Energy workers strike for higher pay

Essential Energy workers have downed tools in a fight for job security and a fair pay rise.

According to the Electrical Trades Union, despite months of negotiations, Essential Energy has refused to offer a fair and reasonable Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).

As a result, 1700 ETU members stopped work for more than one hour to attend a mass meeting to discuss further industrial action.

“Essential Energy’s proposed wage rises are below inflation and below industry standards set by other companies including Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Queensland Government-owned company Energy Qld,” said Allen Hicks, Secretary, Electrical Trades Union, NSW & ACT Branch.

“Essential Energy is a multi-billion dollar NSW Government-owned company, yet it is asking its workers to fund their own superannuation increases, again failing to meet industry or ethical standards.

“Inflation rose 0.8% this quarter, and 3.0% over the 12 months to September.

“It cannot be overstated, any wage rise below inflation is a pay cut and that is what Essential Energy has so far offered.

“Electrical workers contribute significantly to rural and regional communities and deserve better.

“Maintaining the value of real wages doesn’t just help them, it benefits local economies which have been battered by floods, bushfires, droughts and COVID-19.

“The ETU will not stop fighting for an offer that maintains job security, real wages and services to the public.

“Essential Energy can end further industrial action by offering a fair pay rise and passing on national legislated super increases starting at 0.5% this year.

“Local ETU members will also be seeking meetings with their MPs and will ask their elected representatives to support a fair pay rise and job security for local power workers.”

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