ETU National 2022

ETU National Magazine Summer Edition

Making
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OUR FUTURE ETU NATIONAL
2022
IN POWER

NATIONAL Electrical workers are 08
harnessing renewables
04 Iyesha wins ETU Apprentice of the Year 2022!
05 Enough promises. Get on with vote on Indigenous voice and rewiring our nation from
06 How is the Albanese Government progressing on issues that affect ETU members? the pylon to the power point
08 Electrical workers are harnessing renewables and rewiring our nation
10 ETU represents apprentices at the International Labour Conference in Geneva

11 Honorary ETU member Bryan the first person to get a diploma in generation 120 Year 18
72 What does a day in Canberra lobbying politicians on behalf of ETU members look like? Anniversary
77 Contacts Conference

VIC

13 Victoria launches Australia’s first accredited EV Charging Infrastructure course

14 ETU Victoria marks 120 year anniversary 9 24tWeaecshtetrhneiProewmeprlowyeorrkers
15 The WAVE program is supporting women in apprenticeships a lesson in unionism!
16 Your Union has you covered for your CPD course 77733 777 9

WA

26 ETU legal team defending your rights in court
27 WA apprentices can and do take industrial action to get what they want!

28 South32 workers are winning back their bargaining power 36
30 Unions vs Shell: War is over!
31 Combined Skills Training Association (CSTA) Skilling up ETU members Operation Energise: 16 years on,

QLD/NT still going strong
314»»Do something
34 100 editions: 40 years of the Electrical Worker 8CIFHYAONUGWEANT
38 Youngy’s story 77 77 44
40 ETU apprentice Savanne wins national award
41 Women’s conference returns in force

TAS

43 Do somthing if you want change

46 Australia Post admits to having dud wages by upping EBA increases

47 Redesigning CEPU leadership training

48 Branching out and protecting more members 52ETU SA Power members
49 Essential service workers uniting and getting back on track

SA win after
a 27-month long campaign
54 Subcontractor ripped off migrant workers by at least $800k with no repercussions 31434188
55 It’s stop-start for shipbuilding at Osbourne
3418
56 Electrical contracting growing in strength 3148ETU members 62
57 Black Dog Ride raises awareness for depression and suicide prevention
58 It pays to be a member power up
59 Winning against the odds in the plumbing and mechanical sectors for EBA 2022
59 CEPU SA doubles female membership!

NSW/ACT

61 Rail reps steer mammoth EBA campaign 74WIMDOI returns
64 ETU the community Union
66 ETU sparkies re-connect flood damaged communities IN FULL FORCE
68 Proud history, strong future

The ETU acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and Edited by ETU National Communications
recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects Coordinator Eimear O’Sullivan
to their Elders past, present and emerging.

NATIONAL From the National Secretary

Dear comrades, Worker’s Charter which protects workers and
communities through the energy transition.
What a year it has been, and how proud I am The ETU is a signatory to the Worker’s
to represent and work alongside all of you in Charter and the Queensland branch should be
this incredible Union. applauded for this significant outcome.

The year started with major challenges - We’ve celebrated 120 years of the ETU in both
flooding up and down the east coast, just Victoria and New South Wales. How many
as the nation was finally emerging from hundreds of thousands of electrical workers
pandemic lockdowns. Our Union showed have proudly marched under the ETU banner
its true community spirit, volunteering to in that time and forged the path we now also
step up and restore power to flood-affected walk upon? We must acknowledge the legacy
victims through Operation Energise and we inherited and do our best to leave an even
Community Connect. better one for those who come after us.

In March, April and May every state around I have spent most of the last 18 months
Australia did their part to boot out the anti- leading the ETU NSW & ACT branch, so I
worker coalition government, paving the want to thank my comrade Michael Wright
way for a better world for workers. Since who has stepped up as Acting National
the Albanese government came into power, Secretary during that time and the other
the ETU has had more engagement with officers and staff from the National Office
government than in a decade of the coalition. who have done an amazing job in my absence.
They are prepared to listen to workers and Michael, other national officers and staff
unions, and we’re taking every opportunity have continued to drive the Union’s national
we can to fight on your behalf and make interests, with intelligent political strategies
sure the government understands how and campaigns, legal action, media advocacy
integral electrical workers are to Powering and rapid policy drafting to contribute our
Australia’s Future. voice to national legislation.

We’ve seen the defunding of the Australian Mid-2023 we will hold our quadrennial ETU
Building Construction Commission, which elections. It is my intention to stand down
will restore rights to construction workers, as National Secretary and to nominate for
particularly apprentices on major work sites. the NSW/ACT branch Secretary position.
We can freely fly the union flag again on This was not an easy decision but one that
site and show employers that we’re PROUD I truly believe is in the best interests of ETU
TO BE UNION! members not only in NSW & ACT but across
the country. A stronger NSW/ACT branch will
In WA and SA we beat huge corporations like deliver benefits to all ETU members.
Shell, UMPL and Western Power as they tried With Michael Wright as Acting National
to cut wages and conditions. Secretary, I know that the Union is in
a safe pair of hands.
Nationally we helped maintain the integrity
of our electrical licences from being
watered down by the previous government’s
‘Automatic Mutual Recognition’ Scheme.

We helped stop a proposed government law
that would have allowed employers to snoop
on workers’ emails and browsing history
under the cover of ‘national security’.

In Queensland the Government launched the
most comprehensive energy transition plan
in Australia and possibly one of the best for
workers in the world. The ground-breaking
Energy Plan features a world-first Energy

Allen Hicks
ETU National Secretary

2

Comrades, there are hundreds more Dear comrades, Key to all this will be ensuring we have
successes our Union has enjoyed enough opportunities for apprentices
from every state and territory, from Since May last year I’ve had the honour so that we have the workforce we need.
the individual level to the state and privilege to represent you as This requires a whole of industry push,
and national. Across the board, Acting National Secretary of the ETU, including government, employers, and
we are improving the lives of our and what a ride it has been so far. Our unions, in order to capitalise on the
fellow electrical workers and their trades and industries stand at the enormous potential before us.
communities. fulcrum of a fundamental shift in our
These wins and breakthroughs are economy. It sounds overblown to say Our National Office continues to be
not the work of a few individuals, but we’re in the middle of an industrial at the forefront of Australia’s labour
the collective achievements of our revolution, but it’s actually true. movement: from nationwide bargaining
60,000 plus strong membership. From and running legal test cases on the
attending rallies, taking online actions There is an incomprehensible amount bleeding edge of industrial law, through
and getting involved in EBA campaigns, of work in the pipeline, from the to advancing the policies we need to
to standing up for worker safety, construction of new power generation secure our industries’ futures and
volunteering to help flood-affected and overhauling our transmission and defending our training and standards
communities becoming a delegate distribution grids, to the construction systems, the ETU is right at the
or signing up other members in your of seven-star buildings, all the way to forefront in protecting and promoting
workplace, we all play our part in retrofitting households and installing our trades and occupations.
the Union. EV charge points. Current estimates
Congratulations to all members on are that we need more than 100,000 Sarah Brunton recently started with us
these achievements. I hope you’re workers in electrical trades alone. as National Technical Officer. Sarah’s
as proud as I am to be part of the There’s a reason this transformation job is as a lynchpin for protecting
mighty ETU. gets called the electrification workers’ interests when it comes to
Proud to be Union, Prouder to be ETU, of everything. vocational education and Australian
Allen Hicks Standards. Often working behind
But with every opportunity comes risk. the scenes, there are a multitude of
OWAflrfliiegcnehrtHsaicCtkotshneafen2rd0e2nM2ciecEhTaUel While there’s a lot of work coming our committees and reviews that Sarah
way, our task is to make sure that work constantly engages in to ensure we are
is turned into good, secure, union jobs always driving to the highest possible
- jobs that families can rely on with standards.
wages and conditions that match the
highly skilled nature of the work. Internationally, we continue to work
with APHEDA – the trade union
We also need to be wary of attacks on movement’s international charity – to
our trade. As sure as night follows day, end the use of asbestos in Southeast
when there’s a boom in our industries Asia. This work can sometimes seem
the rats come out and start trying to remote, but the truth is that for as
undermine our licence, not caring what long as asbestos is used throughout
that means for the safety or quality of the region, it will keep turning up on
our work. We need to be on the front our shores. But it’s not just APHEDA
foot to ensure that such attacks are we work with, we also count as
nipped in the bud from the outset. comrades the Global Power Trade
Union Congress and Building and
Woodworkers International. So many of
our bosses act globally, which means
we need to as well.

So I thank all our members for their
hard work this year, particularly our
delegates, stewards, and safety reps.
We have accomplished so much
already, but 2023 promises to be
bigger and better than ever.

Michael Wright
Acting ETU National Secretary

3

NATIONAL cApYpe2r0oeaf2n2trh!teice

34 WINNER

Iyesha Paull

Apprentice of the Year 2022 The winner was chosen by an
independent judging panel featuring
IaPyteritsmhheeaNMPSainWuilsl1twe2ra0AsYnpetraherosCneyenltAeebldbrhaaentireosnaewb. ayrd Iyesha was also recently awarded an the following three industry experts:
Emma Miller Award at the Queensland
This year the winner of Council of Unions awards night. The 1. Mark Burgess – Executive Officer,
the apprentice of the year is Emma Miller Awards are ‘a tribute E-Oz Energy Skills Australia
Iyesha Paull from Far North to the pioneering spirit of Emma
Queensland. Iyesha stood out Miller - an icon of the Queensland 2. Radmila Desic AM – NAWIC
as a candidate because of union movement. (National Association of Women in
her leadership qualities, Construction) committee member
her uncompromising “We’re really proud to have Iyesha in and life member
commitment to union our union. She’s a staunch unionist
values and to her trade. and a credit to the industry. She’s only 3. Nicole Wells - Industrial Relations
just getting started in the trade and in Consultant
Iyesha is a third-year electrical our union, and is absolutely a future
apprentice and QBuild employee leader in our movement,” said ETU Iyesha’s application stood out because
currently based in Cairns in Far North Queensland & NT State Secretary of her understanding of core union
Queensland. She is an apprentice Peter Ong. values such as collaboration and
delegate at her workplace and is collectivism, her commitment to her
passionate about getting more women Runner up this year is Erin trade and the high praise she received
into the trade. Brokenshire from WA. Erin also in her references for her submission.
had a very strong application and Iyesha will now be representing the
Colleagues and union members who was commended for her work ethic, ETU as a delegate at the Global Power
have worked with her say she brings commitment to her trade and passion Trade Union Congress (GPTUC), in
a “magic spark” and enthusiasm to all for new technologies. Dublin, Ireland, in November. The
teams she works with, “is a great role trip will give Iyesha valuable insight
model for young people looking to start “All applications were of extremely into the trade union movement
an apprenticeship” and is a “staunch high quality, and we are extremely overseas and allow her to learn about
unionist with a strong moral compass”. proud of each candidate and the values different aspects of the electrical
that they hold. It is heartening to see trades and how the Vocational
so many apprentices committed to Education and Training (VET) system
their trade, community, and union,” functions abroad.
said ETU Acting National Secretary
Michael Wright. As runner up Erin will receive a
Fluke clamp meter and shortlisted
“A huge congratulations to Iyesha, Erin candidates will receive a $100 fuel
and all shortlisted candidates.” voucher. Well done to shortlisted
candidates including Leanne Kell from
the NSW & ACT branch, Nicholas
Butler from the NSW & ACT branch,
Andrea Byrne from the QLD & NT
branch and Mary Thatcher from the
QLD & NT branch.

4

ENOUGH PROMISES.
Get on with vote on
Indigenous voice

Since Prime Minister John Howard
announced that, if victorious at the 2007
election, he would hold a referendum on
Indigenous constitutional recognition within
18 months of being returned, successive
governments and prime ministers have
followed suit, including Prime Ministers
Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott,
Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison and now
Anthony Albanese.

Apart from some longstanding security As with marriage equality and the After a rough period for us
and trade alliances, Indigenous energy transition, the people are in the all, with division across our
constitutional recognition ranks as mood to ‘just get on with it’. federation, our communities
one of the longest and continuous and families, most agree it is
bipartisan substantive commitments in They look at the determined resilience time to bring us together in
living political memory. of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people in the face of years of unfulfilled a unifying moment.
Over 15 years, we have exhausted promises and know it is time for
the ways this issue can be assessed, a fair go. And the Union movement will play an
analysed and reported. important role in the conversations
They see the recycled failure of that lead up to the referendum like
Through at least six government- top-down “bureaucrats know best” we have done so many times in the
funded processes and 10 reports, Indigenous policy failure and know that past. Unions have a long history of
many thousands of Indigenous and giving Indigenous people a real voice on supporting Aboriginal rights through
non-Indigenous Australians have given their issues is the most practical thing many difficult and protracted disputes
their considered views to panels, we can do to achieve lasting change. like the 1946 Pilbara strike, the
committees and councils. No one can 1966 Wave Hill walk off and more
legitimately claim they haven’t had And after a rough period for us all, recently the return of Stolen Wages.
the chance to have a say on what they with division across our federation, We also have form when it comes
think of Indigenous constitutional our communities and families, most to constitutional reforms to improve
recognition. agree it is time to bring us together in a Indigenous Australians’ lives when
unifying moment. the Union movement played an
It is, without doubt, time to give the important role in campaigning for the
Australian people their full and final A referendum on an Indigenous voice to 1967 referendum so that like all other
say through a referendum on a voice parliament in 2023 is that moment. Australians, Aboriginal and Torres
to parliament in the next term of Strait Islander peoples would be
parliament. Public support for a referendum on counted as part of the population.
Indigenous constitutional recognition
While this may seem like a test for through a voice to parliament is strong Unions were on the right side of
the Australian people, it is actually a and increasing. history then and we will be putting
greater test for our elected leaders. our shoulder to the wheel this
The next 12 months can be a defining time as well.
Extensive community research that we moment in Australian history. We can’t
and others have conducted over several kick the can down the road for another 5
years has clearly and consistently three years and deny the Australian
demonstrated the Australian people people their say at a referendum,
support a referendum on constitutional hoping the question of Indigenous
recognition. In short, they are ready to constitutional recognition fades away
have their say and have been ready for or becomes “someone else’s problem”.
some time.

NATIONAL

bHow is the Albanese Government
progressing on issues that
affect ETU members?

The Albanese Government OFFSHORE WIND INVESTING IN SKILLS,
has launched into action since TRAINING AND
being elected in May this year, There are now over 12 developers keen APPRENTICES
making progress on promises to start working on over 20 offshore
made. Here is a look at windfarms around Australia. Minister At the national Jobs and Skills
progress so far on some of the Bowen in August 2022 announced Summit, the Albanese Government
government’s commitments the start of consultation on the first committed to an additional $1 billion in
that may affect ETU members offshore renewable energy zone near joint Federal-State funding for fee-free
Gippsland and along the coast to the TAFE in 2023 plus accelerated delivery
ABOLISH THE entrance of Western Port and has of 465,000 fee-free TAFE places,
AUSTRALIAN BUILDING directed the Department to consult 180,000 to begin next year.
AND CONSTRUCTION with Unions including the ETU on the
COMMISSION (ABCC) conditions for approval. The Minister The government will also explore
AND BUILDING CODE will also initiate consultation for zones options to improve the apprenticeship
off the NSW coast. These projects support system and drive up apprentice
Since winning the election, the promise thousands of jobs. completion rates and has indicated
Albanese Government made it one of strong support for the policy ideas
their first actions to defund the agency put forward by the ETU. The Minister
and remove the Building Code. By the and the Department have begun
time you’re reading this, legislation will consultation with the ETU on several
hopefully have already passed to get election commitments including:
rid of the Commission once and for all.
► how to ensure at least one in ten
The Building Code increased workers on major government
casualisation, fined unions millions of projects is an apprentice,
dollars for standing up for workers and trainee or cadet through the
did nothing to stamp out wage theft Australian Skills Guarantee
and safety issues on site. It reduced
job opportunities for apprentices for ► the best approach to training
over a decade and effectively gave 10,000 New Energy Apprentices
construction workers less rights and funding a New Energy
than other workers in Australia. Skills Program.

6

ADDRESSING LABOUR MENTAL HEALTH MAKING
HIRE AND IMPROVING SUPPORT FOR WORKPLACES SAFER
JOB SECURITY FIFO WORKERS
After a decade of campaigning for
Minister Burke has committed to multi- 99TheGovernmentannouncedat 10 days paid family and domestic
employer bargaining without caveats violence leave by unions, the new
(i.e., not restricted to low paid or funded Albanese Government finally passed
services). This is an important win for legislation to enshrine the right into
ETU members, especially in areas like the parliament in October. Over the
renewables and construction. Applying past decade, while successive Coalition
the same agreement to different Governments refused to support this
companies in the same sector is one leave, unions campaigned for, and
way to unite and protect workers in won it in thousands of workplace
renewables where projects are often agreements in all industries across the
too short to go through an enterprise country. By enshrining the leave into
bargaining campaign process or to the National Employment Standards,
recognise the common terms and the Albanese Government will ensure
conditions which already exist in parts that nearly every worker gets this
of the construction sector. This would entitlement, including casual and part-
free up the costly and time-consuming time workers.
process of bargaining hundreds of the
same agreements with each individual The ETU also welcomed the passing
employer. By the time you read
this, multi-employer bargaining will the Jobs and Skills Summit as an of the Anti-Discrimination and Human
hopefully be law.
immediate action the creation of Rights Legislation Amendment
INCREASE JOBS
IN AUSTRALIAN a National Construction Industry (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 which
MANUFACTURING Forum, a tripartite body to drive represents implementation of
AND DEFENCE cultural change in the construction seven of the remaining legislative
industry and constructively address recommendations of the Respect@
The Albanese Government announced issues such as mental health, safety, Work Report, including a positive duty
at the Jobs and Skills Summit training, apprentices, productivity, on employers to prevent workplace
as an immediate action that the culture, diversity and gender equity sexual harassment, sex discrimination
Commonwealth and South Australian in the industry. and victimisation, with accompanying
Government will co-chair a South
Australian Defence Industry Workforce regulatory powers conferred on the
and Skills Taskforce to support delivery
of Australia’s defence capabilities,
including critical maritime capabilities
such as frigates and submarines,
promoting local jobs.

Commission.

“The Albanese Government are
showing that they are listening to
the perspectives of workers and their
representatives. We’ve had more
engagement with our federally elected
politicians in the past few months than
we had in nine years of the Coalition
Government,” said ETU Acting National
Secretary Michael Wright.

Acting National Secretary Michael Wright The ETU will continue to work hard
spoke on behalf of ETU members at to make sure that members’ voices
the Federal Jobs and Skills Summit. are heard, and that the Albanese
Government continues to fulfil
promises it made during the election.

7

NATIONAL Electrical workers are harnessing renewables
and rewiring our nation from
the pylon to the power point

The ETU has united with energy cooking. One focus of the plan is to undermine the wages and conditions
industry stakeholders to develop a support more apprentices to complete held by locally trained workers. The
Powering Australia Skills Plan. their studies through improved government must demonstrate that
mentoring and adequate financial migrant workers are filling a genuine
The energy transition is in full swing, support. A survey run by Essential labour shortage by ensuring that
with renewable energy constituting a Media on behalf of the ETU in August domestic programs are developed,
third of electricity generation. However, found that cost of living pressures and fit for purpose and delivered on the
our workforce is in crisis with skills a failing mentoring system are key ground with Australian workers
shortages rife across critical trades reasons causing electrical apprentices receiving apprenticeship and
and occupations and persistent gaps in to quit their studies. The plan aims to employment opportunities as a priority.
the labour market widening. create 63,000 Powering Australia jobs
and facilitate the creation of a further Thanks to organisations The Clean
The Powering Australia Skills Plan, 604,000 jobs across the economy, Energy Council, Smart energy
launched in the lead up to the National plus directly support 10,000 energy Council, National Electrical and
Jobs and Skills summit in September, apprenticeships. It also includes Communications Association, Rewiring
provides a roadmap to combat these integrating improvements to attract Australia and Master Electricians
chronic skills shortages, train the and retain more non-traditional Australia for working with us to create
essential workforce that will deliver industry participants such as women, this plan.
our energy future, and maximise the First Nations, and CALD workers.
benefits of the energy future for all Read the plan!
Australians. For migrating electrical workers
filling a labour shortage, the plan
Our profession is integral to realising aims to ensure that strong standards
the “electrification of everything”, with of secure work and good conditions
the rise of electric vehicles, home are upheld, to strengthen rather than
batteries, electric home heating and

8

STOP THE CUTS CAMPAIGN funded, so that funding to preventative the actual laws around electricity
EVOLUTION maintenance was restored. The generation and funding.
previous Morrison Government
Last year we shone a light on the wouldn’t even meet or engage with The ETU also welcomed the Albanese
devastating outcomes of funding cuts us, but we had the support of many Government’s agreement to enshrine
to maintenance and operation of our industry leaders. emissions reduction goals in the
electricity grid. Our aim was to change National Electricity Objective (NEO).
the national energy market rules Now with the election of the new The NEO sets out the guiding principle
around how this essential work was Albanese Government we have the for all decisions in the National
chance to do more. Electricity Market (NEM). Any rules,
regulatory decisions or investment
The government has already decisions must satisfy the NEO, so
committed $20 Billion in projects this is a significant win which will
to upgrade and modernise the ensure that things like making sure
transmission and distribution the grid is fit to maximise two-way
networks. The upkeep and preventative energy generation and renewables are
maintenance of the grid is of prioritised.
paramount importance, especially
in the face of increasing extreme The final draft wording for the NEO
weather events that harm the ageing will be important to how successfully
infrastructure. it changes the behaviour of the
regulators and the energy companies
With a supportive government we they regulate. We’ll also be calling for
have shifted the focus of our campaign things like secure jobs to be included
from changing the rules to changing in the NEO.

OFFSHORE WIND OPPORTUNITIES GROWING

Up until recently Australia had no the start of consultation on the first traditionally been excluded from the
legislative framework for offshore offshore renewable energy zone near industry. So far, Star of the South are
wind, but with the passage last year of Gippsland and along the coast to the saying all the right things.”
the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure entrance of Western Port.
Act 2021 the development of offshore Peter is a member of the Community
wind opportunities is set to accelerate. The first project underway is the Star Advisory Group which meets every
of the South Offshore Wind project in six weeks to get a project update and
Offshore wind could provide alternative Gippsland which is planned to start give feedback on any concerns the
employment for workers in the construction in 2025. community has. So far the community
offshore oil and gas industry and, is positive about the project.
to a lesser extent, from coal fired ETU Organiser Peter Mooney believes
power stations. The Blue Economy the project will bring much-needed “People’s attitudes have changed since
Cooperative Research Centre Blue jobs and opportunities to the LaTrobe Hazelwood Power Station closed.
Economy estimates between 3,000 – valley, which is facing the imminent Brown coal is not the future here
8,000 jobs could be created annually closure of the Yallourn Power Station anymore. Renewables are.”
from 2030 and licenced electricians and mine in 2028.
will be a key part of this new This project could create up to 3000
workforce. “Our biggest hope is that there will be jobs in the construction phase and
a transition for current power station then up to 200 jobs in operations and
There are now over 12 developers workers, plus more opportunities for ongoing maintenance. Another six or
working on over 20 offshore windfarms apprentices, training, and improved seven projects have been earmarked
around Australia. Energy Minister Chris recruitment processes to attract First for the Bass Strait offshore wind
Bowen in August 2022 announced Nations and female workers who have project after this one.

9

NATIONAL ETU represents
apprentices

at the International
Labour

Conference
in Geneva

On behalf of Australian pFaorutroeflethcetrwicioarnksinwgegrreoup
Unions, ETU Assistant
National Secretary David discussions and debated feedback on a The document will make it clear to
Mier stood up for workers report with suggested ways to improve member states that they should:
and apprentices at the skills and training for lifelong learning.
110th International Labour After days and nights of debating over ► pay apprentices adequate
Conference in Geneva this year. 350 amendments to the report in the remuneration
working group, they reached a position,
A major highlight of the conference culminating in the final conclusion ► ensure that an apprenticeship
was delegates voting to make a safe report ‘A Framework for Quality agreement is in place that clearly
and healthy work environment part of Apprenticeships’. Although it is not as identifies the parties’ respective
the Labour Organisation’s Framework strong as what we have in Australia, it roles and rights and working
of Fundamental Principles and is a big step for some countries. There standards and conditions
Rights at Work. was debate around whether it should
be a convention or recommendation, ► ensure equality and diversity
International labour standards are but ultimately recommendation won. of opportunity and access to
legal instruments drawn up by these apprenticeships.
ILO committees and set out basic The ETU is proud to have played a
principles and rights at work. They part in this process that will hopefully This also provides an opportunity
are either conventions, which are deliver a chance for apprentices around for older workers to change their
legally binding international treaties or the world to improve their lot in life. employment with the knowledge that
recommendations, which serve as non- there are protections available to them.
binding guidelines.

David was on the Standard Setting
Committee for Apprenticeships,
representing workers. The working
group built on previous conference

10

Pictured: ETU National
Assistant Secretary David
Mier, Bryan Walters and ETU
National Technical Officer
Sarah Brunton.

Honorary ETU
member Bryan
the first person to get
a Diploma in Generation

David Mier, Retired ETU member Bryan and maintenance work on the Gas
Michele O’Neil and Walters has led a long and turbine power station and associated
Clare Middlemas well-rounded career in the infrastructure was needed to deal with
electrical trades and was the power outages due to severe weather.
During the discussions the need first person in Australia to get
arose to promote apprentices a Diploma in Generation. In 2000, NT Power and Water decided
and trades versus other academic to work with company Pacific Power to
pursuits due to an incorrect image Bryan began his apprenticeship in 1970 investigate what skillsets its workforce
problem that it is a low-grade as an electrical fitter mechanic, but his held that weren’t being fully used.
pathway. There were four company soon saw lots of potential Bryan told the company about his
electricians on the workers in him and encouraged him to take varied experience and formal training,
group - four tradesmen who on instrumentation as well. After his and the company recommended him
have benefited from the pathway third year in his apprenticeship, he for the first ever Diploma in Generation.
that an apprenticeship provides. was encouraged to take on even more After thirty years, all of his work
These four people participated in modules, adding industrial electronics experience, supported with all the
a conference at the International 1 and 2. Over four and a half years, appropriate documentation, added up
Labour Organisation, including Bryan completed virtually three trade so all that was left was to complete
David who started out as a 16-year- apprenticeships instead of one. one more work health and safety
old apprentice electrician on the module. In 2002 he was awarded the
waterfront in Melbourne, Australia. After 11 years Bryan changed jobs Diploma in Generation.
to work at the Santos, Cooper Basin,
Learning a trade is a valuable Moomba oil and gas production Achieving the diploma was a feather
pathway, and we must protect facilities. After three years working as in Bryan’s cap and helped him win
and strengthen it for future a tradesperson, the company asked the NT vocational training award. It
generations to come. him to become a foreman, taking on a allowed him to attend sessions with
supervisory role. The Industry Training Advisory Board
and represent Power and Water
After leaving Santos, Bryan then at a worldwide Gas Turbine Users
went to work in South Australia’s event in Perth. The diploma is now
Barossa Valley for Boral Windows, called a Diploma of ESI Generation
commissioning and maintaining their Maintenance - Electrical Electronic.
aluminium exclusion plant for two
years. His work involved main frame Since his start in 1970 Bryan has
computations into PLCs, hydraulic and been a union member and is now an
combustion firing process controls. honorary member of the ETU.

In 1990, Bryan moved to work for He reflects on his career with pride.
Northern Territory Power and Water
Authority in Katherine, about three “I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.
and a half hours south of Darwin. In The worst part is being retired now,
this remote area, a lot of operational and not being able pass on the library
of information that I have in my head,
as well as the practical skills learned.”

11

From the State Secretary

This year has seen a welcome The Victorian branch office has been Union and our priorities for the coming
return to some normality a hive of activity this year as we work years. Victorian Premier Daniel
after the challenges and to secure the future of the Union and Andrews addressed delegates, making
frustration of the past two of our trade. We have renovated the his case for the re-election of the most
years. It also marks the 120th ground floor of our headquarters in worker-friendly government we have
anniversary of the founding North Melbourne, creating a new state- seen in Victoria in living memory. You
of ETU Victoria, a milestone of-the-art electrical training facility that can find a full report on this conference
celebrated by members is the new home of The Centre for U. on the following pages.
who flew our 120th-year
commemorative flag at This new facility will be Victoria’s A week later we held our first honorary
worksites across the state. premier electrical training centre members’ lunch since 2019, with 300
With record membership and represents a $10 million dollar honorary members, life members
enjoying some of the best investment by the Union in upskilling and special guests in attendance.
wages, conditions and living our members to take advantage of new This event recognises ‘a lifetime of
standards around, it’s a proud opportunities in emerging technologies. solidarity’ of some of our longest-
time to be ETU. It will be the home of our new Electric standing and most loyal members
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure course and is very dear to our hearts. It was
VIC which you can read more about on the terrific to see so many in attendance,
pages that follow. celebrating 120 years of ETU Victoria
and renewing our commitment to this
It will also be Victoria’s leading very special event.
provider of Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) for Electricians. With a strong pipeline of major
This new course, initiated by infrastructure works that will need
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), will be many thousands of electrical workers
a requirement for all electricians throughout the next decade, and the
within the two years before renewing training infrastructure necessary to
their licence. Ours is a potentially welcome thousands of new, young
dangerous and ever-evolving trade, workers into our trade, the future has
so we welcome the introduction of never looked brighter for Victorian
this course that will support licensed electrical workers.
workers to keep up to date with
safety, regulatory, technical, and other
changes relevant to the trade.

In September more than 500
shop stewards, health and safety
representatives and invited guests
joined us at Crown Melbourne for
our first shop stewards’ conference
since 2018. Over two days, attendees
debated the future direction of the

Troy Gray
ETU VIC State Secretary

12

Victoria launches Australia’s first Pictured: ETU State Secretary
ACCREDITED EV CHARGING Troy Gray with Sheena Watt MP,
INFRASTRUCTURE COURSE Minister Tierney and Centre for
U CEO Alex Newman

ETU Victoria and the Centre “This is a great example of how our in front of the minds of consumers and
for U have launched a new TAFE and training sector is providing the media were keen to get a piece
electric vehicle training opportunities for workers to retrain and of the new Polestar 2 car and EVCI
project in partnership with upskill – while also preparing us for the equipment on display.
the Victorian State workforce we need for our clean, green
Government’s Workforce future,” said Minister Tierney. The project team, including Project
Training Innovation Fund. Manager Maryanne Coffey and Project
The EVCI course, the first of its kind Officer Jacinta Bradford, recently
The project will build the capability in Australia, will upskill 500 licensed worked with the accreditation steering
and capacity of the training sector electricians in its pilot phase. Currently committee and developed curriculum
to provide quality Electric Vehicle under development, the course will be submitted to the Victorian Registration
Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) available in 2023. and Qualifications Authority in
installation training that meets September.
industry and consumer demand and “The Centre for U is excited to pilot the
supports the imminent zero emission electric vehicle charging infrastructure The Project Steering Committee
vehicles boom. course to 500 electricians and consists of a wide range of industry
meet the demands of the electric groups including the ETU, the Centre
“We are committed to supporting the vehicle boom,” said Centre for U CEO for U, Holmesglen TAFE, Energy Safe
upskilling of the electrical workforce – Alex Newman. Victoria, Electric Vehicle Council,
and through this project, our industry NECA, EV Choice, Future Energy Skills
can better meet the demands of the Despite a cold Melbourne morning the and Solar Victoria.
imminent electric vehicle boom,” said project launch event was well attended
ETU State Secretary Troy Gray at the by project stakeholders and industry
project’s launch event. representatives who were excited to
see all the media focus on the event.
The ‘An Adept Workforce for the EVs are very much
Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Boom
Project’ is a $950K initiative funded
by the Victorian State Government’s
Workforce Training Innovation Fund
(WTIF). Minister for Training and Skills
Gayle Tierney launched the project, to
be led by the ETU and delivered by the
Centre for U and Holmesglen TAFE,
earlier this year.

For more information on the project, Expressions of interest for licensed
please contact Maryanne Coffey at electricians can be sent to
[email protected] [email protected]

13

VIC 13 May this year saw the In our 120th year we have much to be
Victorian branch of the ETU proud of and much to be grateful for.
turn 120 years old. Victoria Strong leadership, building upon the
was proudly the national gains of the past, has created today’s
birthing ground of the ETU, modern and innovative Union, and sets
which went on to become the us up for another 120 years of leading
strong and respected national the way for electrical workers.
Union fighting for electrical
workers and their families To mark this important milestone,
across the country. members across Victoria took time
out to celebrate by flying our special
The evolution of the Victorian branch 120-year anniversary flag at worksites
of the ETU is not only remarkable, but
virtually unprecedented around the Xthroughoutthestate.
world. Most craft unions like electrical
unions in other countries either
disappeared or were swallowed up by
other unions in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

These days we boast a strong
membership approaching 20,000, 18
officials, 35 staff, a training centre, a
wellbeing centre, a communications
department, a political research
department, a financial department, a
merchandise department and more.

We are proud to boast a 400-strong
network of workplace delegates
across Victoria, who are critical to our
success in representing and achieving
the highest outcomes for electrical
workers and their families.

K3Va1i2cnto0nriayimveaer4aksrrsary14

X

15

VIC

The WAVE program Pictured: ETU State Secretary Troy Gray
is supporting women with Sheena Watt MP, Minister Tierney
in apprenticeships and women from the WAVE course

The ETU’s Centre for U More women are active in the Victorian Institute. They are also required
has delivered two Women labour market now than in the past, to complete additional training on
in Apprenticeships Victoria but they make up only two per cent of Respectful and Safe Workplace
Electrical (WAVE) programs the workers in Australian construction. Training, Making the Most Out of
this year. There have been several attempts to Being a Mentee and a Meet your
increase female participation in the Mentor session.
The WAVE program was an initiative industry, but rates of participation
funded by Apprenticeships Victoria, have not changed significantly since In addition to the training, participants
and delivered by the ETU’s Centre for the 1980s. in the WAVE Mentoring Program are
U, that aimed to increase the number matched with a mentor who supports
of women entering the electrical trade. The WAVE program aims to change them on their training and employment
The program supported them as they this by addressing the barriers to journey and connects them to
made the transition from an electrical attracting, recruiting and retaining employers looking to employ women.
pre-apprenticeship to employment in women. It provides participants with They have access to online preparation
the electrical industry. additional training, support, equipment, for work units, receive a public
industry mentoring and connection to transport Myki Card to cover the cost
This project was so successful employers looking to employ women of travel, are supplied with textbooks
that ETU Victoria has committed to apprentices. for their pre-apprenticeship and receive
continue funding 2-3 groups per year. an electrical test equipment pack and
Under this program more than 30 personal protective equipment.
women have completed an electrical
pre-apprenticeship, with 12 of The second WAVE group of 20
them going on to successfully gain participants commenced their
employment in the industry so far. training in October. We wish them
the very best of luck in completing
Participants in the program enrol and their pre-apprenticeship and securing
complete a women’s only electrical employment in the electrical industry.
pre-apprenticeship with Holmesglen

16

Victorian Minister for Energy
Lily D’Ambrosio, ETU State
Secretary Troy Gray, and
Energy Safe Victoria CEO
Leanne Hughson joined
together in August of this year
to officially launch Continuing
Professional Development
(CPD) for Electricians.

Your Union has you covered
for your CPD course

The Centre for U was proud to host the You must complete your CPD course WHY TRAIN AT
official launch. On hand was pilot group in the 12 months prior to your licence THE CENTRE FOR U?
participant Matt Rawson who has been expiry date. For example, if your licence
an electrician for 26 years. Matt gave is due to expire in July 2023 you need Doing your CPD Skills Maintenance
a presentation on the importance of to do your CPD training between July course at the Centre for U is a bright
CPD for electricians and the great 2022 and June 2023. idea because we have Victoria’s best
experience of being one of the first purpose-built electrical training
participants in the initiative. The course is designed as a refresher facilities. As an approved ESV training
of skills and knowledge for licensed provider, CPD courses at the Centre for
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) now electricians working in construction, U are free to ETU members.
requires electricians registered in industrial, commercial and residential
the state to complete a Continuing sites. It includes regulatory Earlier this year we moved into an
Professional Development (CPD) requirements, CoES obligations and expanded state-of-the-art training
course before renewing their licences. supervision. Major changes in the space on the ground floor of the ETU
This applies to A-Grade, Switchgear, Wiring Rules, SWMS and OH&S are headquarters in North Melbourne that
Restricted Electrical and Electrical addressed, including the importance of will enable us to train many thousands
Inspector licence-holders. holding a copy of the Wiring Rules. of electrical workers every year. We
are also delivering the CPD course in
Victorian electricians have been able regional centres, including Clayton,
to do their CPD course at the ETU’s Geelong, Morwell, Maryborough and
Centre for U since July this year, and Shepparton.
the new rules will apply to all licence
renewals from 1 July 2023. The You can train with your mates in
required Skills Maintenance course a relaxed setting and get lots of
takes just eight hours so you can get individual attention to get you through
up-to-date in a day without taking without a glitch, all completely free
loads of time off work. of charge.

For further information about CPD
training at the Centre for U visit:
www.centreforu.com.au

17

VIC W ZWW

W

R
120 Year Australian of the Year,
Anniversary anaesthetist and cave
Conference diver Dr Richard Harris

More than 400 delegates attended the Victorian
Branch’s 120 Year Anniversary Shop Stewards
Conference in September. In addition to being
our biggest ever gathering of shop stewards, and
our first conference since 2018 due to COVID
restrictions in recent years, this event was our
primary celebration of the 120th anniversary of
the founding of the Victorian branch of the ETU.

Victorian Secretary Troy Gray kicked fortunate and proud to have the most
off proceedings by welcoming committed and passionate leaders
delegates and officially opening the in its history. It is paramount that the
120 Year Anniversary Conference. leadership stand united as a national
Troy addressed the record 400+ union for our members and for the
shop stewards in attendance on future of the mighty ETU.
the importance of their role and
responsibilities within the Union and Victorian delegates represent almost
their invaluable input over the coming 20,000 members working in high-risk
two days of the conference. Troy industries – where they are faced with
reported to the conference floor on challenging decisions on a daily basis.
the Union’s decade of achievement The conference was proud to welcome
(2012-2022) emphasising the record Australian of the Year Dr Richard Harris
membership, record number of who “against all odds” was challenged
delegates, record finances, licensing with the life and death decision making
for all trades, state-of-the-art training involved in rescuing 12 young children
centre opened, mandatory professional and their soccer coach from a cave in
development days for sparkies and Thailand in July 2018.
apprentices – just to name a few.
Ew(ElleTietfhUctt)WrAaicsnoasdmlisS(etWneacnAinrtVeSEAtae)prcppyrrreoTetgnraortraiyycmeGAsrrpharaiyoprn(stcicHVeipanicrattrrnoiestr)sia
It was fantastic to see all state ETU
secretaries attend the 120 Year
Anniversary Conference, representing
their various states. With almost
70,000 members the ETU National is

18

K

Victorian Premier
Daniel Andrews

ETU Secretary Troy Gray (left)
and Dr Richard Harris (right)

W

WShirley Jackson, Director, R On day two of the conference, Victorian
Centre for New Industry Premier Daniel Andrews received a
standing ovation as he thanked the
SX ETU for all its support, feedback and
tEhreinSCooultdhhoafmfs,hCohreiewf DinedveenloeprmgyepnrtoOjefcfitcer, Star of guidance over the last four years.
We also heard reports from Shirley
Jackson of the Centre for New Industry
and Erin Coldham, Chief Development
Officer for the Star of the South
offshore wind farm who presented
on the future for a just transition and
renewables.

We were thrilled to see participants
in the Women in Apprenticeships
Victoria Electrical (WAVE) program
at the conference, many of whom
have come through the ‘Introduction
to the Electrical Industry for Women
Day’. Their presence was especially
welcome for our session on protecting
and licensing the trade, educating
apprentices and getting more women
into the electrical industry.

Day two of the conference concluded
with a panel of branch organisers
reporting on the many industries,
regions and projects they organise and
that will be absorbing up to 5,000 new
electrical jobs in the near future.

19

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Alex Newman, CEO of the ETU’s CentreW In addition, with compulsory Continuing
for U gave us a report on the $7 million Professional Development (CPD),
state-of-the-art electrical trainingR Apprentice Days, Industrial EBA
centre which will also be part of the meetings and training, the ETU will see Cetnre for U team
electric vehicle charging infrastructure over 8,000 electrical workers coming
course that will upskill 500 licensed into the union office on a yearly basis.
electricians in its pilot phase. Ross De To cater for this growth the ETU has
Rango, Head of Energy Infrastructure committed to major redevelopments of
at the Electric Vehicle Council our Melbourne and regional offices.
addressed the conference on the future
of electric vehicles in Victoria and After the close of the conference,
how great it is that the ETU will be a delegates were joined by invited guests
part of it. for a gala dinner to mark the 120 Year
Anniversary of the founding of the
20 mighty ETU Victoria. By all reports a
fantastic night was had by all!

W
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21

From the State Secretary

Welcome to the WA branch’s section of the ETU National Yearbook.

Our branch has grown nearly 15% over the last three years with so
many campaigns run on behalf of our membership that we can’t list
them all. Here are some highlights over the past year, and you can
read more in the following pages.

WA We won a determined fight against Members went on a 15-day strike at
Western Power to get a decent lift company Schindler, which has
Collective Agreement (CA). 800 paved the way for the other CAs in the
members faced not only an lift industry.
incompetent and belligerent board
of directors, but also the obstructive We achieved a breakthrough CA
wages policy of the McGowan State with company Monadelphous in the
Government. Our members proudly offshore industry, again paving the
went on strike for the first time in 20 way for successful CAs throughout
years, faced lockouts and politicised that industry.
themselves with a well-attended and
rowdy rally at Parliament House. The ETU won approximately $2M
dollars in backpay or disputed pay for
Our members at WA News endured a members from our industrial officers.
seven-week lockout by the billionaire
media baron Kerry Stokes who After an 18-month struggle we won the
was aiming to destroy redundancy first CA for Fredon in the ECI patch.
provisions that had been in place for
many years. We won Majority Support
Determinations (MSDs) at companies
After a two-year battle that culminated like South32, OGS and Vestas which
in 76 days of industrial action, members forces them to bargain a collective
from the ETU and the Offshore Alliance agreement with us. The WA branch of
finally voted up an agreement with the ETU uses MSDs to force employers
Shell in September for a CA on the to negotiate more than any other
Prelude FLNG facility. This industrial ETU branch.
action is the longest and most
significant action ever undertaken on We formed a strike and picket line
an offshore facility in Australian waters. for the first time in decades at BAE
shipyards.

Peter Carter
ETU WA State Secretary

22

Schindler crew in action PROTECTION OF OUR
ELECTRICAL LICENCE
THE CALL FOR $90 per day, with no super, overtime AND TRADE
IMPORTED LABOUR and other entitlements. We got the Fair
Work Ombudsman involved but had Our electrical licence system is always
With our borders now open we hear the to resort to a freedom of information under attack from big business and its
howls from business that temporary application to discover that the Filipino existence is the only reason we haven’t
skilled migration is the panacea to all workers were finally backpaid more been flooded by cheap overseas labour,
their ills. Corporate Australia has relied than $200k. We believe this is less as well as providing the safety benefits
on temporary migrants far too much, than what they were rightfully owed. of ensuring all electrical workers in WA
instead of meeting long term objectives The scandal didn’t stop the Morrison are licenced to carry out the work.
to train enough local workers. Our Federal Government from awarding
recent fight with Austal Ships in Austal more than $500m in defence So, we take our role as one of the two
Henderson should be a salutary tale contracts though, or Morrison from a main stakeholders on the Electrical
in what big business really wants from photo opportunity espousing Austal Licence Board seriously. I’m proud to
overseas labour. In mid-2020 we were as a beacon of the local business report that earlier this year we were
organising workers for a Union EBA at community during the May federal successful in persuading the McGowan
shipbuilding company Austal. These election campaign. State Government to exempt the
are the lowest paid shipbuilders in the electrical trades from the Morrison
industry. We found they’d brought in Government’s ill-conceived legislation
over 30 workers on temporary visas to endorse mutual recognition across
from the Philippines after sacking a the states for all electrical licenced
score of local workers. Worse still, they trades. It would have created a race
were paying the visa workers about to the bottom for electrical licencing
standards in Australia and could have
led to workers performing unsafe or
illegal work simply because they were
unaware of the different legislative
requirements of another state.

We will continue our representation
on the Electrical Licence Board
and Industry Training Councils with
Combined Skills Training Association
Trainer David Von Kaleita when my
appointment on the board expires this
year. These bodies also dictate the
training curriculum for our apprentices
and post-trade training.

Our Union is uniquely placed to
grow even more as we move to a
decarbonised world. I know we have
the platform and plans in place with
a great team of organisers and staff
to meet the future as our struggles
to advance the wages and conditions
of our members and their families
continue.

Here’s to an even bigger and
better future!

23

WA After two years of solid learning curve for them. The members Members will receive an extra $2 per

campaigning and bargaining, stood strong, and the ETU won legal hour site allowance inclusive of travel,
workers at Western Power battle after battle in court. an electrical license allowance of
proved they are a force $28.33 per week, plus a range of other
to be reckoned with and “The most satisfying thing a Union extra payments for things such as
won improved wages Official can do, is watch a membership remote accommodation and live work
and conditions in a new go from being the bullied to the bully,” allowance for plant operators as well
enterprise agreement. said ETU WA Assistant State Secretary as live line stick workers. The workers
Brendan Reeve. will also receive a $2000 sign on bonus

Western Power is a massive publicly “With each legal fight the company and yearly increases of 2.75% for two
owned power company with a dragged us into, with every protected years. Workers were also backpaid on
workforce of 820 spread over 25 action that was put in or taken, our annual salaries.
depots in an area bigger than NSW. members got used to the fight and
used to winning each battle,” he said. Workers will also have more power
Despite facing lockouts and a to decide when the weather is too
despicable smear campaign, workers By Easter 2022, with more strike action extreme to continue working, instead
took multiple rounds of industrial planned, Western Power finally came of a supervisor in a climate-controlled
action for the first time in twenty years back to the table with apologies and a office making the call.
to get an offer they could accept. The determination to ‘get this done.’
Remote regional members are also

campaign was an impressive show Some of the key wins in the $620 net better off a fortnight, simply

of member solidarity, patience, and new agreement include strong because the Perth Metro members

resolve and the Union came out the commitments on job security, work who make up over half the membership

other side stronger than ever. in-house, redundancy provisions backed them on their claim.

The two-year campaign saw Union and consultation around the work That’s solidarity!

density at Western Power increase contractors will perform or receive.
from 72% to 94%. Two thirds of the
membership had never taken industrial In my years as a Union official this campaign will go down
action before, so it was a dramatic as one of my proudest, and I am sure my members see it
the same way. We can’t put our feet up and rest on our laurels as
the struggle will always be there, and we have a whole new group of

grubby contractors who need the same lessons.
99Western Poawelrewsosrkoenrs24
Geraldton Depot

After telling its workforce that see it the same way. We can’t put our
industrial action was pointless, feet up and rest on our laurels as the
Union members engaged in the struggle will always be there, and we
toughest negotiations in Western have a whole new group of grubby
Power’s history. contractors who need the
same lessons,” he said.
They couldn’t have been more wrong.
Western Power over two years got a “Thank you to all my members and
lesson in taking its workforce seriously, delegates who supported me and
and the importance of working with, each other to get the result they
not against, the Union. By the end of deserved – the patience and resolve
the two years Western Power lost: after two years was outstanding.

► 1 CEO “Bring on EBA 2024.”

► 1 Executive

► 2 heads of HR (including the
person who wrote that email)

► 2 Supervisors

ETU WA Organiser Brendan Reeve
ran the campaign and said it was a
highlight of his time with the Union:

“In my years as a Union official this
campaign will go down as one of my
proudest and I am sure my members

itenachutnheiior enmipslomyer!ByBrendanReeve,ETUAssistantStateSecretaryinWA 25

WA ETU legal team By National Industrial Officer
Armen Aghazarian

DYEORFUEIGRNHDTINSGin court
My name is Armen and I’m one of the national industrial officers.
I work with the Western Australian branch providing legal
support to all members.

Being part of the Union’s in-house legal We also protect our organisers and ETU member Ashlea Ballard won
team, we specialise in labour law and members against employers’ attempts Western Power’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’
deal with a wide range of issues. Here to stop them from exercising their award during the industrial dispute.
are some of the things we do. rights, such as taking industrial action
or visiting a site. We make sure to Despite plenty of work, a
We provide general legal advice to oppose substandard agreements that hard border in place, and
organisers to help them advocate some companies try to sneak through. generous government
for members. incentives for employers
Where necessary, we take an employer taking on apprentices,
We make applications to the Fair Work to court, for example for breaching an apprentices in WA are still
Commission (FWC), such as drafting enterprise agreement or the national getting a raw deal.
the application, preparing evidence employment standards.
and presenting the Union’s case before The spiralling cost of living, years
a member of the Commission. Some Some matters we have recently dealt of inaction from the former federal
typical FWC applications we make are: with include: government, labour shortages
in training, and the usual dodgy
► majority support determinations ► legally forcing companies like bosses and underpayment issues
(which force an employer Oil & Gas Solutions, Vestas have meant that our members
to bargain) and Southern Cross Electrical have had to act collectively and
Engineering to start bargaining fight for their fair share.
► protected action ballot orders
(which allow employees to ► pursuing fines in the Federal However, Union apprentices in
vote on whether or not they Court against Austal Shipping WA are proving that they’re up for
want to initiate protected Pty Ltd, a company that the task.
industrial action) prevented one of our organisers
from coming on site to ask
► unfair dismissal remedies. workers if they wanted to
commence bargaining

► pursuing compensation and
fines against ASC for breaching
roster provisions under the
Enterprise Agreement

► r emoving legal barriers that
were preventing us from
taking industrial action at
Western Power.

Having a great legal team backing
up officials and members of the ETU
is an essential part of advocating for
workers in the complicated web of
labour law in Australia. Though you
might not see us on site, we’re proud to
be in court fighting for your rights every
single day.

Union proud. Union strong!

26

WA ApprenticesByETUWAOrganiserAshBamford
tCakAe NinduasntrdialDacOtion

b!to getthewyhwatant
WA has seen an increase of 35% GTO apprentices are often paid Award More women are now taking up the
in people starting electrical rates which is sometimes up to $20/ trade too and aren’t afraid to stand up
apprenticeships over the last hr less than equivalent apprentices on and demand their fair share. A number
12 months and our apprentice Union EBAs. EGT apprentices working of female apprentices have advocated
membership has grown to new records. on large projects alongside unionised for basics such as correct fitting
38% of the apprentice members in our companies and tradespeople learned PPE and toilets onsite as part of the
ranks have joined in the last 12 months about union values, and helped ETU ‘Nowhere to Go’ campaign.
and they’ve shown they are willing to organisers uncover underpayments
take action across all sectors. on allowances including multi-storey We have also secured through the
and starting and finishing onsite. The McGowan Labor Government and
At Western Power’s recently concluded ETU made sure the apprentices were Western Power an agreement to
EBA campaign, apprentices got paid back what they were owed and maintain training levels by having
involved and secured guaranteed roles managed to get the apprentices on intakes of apprentices twice a year
for apprentices who wish to remain these sites additional uplifts to their instead of just once.
as tradespeople at the end of their hourly rates of pay, including EBA
apprenticeship. ETU member Ashlea travel rates and $5/hr site allowances. More apprentices like these point to
Ballard even took out ‘Western Power’s a strong future for our trade and
Apprentice of the Year’ prize during the These apprentices have shown the our union for a long time to come!
18-month industrial dispute. benefit of Union membership and
collective action to their peers and are
At a Group Training Organisation (GTO) now working with the Union to push for
called EGT, apprentice members an EBA at EGT and other GTOs in WA.
exposed systematic underpayments.

EGT apprentices with Fredon
members out the front of the
multiplex Chevron tower job in Perth

27

WA SOUTH32 WORKERS ARE WINNING

I remember having my STARTING THE PROCESS We asked if South32 would like to
pre-employment site tour at negotiate an EBA. They said no, so we
South32’s Worsley Alumina In early 2020 some of my fellow initiated an MSD through the Fair Work
mine and refinery in 2013 and workers and I reached out to ETU Commission (FWC). The MSD process
finding out it hadn’t been a Organiser Adam Woodage to arrange is simple. Workers sign a petition to
unionised site for more than a site visit. The first Union meeting indicate that 50% + 1 of the workgroup
20 years. of workers in many years was a would like to negotiate an EBA.
sign of how far we had come in a
It was the all too familiar story of the short space of time, helped along by One thing I’ve learnt over
company offering short term incentives South32 attacking workers’ pay and the last 25 years is that
to workers on the condition that conditions. South32’s sheer arrogance it’s never a good time to ask
they leave the enterprise Bargaining was encouraging Union signups at a for a pay rise - if you ask
agreement (EBA) and sign an individual rapid rate. At this first Union meeting
contract of employment. In return we went through what the majority the company that is.
for this extra money and benefits the support determination (MSD) process
employees gave up all their bargaining was and then embarked on a campaign South32 spent the next year
power to their employer with nothing to get 100% membership and a throwing money at lawyers to stop
but the National Employment Union EBA. our legal right to have a collective
Standards to protect them. agreement. South32 told so many
Meanwhile, South32 was running a lies and unfortunately we lost at
Worsley Alumina used the ‘benefits’ to scare campaign by wheeling out the the FWC on a technicality about
compete in the employment market vice president of operations, (who I had whether the workgroup included our
instead of competing on base rates. never seen before) to tell us about the mechanical comrades.
The benefits were 16.5% super, HBF uncertain times ahead and that now
(health insurance) gold level cover was not the time to bring in a ‘third
and a home loan up to value of your party’ to negotiate an EBA. One thing
base at a reduced interest rate through I’ve learnt over the last 25 years is that
Bankwest. it’s never a good time to ask for a pay
rise - if you ask the company that is.
There wasn’t much appetite to As it turns out, record productivity at
unionise, until suddenly rumours Worsley Alumina and South32 has led
started to circulate that South32 was to record profits.
planning to remove the benefits as
a cost saving measure. My manager
scoffed in disbelief at the idea that
these changes would encourage
unionisation of the workforce. His
response was typical. South32 was out
of touch, took its workforce for granted
and thought that workers would just
take a haircut so that the company
could increase its profit margins.
South32’s profit margins currently
sit at 44%.

South32 announced that the benefits
to new hires would be removed. For
existing employees the bank loan was
frozen. South32 would take away the
gold level health cover and pay only
the maximum Medicare levy rebate
amount, ripping $1200 straight from
the pockets of workers. There was also
a long-standing policy that overtime
was paid at single time. With all these
compounding forces, an appetite for
change had emerged and it just needed
a little push.

28

G BACKTHEIR BARGAINING POWER

By ETU WA Delegate Simon Breznovic, at South32

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! South32 management assumed that only
half of the electricians would go out the gate.
After licking our wounds and downing
a few cold ones to help with the loss They were truly shocked when 100% of
it was time to rally the troops and get the electricians marched past the main
our mechanical buddies across the line administration building chanting and waving
to go for a maintenance MSD. After ETU flags on the way to the main gate.
more rounds in the FWC we got to an
MSD vote again. We won by one vote! have taken PIA. main gate. We showed them that we
Most of the ‘no votes’ were just absent mean business.
votes. Never think that your vote does Throughout this time Union
not make a difference, because it membership was increasing. For our There is still a long way to go in this
absolutely does! first set of PIA South32 management saga. No doubt South32 will play dirty
assumed that only half of the and try to divide us. The ETU members
We won by one vote! electricians would go out the gate. will not fall for this and we hope the
They were truly shocked when 100% AMWU members don’t either.
At the first EBA meeting we gave of the electricians marched past the
the company our log of claims and main administration building chanting Workers need to realise that united
what we wanted to be paid. South32 and waving ETU flags on the way to the they are stronger and much better off.
refused to come back with anything. No pay rises or conditions were given
The unbridled contempt shown to ETU A society grows great when old freely by philanthropic CEOs.
members left us with little choice but men plant trees in whose shade
to file for a protected action ballot I would like to finish with an ancient
order (PABO) that would allow us to they know they shall never sit. Greek proverb: “A society grows great
take protected industrial action (PIA). when old men plant trees in whose
This would mark the first time in more shade they know they shall never sit.”
than 20 years that Worsley direct hires
If we don’t fight, we lose.

29

WA By ETU WA Organiser Damian Clancey

UNIONSVSSHELL ASIDE FROM THE JOB SECURITY CLAUSE,
MEMBERS ALSO WON:
WOARVEIRS !
► increased pay of $30k - $50k per annum
(inclusive of offshore allowance)

► i ncome protection for two years to
the value of 75% of salary

After a two-year battle that culminated in ► over cycle payment increased from X1.3 to X1.5
76 days of industrial action, members from
the ETU and the Offshore Alliance finally voted up ► f ixed roster cycles that can only be changed by
an agreement with Shell in September for agreement between employees and the company
an enterprise agreement (EA) on the Prelude
FLNG facility. ► c learly defined classifications and
career progression matrix
This industrial action is the longest and most significant
action ever undertaken on an offshore facility in ► a dispute settlement procedure clause
Australian waters. that includes FWC provision

The battle began in July 2020 when the combined unions ► increased travel allowance and training provisions
lodged a Majority Support Petition with the Fair Work
Commission (FWC) to force Shell to come to the bargaining ► r edundancy provision of 16 weeks plus
table and negotiate with their workers and representatives. three weeks per year of service

Shell used every legal avenue available to avoid negotiations ► p ayment of salary if subjected to
but were ultimately forced to bargain with the unions. mobilisation delays
Since bargaining began in February 2021, after a mammoth
22 meetings over 18 months and 76 days of strike action, ► i mprovements to personal leave and
we have reached agreement. compassionate leave.

At the start of negotiations the membership density across Shell workers took on a giant with a fierce ideological
the unions was less than 50%. Now over 90% of the workers opposition to collective bargaining - a multi-national company
are union members. with deep pockets that is used to dictating terms and having
things their way – AND THEY WON!
The number one point of contention with Shell was a job
security clause which prevents Shell from outsourcing core The crew never faltered and have finally won an industry
crew jobs. Their fierce opposition to having a job security standard EBA to be proud of. They are a credit to themselves,
clause in the EBA was the reason the dispute lasted so long. to their industry and to the union movement.

30

Combined Skills Training Association (CSTA)

skilling up ETU members
post-trade
By CSTA Trainer David Von Kaleita

2022 has seen the Combined Skills and Training We are working on introducing additional courses such as
Association (CSTA) go from strength to strength. Hazardous Area, Instrumentation and Renewable Energy,
along with Restricted Electrical Licensing and Split Air-
Our classes in our new purpose-built facility in Conditioning to come later.
Bayswater are constantly booked to capacity
weeks ahead of schedule, and we have even Our electrical regulator (Energy Safety) may make
delivered a course on site in Port Hedland on a Continuous Professional Development (CDP) training
few separate occasions. mandatory for all licensed electrical workers, which most
likely will be in the form of a one-day refresher training
CURRENTLY, THERE ARE course prior to renewal of their licence. CSTA is prepared for
SIX MAJOR COURSES ON OFFER: this outcome. We believe it would be a positive thing for our
industry and ensure that all electrical workers are up to date
► E lectrical Contracting Course with the latest version of the wiring rules and changes to our
state’s regulations, of which recently, there have been many.
— a two-week course, mandatory for anyone wanting
to start their own electrical contracting business. Energy Safety has also released a survey to interested
stakeholders regarding their views on Low Voltage Rescue
► L ow Voltage Rescue and CPR and CPR courses also being mandatory requirements
for renewal of electrical licenses. These changes would
— although not yet mandatory, our regulator is obligate the thousands of electrical licence holders in WA
planning to include this course as a requirement to attain further training and increase safety outcomes for
for renewal of all electrical licenses. our members.

► E lectric Shock and Accident Investigation The future is looking bright for CSTA.

— currently in very high demand by major To find out what courses are coming up and to
mining companies. book, visit combinedskills.com.au

► C hecking and Testing Electrical
Installations

— a great refresher for testing electrical installations
and to keep up to date on all the latest changes with
standards and legislation.

► Electrical Construction Wiring Course

— everything you need to know about
AS:NZS 3012 and how to comply.

► Service Apparatus Connection Scheme

— this course is modified accordingly to be
applied to Western Power, Rio Tinto or BHP.

31

From the State Secretary

QLD/NT It’s been another big year for workforce based on fear of losing
the QLD & NT branch, and a their jobs. Before the LNP’s Building
great year nationally, after we Code made it illegal, we had clauses
collectively toppled the anti- in all our agreements that protected
worker Morrison Government workers against this. Now with the
and ended a decade of abolition of the Code, we will see
conservative government in these fundamental protections for
this country. It is always workers go back into our agreements
great to see our Union band and hopefully our awards, and we will
together for the greater good. continue to smash companies who
engage labour hire for longer than
In February, we launched the SET FIRE six weeks.
TO LABOUR HIRE campaign ahead
of the federal election, to stamp out This biggest win for us has been
grubby labour hire companies in our landing the Queensland and Jobs
industry. Under consecutive grubby Energy Plan. We have been working
LNP federal governments, labour with the state government over the
hire has become a business model last two years to deliver a world-first
for employers to reduce wages and energy plan. The plan incorporates
conditions and create a compliant an energy workers’ transition charter
workforce. As we know, these labour that will pick up all the needs of the
hire companies employ workers on transitioning workforce and their
casual contracts, only have to pay communities. Government has agreed
the award rate with 25% loading to set up a fund that allows sufficient
and can terminate their employees funding for retraining, early retirement
with one hour’s notice and no reason and a whole lot more. Our three
given, which creates a compliant main goals are to maintain the public
ownership that we currently have, to

Access the Queensland
Energy Plan!

Peter Ong
ETU QLD & NT State Secretary
32

secure the workers’ charter and the of service improving work conditions roof mounted solar array, 2 5kW
renewable energy procurement policy for our members and his massive rooftop PV applications, PV battery
(best practice principles). All of this contribution to the electrical trade. As storage/control room, 100ft cell
comes at a cost of around $60 billion. I write this, our State Council has just tower, and the new training college.
The fact that the state government was endorsed Jason Young as the president This new facility will provide future-
not prepared to stand the energy plan of our branch. Youngy has been a proofed training opportunities for
up without our Union’s agreement is a Union official for 20 years and I know electrical workers.
testament to our campaigning ability. that he will continue to fight for better
conditions for our members in his new The next ten years are going to see
In August, former branch President role as president. some massive transformations in our
Keith McKenzie was appointed as industry that will create some great
Commissioner for Electrical Safety in As I write this, we are preparing for the job opportunities for our members
Queensland. Macca was appointed as doors to open at the new Electrogroup as well as some challenges. The
a Union official in 1999 and served as training facility in Brisbane. The new Queensland and Northern Territory
assistant secretary and most recently training facility is owned by industry, branch is leading from the front and
President of our branch. Macca and I through a partnership between our making sure that our members are
started as officials six months apart branch, Electrogroup, and Master well educated and well-placed to take
some 23 years ago and have seen Electricians. It’s the first of its kind in on the new roles.
some massive changes to our industry Australia and something we are proud
and our Union. We’ve been through to have initiated and been involved IF YOU DON’T FIGHT YOU LOSE.
some harsh attacks and some grubby in. The renewable training field will
governments. I wish to personally consist of a 25m section of a wind ONGY.
thank Macca for his friendship and turbine, a 5kW wind turbine connected
support over the last 23 years. It goes to an electrolyser to deliver green Ongy addresses workers
without saying that Macca will be hydrogen, 18kW solar car port with during the election
missed and on behalf of the QLD and charging stations, a 54kW ground-
NT branch, I would like to extend a mounted, fixed-tilt solar PV array, a
huge thank you to Macca for his years 3kW solar PV dual axis tracker, 10kW

Ongy and
Organiser Shawn

Access the Queensland
Energy Wokers Charter!

Peter Ong signs the
Queensland Energy
Workers Charter

Electrogroup training facility render

33

QLD/NT 100 editions:40 years
of the Electrical Worker

Earlier this year the QLD another major issue of the day. 40 The first edition of the Electrical Worker
& NT branch of the ETU years on we are proud of our journal - 1982
celebrated the publication which is still delivering relevant
of it’s 100th edition of the information and discussion around
Electrical Worker. issues facing our members in their
workplace as well as the broader Union
“It’s been 40 years since the first and social issues of the day.” – ETU
edition was distributed to members. QLD & NT State Secretary Peter Ong.
In the very first edition secretary
Neil Kane warned members about In this feature we showcase a variety
the dangers of chemicals used in the of Electrical Worker covers that vividly
electrical industry such as PCBs. capture some of the key defining issues
The ACTU’s ban on uranium mining, facing our union over the past 40 years
processing and exportation was from SEQEB to Newman, from climate
change to labour hire and much more.

YRAW election special 2007 Rights on Site and climate change 2008 ETU takes on Bligh over privatisations:
– Howard’s defeat Not4Sale Mark 1 2009 campaign kicks off

Not4Sale, Ashgrove billboard: 100 years of ETU Qld and NT 2015 Union Win! May Day back in May 2016
This successful campaign helped bring
down Newman in 2015

34

Iconic Victory to the ETU float at the 86’ Mt Isa Mine Dispute 1995 – the fight for the Huge win - 36-hour week on the way for
Labour Day march, post SEQEB right to remain an ETU member contracting industry 2003

QR found guilty in federal court over ETU signs historic Indigenous Social Operation Energise on hand after Yasi and
privatisation restructure with a massive fine Compact with North Queensland Land Brisbane floods 2011
imposed 2010 Council in 2010

The iconic COVID-19 cover with a 2020 ETU Set Fire to Labour Hire campaign 2022 Commemorating our centenary edition
logo ‘Union of Essential Electrical Workers!’ launchedv 2022: 100 editions down!

35

QLD/NT Operation Energise: 16 years on,

»»still going strong
Back in 2006, following the devastation suffered in Far North “It’s humbling to be part of this… I’m
Queensland at the hands of Cyclone Larry, former State President honoured to be asked to be part of
Keith ‘Macca’ McKenzie, former State Secretary the late Peter something that helps communities get
‘Simmo’ Simpson and current National and NSW State Secretary back on their feet.”

Allen Hicks got together and decided, as a Union, they needed to act. For ETU member Vashti Arndt, who

was an apprentice at the time, the

“We were getting reports from Ergon As the deployments have continued, 2019 deployment to Townsville gave

crews saying lots of people couldn’t Macca couldn’t be prouder of the crews her an opportunity to put Union values
get back online even after power that have been at the forefront of into action.

had been restored at street level recoveries.

because the points of attachment to “Operation Energise is driven by core There are few things that
the homes were damaged or ripped Union values of acting together as a can make you prouder than
off completely. Local contractors community to help and protect those being able to use your trade
were booked up and many people that need it most.”
who weren’t insured couldn’t afford to assist people and
to replace the point of attachment. “It’s also about helping community communities in need.
We decided to do something to help,” groups in areas that have been
said Macca. completely impacted, where houses

Calls to state-owned power companies have been shattered. If we can get the “I was keen as a bean to go, I wanted
Ergon, Energex, Powerlink and local dance school up and running to test myself and put my Union values
electrical supply industry contractors or tennis facility or hockey field or into action. As a Union we work every
were made. Volunteers were sourced scout group going it gives people a day to make sure people work safe
and the rest is history. bit of hope.” and come home to their families.
This is an extension of that. It is a
16 years later and the operation has Bruce Humphrys, a veteran of many fantastic opportunity to help people
helped thousands of Queenslanders deployments, agrees. and community groups who need
and hundreds of community groups the help to get back on their feet. We
get back on their feet, whilst also “We go into communities and work bring hope to people and that’s a great
providing opportunities for more than with them to back up the work they thing to do.”
100 ETU tradespeople and apprentices are already doing. It’s making sure that
to experience something special and we get together so that the whole of Set up by the ETU, Operation Energise
rewarding. society can move on, and no one in works in partnership with Energex,
need gets left behind. We check, we Ergon, EQL and Powerlink Queensland
“There are few things that can make chat, and we provide some hope and and alongside the support of electrical
you prouder than being able to use your practical assistance.” contracting companies. Contractors
trade to assist people and communities supply workers and fully equipped
in need,” said Macca in 2011 after being Another veteran Brett Hanan who has vehicles. EQL supplies meals,
part of Energise after Cyclone Yasi. been involved since 2011 is inspired by accommodation, and PPE. The ETU
the resilience shown by communities
and is proud to work with them.

trains the crew and coordinates the

deployments.

Operation Energise is driven
by core Union values of acting

together as a community to
help and protect those
that need it most.

Operation Energise crew

36

ROLL OF HONOUR

► 2006 Cyclone Larry

– Far North Queensland

► 2008 The Gap Storms

– Southern Queensland

► 2011 Cyclone Yasi Operation Energise crew
with Lance McCallum
– Cairns and surrounds
– Far North Queensland HOW IT WORKS

► 2013 Bundaberg Floods Ads are placed in newspapers, online
and other media and social media
– Wide Bay channels advising of deployment
dates. Affected community members
► 2015 Cyclone Marcia who meet the criteria can call a 1800
number manned by the ETU’s Brisbane
– Rockhampton District office. Staff listen to the stories and
Central Queensland add details to the list of homes/
community groups to check and
► 2017 Cyclone Debbie reconnect. Often ETU office staff are State Labor member for Bundamba
the first people to hear the harrowing and proud ETU member, Lance
– Whitsunday’s personal stories and they are an McCallum said the Operation Energise
Central Queensland integral part of the process. Details are crews working in and around his
sent to the crews on the ground and electorate did a magnificent job in
► 2019 Townsville Floods the process continues for the length of providing hope and practical assistance
the deployment, usually averaging two to affected communities.
– North Queensland to three weeks.
“Crews of qualified electricians were
► 2022 Gympie and Macca says that one of the most working in Bundamba, Goodna and
Bundamba important things they can do when surrounding areas during March 2022.
they go into people’s homes who have This is an absolutely outstanding
– Wide Bay and lost everything is to sit and take the service for our local community, and
time to listen to them and learn about it’s aimed at getting power restored
Ipswich region what they’re going through and give safely and efficiently…for people
them hope. who are uninsured, sole parents,
Operation Energise crew pensioners, not-for-profits and
“Sitting down and having a cup of tea community groups.”
It’s humbling to be part of this... with them, once we’ve sorted out the
I’m honoured to be asked to be electrical part, is also really important. It’s appropriate to give Macca - one of
It gives them a chance to tell their the original architects of the initiative -
part of something that stories and an ear to listen to them. the final word.
helps communities get The crews also give them practical
information about services they can “Our crews have done some amazing
back on their feet. access, or government grants they can work in the past, assisting communities
apply for to help them rebuild their and groups to get back on their
homes and their lives. feet. From those early days back in
2006, Operation Energise has been
a powerful symbol of doing the
right thing.”

Proud to be Union.

Operation Energise
crew briefing

37

QLD/NT

Youngy’s story

Most people within our Union know Jason “Youngy” Young, either as Around a week later Jason got a call
the hardworking organiser looking after generation and rail or as the from his daughter who works at the
budding politician who came so close (64 votes) to becoming the MP skin clinic. She’d been asked by the
for Bowman in 2007. The memory still burns - but not as bad as the doctor to make an appointment for her
Queensland sun. dad. They had found a melanoma.

Jason is a stickler for safe systems of “I would go to a skin cancer clinic, “It was like time stood still, I just felt
work and committed to improve the curse it for being closed and take sick, I cancelled everything and made
health and safety of the members he a picture for future reference, urge the appointment. Suddenly, I thought
represents. He is of Scottish descent myself to make the call and then life of Simmo. Time was now measurable,
with skin that has a propensity to just takes over and it becomes a ‘gunna precious. I was shitting myself as
sizzle under the harsh Queensland do it soon’, ‘yep gotta remember to do I headed into the appointment,”
sun. Like so many of us, he had never that’ kinda thing, something that gets said Jason.
had a full skin check performed by kicked down the road. I have probably
a qualified professional…until it was done that five times since 2016 when Once there, accompanied by his
almost too late. Simmo was first diagnosed. wife Melissa, Jason was taken into
a consulting room and the specialist
“A discussion (read nagging) from “I was complacent, but that all changed explained what the biopsy showed.
my daughter resulted in her making when I finally made an appointment
an appointment for me, and I am and had my first full skin check. The “The doctor spoke for around 10-15
so grateful she cared enough to,” doctor was thorough and kept coming minutes, however all I could recall
said Jason. back to a non-descript pink spot on my was I had a stage two invasive pink
shoulder. He said, ‘it might be nothing melanoma that went down .4mm and
Jason, like so many others within our bad, but I just don’t like it - best to be that it would require a larger incision
great Union are still getting over the safe, let’s get it tested’.” and more regular skin checks, oh and
loss of Peter “Simmo” Simpson to that if I had waited another six months
melanoma just two years ago. At the “With biopsies done and dusted I there was a high possibility it could
time he was jolted into action but never got back to my normal life and time have grown to .75mm below the skin
followed through. seemed endless and infinite. The and entered my bloodstream as a
specialist wasn’t too worried, so stage three.”
neither was I. Life went on.”
“I said let’s do the surgery now, let’s
It was like time stood still, I just felt sick, I cancelled get it out, which he did.”
everything and made the appointment.
“After that I decided I couldn’t keep my
Suddenly, I thought of Simmo. Time was now stupidity to myself. Given the fairness
measurable, precious. I was shitting myself as of our skin, my immediate family have
greater risk factors and I needed to
I headed into the appointment. notify my daughters and sister that I
had a stage two melanoma. It wasn’t a
38 fun afternoon.”