Energy merger risks thousands of jobs, claims Unions NSW

Thousands of jobs are at risk from the planned merger of Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy, Unions NSW claims.

The Union group said that the NSW state government’s plans to merge the three companies could endanger jobs from “critical regions” like Western Sydney and Port Macquarie that it says cannot afford further cutbacks.

“This merger will remove a breadwinner for thousands of families in Western Sydney and Port Macquarie,” said Mark Lennon, Unions NSW Secretary.

“This state government appears to have abandoned its aim of promoting jobs and is proceeding with a slash and burn approach at a time when the state economy is already vulnerable.”

Unions NSW also claimed that the government announced the merger without consulting staff.

“This state government needs to think beyond crude accounting measures and consider the human impact of these cutbacks.”

“Families and communities will suffer,” concluded Lennon. “NSW deserves better.”