ETU criticises O’Farrell’s comments on electricity costs

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has criticised NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s suggestion to Julia Gillard that IR changes are key to reducing electricity costs.

The Australian reported that O’Farrell implored the Prime Minister to “take action on the industrial relations system” and “assist the NSW government in managing rising electricity costs”. O’Farrell reportedly claimed that wage rises and costly work practices will push up power bills.

According to ETU national secretary Allen Hicks, the detail of O’Farrell’s argument is of concern to the energy sector.

“While Mr O’Farrell’s headline claim is ridiculously laughable, the small print is actually very scary,” Hicks said. “To say that slashing the wages and conditions of power workers will have any real effect on electricity prices is obviously silly. But more than that, it is insulting to the power workers who do a great job for the people of NSW.

“These highly qualified workers are the ones who restore power after a storm. This work is out of hours, in adverse conditions and often in remote locations. They do a fantastic job. To suggest they should have their benefits cut for doing so is nothing short of an insult.”