electricity rules who spend extra on network safety and
but it’s going to be a tough fight. After this has to change.”
ETU members around Australia nearly three decades of privatisation,
have witnessed the severe decline marketisation and corporatisation of Visit powernotcuts.com.au
in our critical infrastructure our electricity sector the Union will no
maintenance over the past decade doubt face some tough opposition. to get involved in the campaign
and were key contributors to the
report. Now we’re asking the “All the usual nonsense claims of
AER to change the rules around pushing power prices up and the lie of
how it allocates funds, so that it ‘gold plating’ will be trotted out while
invests enough money to maintain conveniently glossing over the fact that
and future-proof our electricity prices have already soared under the
infrastructure. current failed market experiment,” said
Trevor Gauld, national policy officer.

“It’s time to take a different approach
and put worker and community safety
and network reliability squarely back

61

From the State Secretary

kBOOM DAYS AHEAD
after a difficult year
no

VIC 2021 has been another long year of lockdowns, with Victoria
struggling through our sixth lockdown in the latter part of the year.
It has been a hard time, but Victorians have faced it with resilience
and determination. Although we walk along the long road of
COVID-19, Victoria remains the boom state, and we’re on the cusp of
the greatest infrastructure surge the state has seen.

To complement that, ETU Victoria ETU Victoria works to strengthen the
has just put to bed Australia’s best trade, protect our electrical license and
contracting enterprise bargaining ensure that Victorian electrical workers
agreement (EBA), which covers 10,000 are up-to-date and at the forefront of
of our 18,500 members. This EBA will the industry.
see our members become some of the
highest paid electrical workers, not Another fantastic outcome of our
only in Australia, but around the world. contracting EBA has been to ensure
all apprentices employed under the
ETU members work in some of the EBA will be required to complete
most hazardous industries in Australia. our Apprentice Day training, which
If someone in an office makes a addresses some of the big issues
mistake, then that’s annoying, but if facing young electrical workers over
one of our members makes a mistake, their working lives.
it can lead to serious injury or fatality.
In recognising that, we’re leading the I am looking forward to coming
way in Australia to secure Continuing face-to-face with many of our 10,000
Professional Development (CPD) for all contracting members as soon as public
licensed electricians in Victoria, which health guidelines allow and to catching
will be rolling out in the new year. up with more members in the new year.
This will ensure all workers are at the Even though we have been battling
highest skill level and up-to-date with COVID-19, 2021 has been a year of
the latest rules and regulations of success for ETU Victoria, and we look
the industry. forward to an even bigger one in 2022.

The ETU and our Centre for U will
be offering the CPD training to all
members free of charge, and it will
only be required to be completed in
the 12 months before their license is
due for renewal. This is another way

Troy Gray

ETU VIC State Secretary
62

ETU Victoria has just put to Fantastic
bed the 2021-25 Contracting Contracting
Enterprise Bargaining EBA outcomes
Agreement (EBA) which
covers 10,000 of our 18,500 WE HAVE GAINED: EBA SIGN-UP MEETINGS
members. This EBA will see
our members become some ► w age increases – 3% each year To sign up members to our new EBA,
of the highest paid electrical we are planning sign-up meetings with
workers, not only in Australia, ► i ncreasing Protect contribution all the major contractors, allowing
but around the world. our officials to come face-to-face with
► increasing fares and travel thousands of ETU members. These
With this Agreement, the Union allowances meetings will brief members on the
Contracting EBA rate will be over $60 contents of the EBA, our upgraded
an hour, while the Non-Union A-Grade ► C ontinuing Professional membership benefits and what training
rate is sitting stagnant at $23.80. Development (attendance without and support services are available to
loss of pay) members through the Centre for U.
However, we don’t just fill our
members’ wallets, we also look after ► Apprentice Day training At the time of writing the details
their skills development and their (attendance without loss of pay) of these meetings are yet to be
mental health. determined due to ongoing public
► payment of online inductions health restrictions caused by
The Union has secured Continuing COVID-19. However, we are determined
Professional Development (CPD) for ► improved disciplinary procedures to complete this process at the earliest
all electrical workers - and it’s free for opportunity, within the public health
ETU members. By introducing CPD we ► an indigenous employment clause guidelines and in a COVID-safe manner.
are ensuring our members continue to
practice safe and up-to-date electrical ► a stronger commitment to engage
work throughout Victoria. We’ve also apprentices
secured Apprentice Day training for
all apprentices employed under this ► t unnelling appendix
EBA, ensuring young electrical workers
have the skills and training to look ► RDO calendars locked in until 2025.
after themselves and their workmates
in some of the most pressing issues
facing young electrical workers.

VIC

63

nfNaet EwToUfaVcicetosria fSeveralnewstaffandorganisers
have joined the ETU Victoria
gfgffamilyin2021.Pleasejoinusin
gfgfgfgwelcomingthem.
ffgfg ANNIE THATCHER
industrial administration facilitator
ffgf
Annie joins us as an industrial administration facilitator, filling
the seat of Zoe who has taken maternity leave. She helps
keep the lights on at ETU headquarters and the industrial
work of our organisers would be near impossible without her
invaluable support. She previously worked with group training
organisations and electrical contractors.

ELIZABETH MCGRATH SHANNON CRUNDWELL
lawyer organiser

Libby joined the ETU legal team in June. She has worked as a Shannon has joined the ETU organising team and will be
lawyer in the trade union movement since 2008, representing assisting with organising the manufacturing, industrial
members in manufacturing, higher education and nursing. maintenance and labour hire industries in Melbourne’s west.
He previously worked as a maintenance electrician in the
64 diode manufacturing department at Robert Bosch Australia,
where he also served as the ETU shop steward and OH&S
representative.

fgfGABYBRINDUSE
organiser
fgfGaby joined the ETU in March as our new organiser for the DEMI LUNT
lift and manufacturing industries. He previously worked in membership welfare services officer
the lift industry as an electrician and has been the OH&S
grepresentative and shop steward at Schindler Lifts Australia
for the past five years.
gffgfgfgfKIMBERLEYSCAMMELL Demi joined us this year to take on the role of membership
greceptionist welfare services officer, supporting our dedicated
membership team. Demi is working directly with members on
personal welfare issues and to help them claim ETU benefits
such as our emergency transport cover. She has a background
in community services and case management.

JOHN ISLIP VIC
organiser

As our new receptionist, Kimberley is the first voice you John joined the ETU team in February as an organiser on
will hear when you call our office, and the first face you will delegation and was elected as an official at our Biennial
see when you walk through our door. In a previous role, she Conference. John is our new organiser for the rail,
worked with apprentices at Electrical Trades School. petrochemicals and manufacturing industries. He previously
worked as an electrician in commercial construction, the
rail industry, at the desalination plant and the Williamstown
shipyards.

65

New and enhanced New $30,000 PAYMENT

member Partner
benefits Bereavement
Support
introduced in 2021

This year the ETU Victoria branch
introduced a brand new member benefit
and an enhanced version of one of our
longest-running benefits.

Exclusive We are proud to introduce a brand-new, industry-first
member benefits benefit for financial ETU members, designed to
support those who are faced with the hardship of
These new and enhanced benefits losing a partner.
join our existing suite of exclusive
member benefits that include: This $30,000 payment builds upon our existing suite of
benefits that are designed to help members through every
► emergency transport cover stage of their career, as well as unexpected life events.
► o ne-on-one counselling hotline
► b aby pack for new parents The Partner Bereavement Support Payment is intended
► l ow-interest credit card offer to help with caring for dependent children (17 years and
► C BUS superannuation under) in the devastating event of the death of a partner.
► income protection insurance
► tools and liability insurance offer For those members who have dependent children,
► health insurance offer ETU Victoria will be there to assist with the practical
► alcohol and drug support australia support
expenses of caregiving in your time of grief.
and learning hub
► member advantage discounts Learn more about our Partner Bereavement
► Centre For U training and support services. Support Payment at etuvic.com.au/benefits

Find out more about our full suite
of exclusive member benefits at
www.etuvic.com.au/benefits

66

Funeral payment

increased to $10,000

Our Funeral payment assists members with funeral VIC
expenses and provides financial peace of mind
during times of mourning.

For the last 20 years financial ETU members and their
spouse or partner have been entitled to a $7,000 grant
to help cover funeral costs in the sad event that one
person in the couple passes away.

We are pleased to introduce an increase in the value of
our Funeral Grants Benefit to $10,000 per person (up to
$20,000 per couple).

Equivalent cover from a commercial insurance provider
can cost as much as $959.92* annually.

* Based on Medibank Funeral Insurance premium for
two x 46-year old non-smokers.

Learn more about our Funeral Payment
at etuvic.com.au/benefits

67

Continuing
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT for sparkies

Throughout 2021, the Details on the proposed CPD for electrical workers are
Victorian branch of the ETU still being finalised, but we have agreed on some
has worked with industry fundamental elements:
to introduce Continuing
Professional Development ► I t will consist of eight hours of refresher training in the
(CPD) to the electrical two years leading up to licence renewals (every five
trades, following intensive years).
negotiations between the
ETU and Energy Safe Victoria ► T he training will apply to all electricians regardless of
(ESV) and a commitment from their industry and will cover some of the fundamentals
the Victorian Government. of the trade.

We work in a high-risk industry, so it ► T raining will take place face-to-face, with ETU Victoria
is ridiculous to think that standards and NECA the preferred choices to deliver the training.
and regulations can change without
electrical workers staying up-to-date ► F inancial ETU members will receive their training from
and informed. Therefore, the Victorian ETU Victoria, free of charge.
branch has dedicated years of work
and resources to building a first-class ► T he ETU will provide face-to-face training from centres
system of face-to-face CPD for electrical across Victoria, and ETU members will be able to
workers, which will see Victorian access training at a location that suits them.
electricians regularly updating
their skills and improving the trade. ► T he training will not be pass/fail.

Unlike other training, the course has ► CPD in the first five years of the rollout will be
been designed by leading industry implemented for those who hold an A-Grade,
players, with the ETU playing a critical Switchgear, Restricted Electrical or Electrical
coordinating role and leading the Inspectors Licence.
program. This will ensure that Victorian
CPD will be hands-on, delivered by ► We expect the industry will run several pilot courses in
trainers from our industry. late 2021, with members able to attend an ETU training
centre sometime in 2022 to undertake their CPD.

CPD is intended to become mandatory for those renewing
their licence from 1 January 2023, but those timelines are
subject to change. This will be developed further in the
coming years and will be a fantastic initiative for our industry.

68

THE CENTRE FOR U
powers through
the pandemic
By Alex Newman, CEO, Centre for U

CPR course at The ETU Victoria’s training and services hub,
the Centre for U The Centre for U, has experienced steady
enrolments and has seen great engagement
with members and industry this year,
despite the impact of the pandemic.

The Centre for U is busy gearing up complement the Bestech mandatory Our support services have continued
for delivery of the new Continuing testing panels used across ETU metro to run virtually during lockdowns,
Professional Development (CPD) and regional training venues. including weekly online fitness classes
course for electricians and has recently for the whole family and ‘First Aid
secured a grant to deliver the ‘Women The WAVE project is an initiative for Babies and Children’. Our legal,
in Apprenticeships Victoria Electrical’ funded by Apprenticeships Victoria banking and financial advisory services
(WAVE) project. and delivered by The Centre for U. The continue to be accessed regularly.
project aims to increase the number
CPD pilots will be delivered at North of women entering the electrical trade Skin and health checks have been
Melbourne, Morwell, Geelong and and support them as they make the our most accessed support service
other venues from late 2021, ensuring transition from their electrical pre- in 2021, and recently we made these
members have an opportunity to apprenticeship to employment in the more accessible for regional members.
provide us with feedback on the course electrical industry. Regional members can now access this
development and equipment from the service through locations operated by
earliest stages. Project partners include The our new provider or vouchers they can
Victorian Trades Hall Council through use at a service of their choice.
In preparation for CPD, we have the ‘Women on Site’ project and
recently purchased safe isolation Holmesglen Futuretech. The first
panels to provide “real-world group of electrical pre-apprentices
simulation” for safely isolating and commenced in September and the
tagging circuits, including DOLs second group commences in February
with three-phase motors. These will 2022.

VIC

ChNPaevDwecasoraurfirevseiesdso, ltraoetaibodenygpifnoarnels 69

Jobs boom on Long promised and eagerly awaited
jobs on major infrastructure projects
major projects begins in Victoria have started to flow in
2021 as the Andrews Government’s
Big Build ramps up.

Projects that have been hiring this year include:

METRO TUNNEL

Roughly 2,000 sparkies will be required on the project’s five
underground stations and tunnel as construction hits its peak.
Contracts for the electrical works associated with the fit-out of the
stations were announced in early 2021 and will ramp up in 2022.

LARA PRISON

Work on the Lara Prison is well underway, with the peak construction
phase commencing in mid-2021. At its peak this project employed about
370 electrical workers. The new maximum-security facility will create
more than 650 ongoing jobs in the region and nearly 1,000 jobs
during construction.

FOOTSCRAY HOSPITAL

Construction has begun on the $1.5 billion new Footscray Hospital,
with ground works underway throughout 2021. The development will
employ 750 electrical workers in the later phases of construction.

MELBOURNE AIRPORT RAIL LINK

Planning and development works are underway with construction due
to start in 2022. During construction the project will support up to
8,000 jobs, and with a target opening date scheduled for 2029, it will
provide work for electricians for many years.

NORTH EAST LINK

The construction consortium has been announced for the $18.6 billion
project and preliminary works are underway on the first stage. The
project is expected to create 10,000 jobs and should start taking on
electricians in 2022.

VICTORIAN QUARANTINE HUB

Multiplex was awarded the construction contract for the purpose-
built quarantine accommodation hub at Mickleham and construction
commenced in August. The electrical contractor is yet to be
announced.

WEST GATE TUNNEL

The West Gate Tunnel project comprises twin 15.5 metre diameter
tunnels and is expected to employ more than 1,200 electrical workers
at its peak. The tunnel works have been delayed for up to two years,
but we expect electrical jobs to start flowing in 2022.

You can find contact details for the electrical contractors awarded work on
70 these projects on the ETU Victoria website at www.etuvic.com.au/WorkUnion

CONTACTS

NATIONAL OFFICE Divisional President: Troy Gray

Suite 408 Divisional Vice Presidents: Peter Ong
30-40 Harcourt Parade Michael Anderson
Rosebery NSW 2018
National Secretary: Allen Hicks National Assistant Secretaries: David Mier
Mailing Address: PO Box 380 Michael Wright
Rosebery NSW 2018
Phone: (02) 9663 3699
Fax: (02) 9663 5599
Enquiries: [email protected]

VIC QLD & NT

Level 1, 200 Arden Street 41 Peel Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051 South Brisbane QLD 4101
State Secretary: Troy Gray State Secretary: Peter Ong
ETU Assist: 1800 134 835 Toll Free: 1800 388 937
Phone: (03) 8329 0000 Phone: (07) 3846 2477
Fax: (03) 8329 0066 Fax: (07) 3844 9851
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

NSW & ACT SA

Level 5, 370 Pitt Street 87 St Vincent Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Port Adelaide SA 5015
State Secretary: Allen Hicks State Secretary: John Adley
Phone: (02) 9267 4844 Phone: (08) 8234 2130
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

TAS WA

105 New Town Road 3 Focal Way
New Town TAS 7008 Bayswater WA 6035
State Secretary: State Secretary: Peter Carter
Michael Anderson Phone: (08) 9440 3522
Phone: (03) 6228 0098 Fax: (08) 9440 3544
Fax: (03) 6228 7557 Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
71

Supercharge your Union membership
with Member Advantage

As a member of the ETU, CEPU SA or CEPU TAS, you have access to
thousands of savings through the Member Advantage program.
All you need to do is activate your membership to start using your
benefits – from discounts on fuel and groceries, to dining out,
entertainment, gadgets, toys and more. You name it, you can save on
it!
Camping and fishing fan? Or maybe you unwind with gaming,
or in the garden? With discounts on big brands like BCF, Bunnings,
EB Games, Apple Store and JB Hi-Fi, there’s something for everyone.
You can even save on a new ute, sports car, or wheels for the family.
And if it’s time for a holiday, Member Advantage has you covered
with savings on accommodation, flights, tours, travel insurance and
car hire. There are also special benefits just for FIFO workers.
With new offers on tools, hotels, dining and experiences coming soon,
it’s time to take advantage!

72

Savings Snapshot

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$416($200 per week)

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2 children at Village Cinemas

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$204 $100 Myer Gift Cards as presents = savings

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Terms & conditions apply, prices and savings correct at 12/10/2021.

HERE ARE JUST SOME WAYS YOU CAN SAVE:

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To access your benefits visit: Log into the benefits portal for
etunational.asn.au/member-benefits your state branch and start saving.

Select your state branch from Call 1300 853 352 or email
the list and log into your benefits [email protected]
account.

73

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