LIVEWIRE United We Stand IN 2016 THE FIGHT CONTINUES - GET ONLINE - ETU NSW
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LIVEWIRE
ETU NSW
SUMMER 2015 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ELECTRICAL TRADES UNION
United We Stand
IN 2016
THE FIGHT
CONTINUES
GET ONLINE ETUnsw @NSW_ETU www.etunsw.com.au
TAKING YOUR SUPER
WITH YOU IS AS EASY AS
Changing jobs doesn’t mean you need to change your super. Keep your EISS account and
continue to receive a number of great benefits including:
ABC
low fees;
solid investment returns; and
outstanding member service.
All you need to do is ask your new employer to pay your super contributions into your EISS Super
account. A portable super account eliminates the need for multiple accounts and the associated
risk of lost super. Having a single account also means you only pay one set of fees, receive less
paperwork and your super will be easier to monitor and manage.
To take your super with you, simply follow the three easy steps outlined below.
A
Go online and visit:
eisuper.com.au/choice
This will enable you to access the
‘Super Standard Choice form’.
B Print and complete the
‘Super Standard Choice form’.
Once completed provide the ‘Super Standard
Choice form’ to your Employer. It’s that simple!
C
If you require assistance or would like to discuss the option
of a family member joining EISS please call 1300 369 901.
The information in this document is current as at the date of issue, is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial
situation or needs. Before you act on the information contained in this document or make an investment decision about whether to acquire an EISS product, consider its
appropriateness having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement which is available at eisuper.com.au
or by contacting Member Services on 1300 369 901. This document is issued by Energy Industries Superannuation Scheme Pty Limited ABN 72 077 947 285 (the Trustee),
RSE Licensee L0001373 and AFS Licence 441877 as trustee for Energy Industries Superannuation Scheme Pool A ABN 22 277 243 559, RSE R1004861 - Pool B ABN 64 322 090 181,
RSE R1004878 (the Scheme). Throughout this document the Trustee may be referred to as ‘EISS’, ‘EISS Financial Planning’, ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’.
DON’T STEVE’S
TENT
GAMBLE SAY...
CON
your FUTURE
I want to start my final column for 2015 by thanking every
ETU member for your support and for your trust in me and
my team during the recent ETU/CEPU elections. ENERGY
Members need a strong united leadership
team to hold unscrupulous bosses to
The past year has been difficult. Further
job losses are likely in the short to
STORAGE
account. I am proud to serve as your medium term. We will always fight to
07
Secretary. I know that my team has what deliver well-paid, secure jobs but we
it takes to stand up for ETU members. must also consider possible threats. WORKERS’ SACRIFICE
After the union election we have a At BlueScope Steel ETU members
SAVES PORT KEMBLA
new ETU Assistant Secretary – Dave were forced to make a tough decision. STEELWORKS
09
McKinley – who many of you know. Accept up to 500 job losses to save a
Congratulations Dave! couple of thousand, or go all in and MANUFACTURING
With Neville Betts as the CEPU Assistant fight to the death which could have GOOD EBAs keep
Secretary we have a good balance of resulted in thousands of jobs lost and MEMBERS AHEAD
total plant closure. Union members
11
experience and new ideas.
Congratulations also to all our officials
overwhelmingly voted to keep the plant
open and save as many jobs as possible.
105 NOT OUT
who were successfully elected or re- TED OUR OLDEST
elected to positions as Organisers. These The ETU has enjoyed a significant win
recently in electricity distribution –
MEMBER
14
officials have proved committed and
hardworking through a challenging, forcing Essential to keep people at
work and winning an argument that the
DISTRIBUTION:
relentless period.
current no forced redundancy provision FAIR WORK ‘NO’ TO
During the election I committed to new remains valid despite agreements FORCED REDUNDANCIES
17
initiatives to improve the union’s service having expired. However I believe we
to our members. One was to establish a
new member contact centre.
must proceed cautiously. WIN-WIN
We are now in delicate negotiations EBA DELIVERS
In November we launched Campaign
ETU – a new member contact team to
being facilitated by Fair Work. If we 11.5% PAY RISE
19
cannot reach agreement, it is my view
better serve ETU members. This initiative
will result in improved communication
that Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential FUTURE SWEETER
and service. We will continue to review
will unleash a new round of legal action
to cancel the existing agreements, appeal
FOR SUGAR MILL
Campaign ETU to ensure our union the most recent ETU wins and/or seek full
WORKERS
21
remains strong and viable. arbitration of all three distribution EBAs.
Now to some of the big issues currently If the companies choose to go down this
ASBESTOS VICTIMS
facing members. road – and they will – and if they succeed, & FAMILIES
ETU members are under increasing ETU members may be faced with the total SIDELINED
pressure around job security. removal of current no forced redundancy
24
We saw this in provisions and we could face mass forced
manufacturing with redundancies whether we like it or not. WHITE BAY TECH
BlueScope, the Based on this likely scenario, I believe
PRECINCT must
vegetation sector our members in distribution could be HONOUR WORKERS
28
with big changes forced to make a similar decision to
at Active Trees
and Eastern Tree
fellow ETU members at BlueScope. This ETU DAD behind
is a shitty situation but we must focus on
Services, and the securing the best possible agreement – not FEROCIOUS CHAMPION
massive changes gambling all of our chips on an uncertain
in the electricity outcome that we have no control over.
distribution
companies. Christmas is almost here. Enjoy your time UNION CONTACTS
with friends and family and your break if SYDNEY: 02 9267 4844
you are lucky enough to have one. NEWCASTLE: 02 4968 2488
Happy holidays to all and see you in 2016. WOLLONGONG: 02 4229 8711
STEVE BUTLER CANBERRA: 02 6163 6666
SECRETARY ETU NSW
SUMMER 2015 / 3
A revolution in energy storage technology may be set to disrupt
the electricity industry with the same force as Uber on taxis.
It is now clear that scientists, These systems use lithium ion That price excludes inverters, labour
corporations and policy-makers have batteries to store energy generated and the installer’s profit margin
dramatically underestimated the by solar power during the day. That – but it suggests that households
speed at which the new technology is power is then employed during peak will be able to buy the systems for
penetrating mass markets. electricity consumption periods in somewhere under AU$10,000.
the evening.
In 2013, the CSIRO predicted that Storage technology will not see most
reduced storage costs would see
some consumers exiting the grid Australia is ideally placed of NSW’s 150,000 solar households
go off-grid, but many may achieve
by 2040. as an energy storage significant energy independence
more quickly than analysts predict.
That timeline has now accelerated so
rapidly that the first competitively-
market because of our But the energy storage revolution
priced battery storage systems will relatively high electricity will not be limited to households
hit the household market in 2016. – larger users such as industry and
Three companies will launch
prices, our powerful sun whole communities could be better
groundbreaking energy storage and our already strong placed to exploit the new technology.
systems for Australia homes: Tesla, Transgrid has installed a commercial-
Samsung and Bosch. uptake of solar systems. scale system at the company’s West
Sydney site.
A 7-kilowatt Tesla Powerwall system
for home use – scheduled for Called ‘iDemand’, the installation
launch in Australia by 2016 – sells to includes lithium polymer batteries,
American installers for US$3,000. solar panels and energy efficient
LED lights.
4 / SUMMER 2015
iDemand has cut Transgrid’s electricity At today’s prices, it could cost $7 and those that can not afford energy
usage by up to half at peak times and million for the town to be energy independence.
achieved a substantial reduction in self-sufficient. However falling
‘The ETU intends to be a strong voice
carbon emissions. technology prices could see this
in conversations about the new
drop to $4 million by 2020.
The company views iDemand as a technology with industry, communities
‘demand management’ model that A promising feasibility study and and politicians,’ said Steve.
can ‘reduce electricity bills in the long strong community support bode well
‘We are ideally placed to provide
term while still ensuring a safe and for Tyalgum, however the cooperation
the expert advice and industry
reliable supply’. of the NSW Government and Essential
experience both in policy debates
Energy will be required to make the
‘By reducing peak demand, we can and on the ground.
ambitious project a reality.
defer or avoid the need to build
‘We will stand up to ensure this
new transmission lines, cables and
substations,’ says Transgrid. ETU Secretary Steve technology is installed and maintained
by qualified electrical workers. We
Energy storage innovations Butler believes there will will also stand up to make sure grid
will also allow some towns and connections remain available.’
community cooperatives to minimise be a continuing need ‘Not everyone can spend thousands
dependence on the grid, perhaps as
early as 2020. However most of these to maintain a reliable, of dollars on storage. People need a
strong advocate to ensure a reliable
communities will need to maintain a
backup grid connection.
safe and affordable network with centralised generation
One of the first towns to go it alone mainstream energy grid. – coal fired or renewables – is
maintained,’ said Steve.
may be Tyalgum, which sits at the end
But Steve also believes that ‘The ETU has led the electricity
of the grid an hour’s drive north-west
the electricity industry will be industry through massive changes
of Byron Bay.
transformed, ready or not. over the past 100 years.
This town of 300 people currently
‘We are seeing a revolution in our ‘We will continue to organise and
spends up to $750,000 per annum
industry but it’s not the first time we represent electricity workers through
on electricity, 55 percent of which is
have stared in the face of change,’ the next and subsequent rounds of
paid to Essential Energy for network
said Steve. technological advancement.’
services.
‘This can be unsettling at one
The community is working with
level, but at another it offers great
consultancies Australian Radio
opportunities. For ETU members, it
Towers and Energy for the People
means a vast new demand for our
on a plan to power the town with
electrical skills.
renewable energy.
‘Our Australian electrical licensing
Residents would share electricity
and wiring standards will be
generated by solar panels – placed
essential in ensuring that this hugely
either on the roofs of Tyalgum’s 120
beneficial technology is installed
mainly north-facing houses, or in one
and maintained safely by qualified
large installation nearby.
electrical workers.’
Energy for the People estimates that
Existing transmission and distribution
2.5 hectares of solar panels paired with
networks will always be required
30 square metres of battery storage
to meet a large part of the power
would allow the town to run on
needs of industry and households –
renewable energy, with grid backup.
including the disadvantaged, elderly
SUMMER 2015 / 5
By Dave McKinley, ETU Assistant Secretary
I’M HERE TO HELP
NSW NEWS
As your newly elected Assistant Secretary, I look forward to building on the
great traditions of our union to meet the many challenges we face today.
My responsibilities are twofold: who constantly rip you off. But the highlight of my time as an
to oversee our industrial work ETU official was the Your Rights at
I remember the support I got in those
and to ensure the ETU bounces Work campaign in 2007.
days from ETU organisers such as
back and grows.
Kevin Power. That magnificent national effort
Our union has taken some body proved the union movement has real
In 1997 I began working for Kone
blows in recent years but I am power and relevance to make change.
lifts’ repair department. For five
optimistic because we move forward
years I earned my living side-by-side The ETU has been part of my life for
with two big advantages.
with some of the ETU’s staunchest 32 years but my union values go back
Firstly, we are a united and dedicated members. There were plenty of generations.
leadership team under our Secretary disputes in those days including
My father and grandfather were
Steve Butler. Secondly, we represent industrial action we took in the late
thousands of brilliant people across 1990’s for six weeks to get the pay both labour movement activists.
the electrical industries. rise we deserved. I was proud to Mum is an ALP member and has
eventually be elected main shop been a community volunteer in a
Like all ETU elected officials I number of areas including literacy
steward at Kone.
come out of the trade. My 20 and people with disabilities.
years in the industry gave me an Then in 2002 I joined the
essential grounding in the realities ETU team as an organiser. So long before I was old enough to
That saw me assisting members join a union, I understood the essence
of electrical work.
in manufacturing and metals of unionism quite well: it’s about
I started out as an apprentice at helping people.
Garden Island naval dockyard way
and companies like Qantas
and ANSTO. Because by helping others we make
back in 1983.
Australia what it is..
Later I worked with contractors big From 2004, as well as taking on
and small across the construction Country Energy (as they were then) in
the Central West, my responsibilities
and electrical THAT’S WHAT
shifted back to two industries I know
contracting I’M HERE FOR
and love: construction and lifts.
industries. TODAY
As a young The hard-fought campaign for the AS YOUR
worker I 2012 construction EBA shows what ETU ASSISTANT
experienced ETU members can achieve when we SECRETARY.
stick together.
the tough
side – like Against strong employer resistance,
TO HELP.
small we won clauses that prevented the
employers bosses from using labour hire to
undercut wages and conditions.
6 / SUMMER 2015
WORKERS’ SACRIFICE SAVES
PORT KEMBLA
STEELWORKS
More than 5,000 local jobs have been saved after
BlueScope steelworkers voted to accept a wage freeze and job cuts.
The company said Port Kembla
Steelworks would close unless
We didn’t want to ‘No-one is happy to lose pay but
the clear majority understand
employees accepting the
cost-cutting measures.
lose any jobs, it’s a very what a disaster we faced.’
Around 1,300 people work at the
tough outcome,’ said BlueScope also received a
significant payroll tax deferment
steelworks and a second plant at Allen. ‘But at this stage from the NSW Government.
Spring Hill, also owned by BlueScope.
it seems the direct impact Following the vote and
The Spring Hill plant, which makes government assistance,
Colorbond steel, is profitable but the on ETU members BlueScope withdrew
steelworks has struggled in recent
years under pressure from cheaper will be contained. the closure threat and
management made optimistic
Chinese product. statements about the
Allen is hopeful any electrical steelworks’ future.
ETU shop steward Allen Dron, an redundancies will be voluntary
electrical maintenance planner at with several ETU members being
Spring Hill, said management and redeployed.
unions had cooperated to solve a crisis.
However he is concerned that
‘We were pretty advanced with BlueScope refused to provide a three-
bargaining for a new enterprise year guarantee on the future of the
agreement when the company steelworks, as requested by unions.
hit us with the threat to close the
steelworks,’ said Allen. ‘This is a good outcome because we
have kept the steelworks alive, but we
‘Once we saw the figures, we knew do not know for how long,’ said Allen.
we had no choice but to compromise.
There were thousands of direct and ‘I’ve worked here for 40 years and ETU
indirect jobs and the future of our in that time I’ve been part of six delegate
community on the line.’ restructures. Since 2008 there have ALLEN
been regular concerns about viability DRON
Around $200 million in savings but this year it hit a tipping point.’
had to be found to keep
BlueScope steelmaking viable. The company required workers
at both the steelworks and
Employees voted to accept a three- the Spring Hill plant to
year wage freeze and the removal of a vote for the cost-cutting
bonus in the first year. Bonuses have package – although only
typically delivered around 2 percent the steelworks was openly
of wages annually. threatened with closure.
Approximately 500 jobs will go – Spring Hill employees
including around 220 staff positions voted narrowly to accept
and up to 280 waged workers. Of the the package but this
latter, most redundancies are in non- reflected a ‘protest vote’,
trades areas. according to Allen Dron.
SUMMER 2015 / 7
Neville Betts, CEPU Assistant Secretary
NATIONAL UPDATE
LOOK AFTER
YOUR MATES,
AND YOURSELF
The issue of electricity privatisation has faded from the
headlines, but for some ETU members the pain continues.
Of course as blokes we never like We’ve seen high-profile people anxiety. Other anxiety symptoms
to admit we are in pain, especially such as Sydney Swans star Buddy include constant worrying, obsessive
mental pain. Franklin go public with their own thinking, racing heart and avoiding
battles. everyday activities.
It’s ‘no worries’, ‘she’ll be right mate’
and ‘harden up’. If you break a bone or suffer a deep Drinking too much or taking
gash, you get medical assistance. We
But there are times when it is
are coming to accept that it needs to drugs can also be related to
natural to feel mental pain.
be the same with mental health. depression and anxiety.
Look at what many ETU members
If you work in the distribution These conditions can be caused by
have been through in recent years:
industry, there’s a fair chance you a combination of events – health
massive uncertainty, financial
or someone you work with has and relationship issues but also
insecurity and major change forced
experienced these conditions. employment problems.
on us by self-serving management
and a ruthless state government. The good news is that support is Maybe you are doing OK but what
available – and the right support is about your workmates? Have a
If that doesn’t hurt you are kidding
proven to be effective. look around. Is there someone
yourself.
I’ve listed some contacts below who needs support?
At some time in their lives, where you can get information PROFESSIONAL
one in eight Australian and help. These services are free.
They offer specialist advice for men
SUPPORT SERVICES
men will suffer depression for ETU MEMBERS
dealing with depression or anxiety.
and one in five will The distribution companies also
experience anxiety. offer employee support services.
LIFELINE:
13 11 14
Many are reluctant www.lifeline.org.au
So how do you recognise
to talk about it BEYOND BLUE:
or seek help. I
depression, how is it different
1300 224 636
understand from just being sad? www.beyondblue.org.au
that – none of
us wants to If you feel sad, overwhelmed, angry SANE AUSTRALIA:
or unable to sleep or concentrate for 1800 187 263
appear weak. www.sane.org
more than a fortnight, that could be
Mental health depression. Not wanting to go out, HEADSPACE YOUTH
issues were see friends and family or take part in SERVICES:
once taboo activities can also indicate depression. 1800 650 890
but I am glad www.headspace.org.au
to see that is Then there is the even more
changing. common condition of anxiety. MATES IN CONSTRUCTION
We all feel anxious at times, but if 1300 642 111
those feelings are uncontrollable www.matesinconstruction.org.au
and ongoing you may be suffering
At some time in their lives, one in eight
Australian men will suffer depression
and one in five will experience anxiety.
8 / SUMMER 2015
GOOD
keep members ahead
AT TWO MANUFACTURING SITES
ETU members at two manufacturing sites
have defied industry trends to gain pay rises
well above the national average.
The wage increases are included in The enterprise agreement with increases to our members at these
new enterprise agreements at the Parmalat also delivers improvements two sites.
Silanna and Parmalat companies in delegate rights and disciplinary and
based in Western Sydney. consultation procedures. These good news
Both agreements deliver pay hikes
worth a minimum 3 percent per year
Casual workers will be offered
permanent positions after six months agreements stand in
plus improved working conditions.
These outcomes easily exceed the
and a competency-based classification
structure will be introduced. contrast to the pressure
average national wage growth of 2.3 Working conditions for ETU members other manufacturing
percent and outstrip many recent will be further improved by planned
manufacturing agreements. upgrades to the workshop. workers are experiencing,
‘Wages growth across the economy
is the lowest since 1998 and the
‘Negotiations at Parmalat were
efficient, mature and constructive. The
said Ben.
manufacturing sector has faced tough employer listened to workers’ concerns ‘At Bluescope Steel our members
times of late,’ said ETU organiser Ben and we got a fair outcome,’ said ETU were forced to accept a wage freeze
Lister. organiser Ben Lister. with limited job losses to avoid
total plant closure. We’ve also seen
So it’s great to
There are 18 ETU members at
Parmalat’s Lidcombe factory which manufacturing job losses in the
Central West in
see union members makes a range of brands including
Pauls, Oak, Vaalic and Ice Break. recent
years.’
achieving good These workers will receive pay rises
of 3.25 percent in each of the next
outcomes that four years.
keep their wages The company holds the NSW contract
for Woolworths milk and has also
ahead of inflation. seen growth in international
business.
ETU members at computer
components maker Silanna will Parmalat employs 2,500 people
receive a total of 9 percent in pay rises nationally and has contracts
over the next three years. with 500 diary farmers.
The Olympic Park-based company has ‘ETU members at Parmalat
also extended compassionate leave – and Silanna should take
an important benefit because many satisfaction at achieving
employees need extra time to attend good agreements in difficult
family funerals overseas. economic times,’ said
Ben Lister.
As Livewire went to print, ETU
members at one of Australia’s biggest ‘Inflation is at 2.1 percent
dairy corporations were voting on and average wage growth
an agreement that includes pay rises just 2.3 percent. This means
wage increases of 3 and 3.25 ETU Organiser
worth 13 percent over four years.
percent deliver real wage BEN LISTER
outside Silanna.
SUMMER 2015 / 9
CANBERRA
LIGHT RAIL
JOBS BONANZA
Hundreds of new jobs for ETU members
will be created with the construction of
a light rail link from mid-2016.
The Capitol Metro project will This follows a report released this ‘These developments will deliver
connect Canberra’s CBD with a year which found the ACT has the many jobs for present and future
growing population centre in the highest rates of death and serious ETU members,’ said Matt McCann.
northern suburb of Gungahlin. injuries in the construction industry ‘But beyond that we will see great
The project is expected to cost up across Australia. economic and social benefits for the
to $1 billion and is scheduled to be people of Canberra.’
‘We want to lock in clear employment
completed in 2019.
guidelines including delegate rights.
ETU organiser Matt McCann This is the biggest infrastructure project
estimates 3,500 jobs will be required in Canberra for a long time. It must
to complete the rail line. provide good wages and conditions
right through to the maintenance
‘Around half of those positions will be
phase,’ said Matt McCann.
in construction and many others will
be in ongoing maintenance,’ said Matt. Light rail is a hot political issue in
‘Many are in skill areas covered by the ACT after the Liberal Opposition
the ETU. Other specialist rail skills campaigned against its introduction.
aren’t here in Canberra and will need
At the territory election in 2016, the
to be trained.’
Liberal Party will continue to oppose
The ETU is in ongoing light rail and has vowed to cancel
contracts if elected.
discussions with the There are two consortia competing
ACT Labor Government to win the Capitol Metro project:
ACTivate, which includes Downer EDI
to ensure the Works, and Canberra Metro, which
includes John Holland.
project creates safe, ‘We are talking with Downer as a
well-paid jobs for locals. partner but we don’t have the same
level of open discussion with John
‘We called for a guaranteed local labour Holland,’ said Matt.
component and the Government The 12-kilometre light rail to
embraced that,’ said Matt. Canberra’s northern suburbs is
‘The light rail will be powered by an only the first stage of a 25-year
overhead line so transmission and plan backed by the ACT Labor
distribution skills are vital. There are Government.An additional
also opportunities all over the place three-kilometre extension
for ActewAGL.’ was included in the
project’s development
The tender process will include a application. Labor
strong occupational health and safety plans five other future
component, another ETU initiative. extensions, making light
rail a citywide system.
10 / SUMMER 2015
ETU organiser
MATT MCCANN105
NOT OUT
In 1975 Sydney County
Council forced George (Ted) Wale
TED
our oldest
to retire on his 65th birthday.
MEMBER
The problem was, Ted was not ready In 1956 Ted joined Sydney County Today George still attends Labor branch
to stop work. Not by a long shot. Council and the ETU, where he is still an meetings and is the go-to man for
Honorary member. neighbours with broken appliances. He
Forty years later, Ted is still working can pull apart and reassemble engines.
every day on a multitude of projects, He stopped attending retired members
His son Alen says Ted
from creating listening devices to fixing functions after all his mates died.
his neighbours’ appliances. At SCC Ted worked on special projects,
such as building the model for the Lane ‘comes to life when he’s
After celebrating his Cove testing laboratory and making
got a problem to solve’.
voltage-testing apparatus.
105th birthday this year, Ted had a long and increasingly specialist
Ted is the oldest living work career, but that was never enough
‘Everything he does is based on by
the book,’ said Alen. ‘Everything has
for this spectacular high achiever.
ETU member in NSW. He taught himself to play violin and
a purpose. He brings a mix of the
theoretical and his own practical
guitar by correspondence course. experience to every project.’
But more significant than Ted’s record-
He learned to paint and sketch – and Lately, Ted spends hours in his shed
breaking age is the extraordinary life he
his work has been displayed in local perfecting listening devices which he
has led.
exhibitions and on walls in federal hides around the property to monitor
For Ted Wale is a true polymath: defined parliament. the movements of family and
as a person whose expertise spans a neighbours.
significant number of different subject
areas; a person who draws on complex He is one of a kind who has out-
bodies of knowledge to solve specific lived and out-thought everyone
problems. around him.
The father-of-three arrived in Australia
aged nine as his family fled post-war
Britain in search of better prospects.
They settled in Lithgow where Ted met
and married local girl Alice, his partner
for 72 years.
As a young man, Ted read every book
in the Lithgow Library. He had the
intellectual capacity of an elite academic
but, being a working-class boy, he
became a tool maker at the Lithgow
Small Arms Factory instead.
From there Ted worked on military
projects including testing engines on
World War Two aircraft and installing
the first valve computer at Sydney
University. He gained electrical
qualifications on aircraft instruments.
SUMMER 2015 / 11JUSTIN PAGE
leads HUNTER UNIONS
INTO THE FUTURE
ETU organiser Justin Page is the new President of Newcastle Trades
Hall Council, the peak body for unions in the Hunter region.
Justin was elected unopposed
in August. He joins a leadership
In a difficult period for ‘ETU members have been
prominent in many of these
team committed to growing and the union movement, campaigns. We will be front and
modernising the regional union centre in the challenges to come,’
body. we’ve been able to grow said Justin.
‘We have a proud history since this year with three new ‘It is vital that local workers have a
being founded in 1885,’ said
Justin. ‘That makes Newcastle
unions affiliating. But we regional union presence to stand up
for communities on the issues that
Trades Hall Council the also have a strategic plan matter in Newcastle and the Hunter.’
oldest continuous peak union
organisation in Australia.’
to build an even stronger Affiliated unions have set an
Today NTHC is composed of
voice for the future, ambitious agenda for Newcastle
Trades Hall Council over the next
196 delegates from 25 unions said Justin. 12 months.
representing more than 66,000
The organisation will be rebranded
local workers. In recent years the NTHC backed as ‘Hunter Unions’ in a bid to boost
many campaigns including Stop communications, media reach and
the Sell Off and supported anti- social media interaction.
privatisation candidates in local
and state elections.
12LIVEWIRE / ETU NSW/ MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2014
SUMMER 2015CAMPAIGN
ETU & COMMUNICATIONS
BOOSTS CAMPAIGNS
The ETU has upgraded member
communications with the launch of
‘Campaign ETU’, a new member contact team.
Campaign ETU enables the union office ‘It allows us to tap into the views of Campaign ETU will also spring into
to talk directly with individual ETU members and to pass on the latest action when major campaigns and
members about key issues. updates that are most relevant to each rallies are being organised.
member,’ said Steve.
The centre also allows members to give Union members who have lapsed
immediate feedback straight to the Campaign ETU will boost the union’s into unfinancial status might also
union office. communication power during major get a reminder from the campaign
bargaining and campaign efforts. ETU team.
ETU Secretary Steve Butler said
Campaign ETU is in a trial period but One of the centre’s first jobs was to call ‘Campaign ETU is a flexible
the early signs are promising. Endeavour Energy employees after the
company revealed plans to propose a tool that adds to our ability
‘Campaign ETU is an non-union enterprise agreement. to protect, inform and
innovative and effective The ETU was able to counter company organise electrical workers,’
method of keeping in touch rumours, ensure the facts were clear
said Steve Butler.
and take on board comments from
with our members. members.
Then we have something
in common ...
ETU members get*:
4 A $100 petrol or grocery voucher
4 An immediate waiver of all 2 and 3-month
waiting periods
4 One month free cover when you’ve
been with us for six months
4 Special Healthy Dollars program when
you’ve been with us for two years!
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focus on serving you and your family rather backed by your union!
than making a profit from you?
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etu@rthealthfund.com.au
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SUMMER 2015
*Terms and / 13
conditions apply. © RT Health Fund 2015. 1215/3059FAIR WORK
DISTRIBUTION SECTOR
‘NO’ TO FORCED ETU legal actio
REDUNDANCIES
and Essential E
forced redunda
Fair Work Commission Vice
President Adam Hatcher delivered Essential wants to But ETU Secretary Steve Butler
has warned this could be a
a comprehensive victory for
ETU members in a decision
sack 1,400 workers and temporary victory.
on 2 November. I’m in the firing line so ‘Unfortunately this is a long way from
over,’ said ETU Secretary Steve Butler.
He ruled that ‘no forced redundancy’
clauses in enterprise agreements
I have a keen interest ‘We must have a Plan B in order to
minimise job losses.
continue to apply while those
agreements remain in place – even
in this case,’ said John. ‘It is likely that the companies will
pursue further legal action if we can
after nominal expiry dates. He called on the company to not reach agreement.
The decision had immediate effect reconsider its approach and ‘treat us
like people, not like numbers’. ‘This could include appealing the ETU
with Essential and Ausgrid unable
win, seeking to cancel the agreements
to continue aggressive unilateral ‘There are many who have the skills to outright or seeking full arbitration.
redundancy strategies. work and want to work, but Essential Any of these options could see the
ETU State Councillor John Morassutti, a is pursuing a scorched earth policy removal of the no forced redundancy
redeployed Essential employee based rather than cooperating to find agreement provisions,’ said Steve.
in Cooma, welcomed the union victory. solutions,’ said John.
EBA TALKS OVERSHADO
by REDUNDANCY DISPU
As Livewire went to print, the ETU is engaged in ‘interest-based bargaining’
Fair Work Commission with Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Ener
This follows a year of stalemate the parties will be able to reach an in- to be just going through the motions.
where the parties have been ‘a world principle agreement that can be put We suspect they may have a non-
apart’, according to ETU organiser to the employees before Christmas.’ union agreement up their sleeve but
Mark Buttigieg. ETU members will never accept that.’
Chatswood-based Ausgrid network
But Fair Work’s Senior Deputy tester David Costello said the ETU’s It’s a similar story at both Endeavour
President Hamberger was priorities are to maintain conditions, and Essential.
hopeful of a breakthrough ensure job security and achieve fair
Under the current interest-based
after early talks. pay rises.
bargaining process SDP Hamberger
‘Discussions (have) has ruled that negotiations must
been fruitful with all Our demands are moderate remain confidential – but ETU
parties coming to a yet we’ve seen management members will receive updates and will
good understanding of decide on any final agreement.
each others’ interests,’ come in with a 27-point
ETU Secretary Steve Butler says the
SDP Hamberger said
in a published
wishlist that would destroy union proceeded cautiously as the
statement. ‘I hard-won conditions, threat of further damaging legal action
and redundancies remain.
am hopeful
that, with said David. ‘These companies are ruthless and
some further cunning. They will work until they get
‘At the same time the company seems
discussions, their way,’ he said.
14 / SUMMER 2015FAT CAT
on has prevented Ausgrid PAY HIKES
expose
Energy from pursuing MANAGEMENT HYPOCRISY
ancies – for now. New financial information
‘Our aim is to
has exposed the hypocrisy of
minimise job distribution companies that
losses and
protect claim they cannot afford to
conditions
but it is
maintain jobs and conditions.
possible that Recently tabled annual reports from Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential
some job reveal government dividends. All three companies enjoy a strong,
losses may be healthy and secure financial position.
unavoidable.’
Other information has now exposed bonuses and salary hikes awarded
to Networks NSW CEO Vince Graham and nine other senior executives.
Graham received a $165,000 bonus in 2014/15 on top of his $789,970
salary and other perks.
All top executives got a pay rise in 2014/15 with some pay increases over
the past three years reaching as high as 53 percent.
Contrary to claims about dire financial straits, the reports detail a
marked jump in government profit per customer to $440 for Ausgrid
and $379 for Endeavour.
OWED The NSW Government clawed back more than $1.4 billion in
distributions from the three distributors and TransGrid in 2014/15.
UTE
Endeavour Energy ETU Organiser Brad Currey said the reports prove
management has behaved ‘disgracefully and unethically’ in current EBA
negotiations.
What has now come out is far from
’ at the what they told employees,’ said Brad.
rgy. ‘They said grid usage was down
The ETU will always fight to minimise when it is actually up over the past year.
job losses but it is highly likely there will
be further court battles if the union, on Brad said that Endeavour workers had been asked to take a
behalf of our members, cannot reach two-year wage freeze ‘while management pays themselves excessive
agreement with employers. pay increases’.
If the companies succeed in any future ‘It’s also hard to accept forced job cuts when the company is handing
legal challenge ETU members could out work to contractors hand over fist,’ said Brad.
be faced with an open slather forced
redundancy program, implemented NSW Government Dividends and Tax Equivalent Payments 2014/15 FY
without negotiation, and the permanent
removal of no forced redundancy Dividend Tax Equiv. Total Distributions
provisions.
to Govt.
In a situation that remains complex,
difficult and uncertain, one thing is AUSGRID $413.0m $176.7m $589.7m
guaranteed. Every single ETU member
will get to vote on any proposed ESSENTIAL ENERGY $133.9m $114.9m $248.8m
agreement before it can be certified.
ENDEAVOUR ENERGY $166.0m $104.2m $270.8m
Stay tuned to the ETU website for regular
updates for each company. TRANSGRID $178.5m $128.0m $306.5m
SUMMER 2015 / 15$4,000 BACKPAY
WON
for NECA APPRENTICES
ETU action has secured higher pay rates and more than $4,000 backpay
for a group of NECA group apprentices employed by Downer.
This ‘good little win’ came after six apprentices. These young guys are Earlier this year another apprentice
apprentices suffered a $5 per hour already doing it tough and struggling received $7,000 backpay after his
pay cut when they were shifted from to keep their head above water.” employer acted on incorrect advice
Downer’s construction division to the from NECA.
servicing division.
Let this be a Another
Organiser Steve Bankes said the union
warning to employers:
nine NECA
was able to ensure all the young apprentices
workers maintained their previous pay
rates while four received more than the ETU will fight to were
backpaid
$1,000 backpay each.
protect apprentice a total of
$35,000 after
‘We were able to stop the company
implementing a two-tier structure rates including in a builder
failed to pay
where group apprentices are paid
less than those directly employed,’ EBA negotiations. EBA site rates.
said Steve.
‘It perplexes me why some employers ‘For apprentices, this is a good lesson
continue to penny pinch from that it pays to be a union member.’ STEVE
BANKES
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As an ETU member, you have
exclusive access to the union’s
holiday cabins at Nambucca Heads.
The union provides these holiday cabins so
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a great holiday at affordable rates. Fun for
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Visit www.etunsw.com.au or call the ETU on (02) 9267 4844
16 / SUMMER 2015WIN-WIN
EBA DELIVERS
11.5% PAY RISE
A recent agreement in the electrical contracting sector proves that
cooperation delivers the best outcomes for both employers and workers.
More than 60 ETU members ‘Our boss took a different view to
‘WE’RE VERY
at Programmed Electrical some. The company trades on a
Technologies (formerly KLM) reputation for quality and that
have negotiated a new agreement rests on quality staff. Programmed
that delivers pay rises worth 11.5
percent over 3.5 years.
has a great team on board and
they want to keep those blokes,’ HAPPYwith
OUR EBA’
said Doug.
The EBA also reintroduces site
allowance based on a matrix that This win-win approach extended
peaks at $3.85 per hour for the to the issue of the proposed
biggest projects. Building and Construction Code, The general manager of
The company will now pay up
which some industry employers Programmed Electrical
have used as an excuse to attack
to 32 hours per week in case of
existing conditions. Technologies says his company’s
inclement weather and a stand
down clause has been removed. In fact the Code is just a document agreement with the ETU is ‘a good
without any force because it has result for our workforce and our
This is the level of agreement been rejected in the Senate and
business’.
may never be passed into law.
that has been resisted by
ETU organiser Brad McDougall said ‘It allows us to be competitive in the markets in
other employers elsewhere the negotiations at Programmed which we trade and provides industry leading
in the sector – but ETU had taken a simple and fair conditions for our workers,’ said Simon Keen.
approach to the Code.
delegate Doug Nurka ‘We agreed it was pointless to
‘Programmed has always taken a collaborative
approach to negotiating industrial agreements.
believes those companies implement a code which is
‘We have worked well with the ETU
are short-sighted. unlikely ever to apply,’ said Brad.
‘We also agreed that in the over many years to achieve good
unlikely event the Code
is passed, we will come
outcomes for our workers without
back and look at any jeopardising business profitability.’
relevant clauses in Simon said his company benefits from
the EBA.’ good employee relations.
‘There is certainly a competitive
advantage for companies that achieve
and maintain harmonious industrial
relations. As I visit our sites and talk to
our staff I see that they are exceptionally
engaged, motivated and happy to
work with Programmed.
‘It shows in the quality of
their work, comments
from our customers and
our financial results. We
are very happy with our
EBA,’ said Simon.
Simon Keen,
17
Doug Nurka and
ETU organiser
Brad McDougall. SUMMER 2015 /FORMER TRANSGRID
NATIONAL
snaps up
VALES POINT
SALE
DOES NOT ADD UP
for $1MILLION The NSW Government sold Transgrid on 25 November
Rich mate snaps up Vales Point for to a foreign-dominated consortium including a major
The NSW Government
$1 million
partner that has paid no tax for 10 years.
sold
TheVales Point sold Vales
NSW Government
Point Power Station for just $1
Power
millionStation
to a Nationalfor
Party mate.
Spark Infrastructure – which owns The net proceeds of the sale will be
vast parts of the Victorian and around $7.3 billion after debt and
just $1 million to
Trevor St Barker, a formera South Australian power networks transaction costs are deducted.
Nationals candidate and donor, – is responsible for rising prices,
former National Party
also took on liabilities including maintenance cuts and aggressive
TransGrid’s regulated asset base
alone was valued at $6.19 billion
Candidate.
four-year employment guarantees tax avoidance.
so NSW will be just $1 billion
for 300 employees.
Research by the Tax Justice better off due to this privatisation
One commentator suggested St Network reveals that Spark had —the equivalent of four years of
Barker – who is one of Australia’s not paid a cent in company tax dividend payments.
richest men with well over $300 for 10 years, despite owning highly
‘Given TransGrid paid $306.5
million in assets – may have profitable monopoly assets.
million in dividends and other
secured ‘the steal of the century’.
‘We know what the TransGrid payments to the people of NSW
SOLD
It’s estimated the cost of a new privatisation means for tax last year, this is an incredibly poor
plant would be $2 billion. Some revenues because we’ve seen outcome,’ said Dave.
analysts believe that the market what Spark did in Victoria,’
The consortium includes partners
for black coal power, such as Vales ETU Assistant Secretary
from Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.
Point, is recovering. Dave McKinley said.
After the sale of transmission
Vales Point Power Station, on the ‘Prices rose, infrastructure
company Transgrid, the NSW
shores of Lake Macquarie, south of investment crumbled, regional
Government called for expressions
Newcastle, has two 660 megawatt jobs were slashed, and revenues to
of interest from potential buyers
generating units. government dried up with profits
Trevor St Barker, a former for Ausgrid, the first of two
aggressively shifted offshore.
The 50-year-old
Nationals candidateplant has now
and donor, distributors to be privatised.
also took on liabilities including the
been offloaded
average
for $1 million,
price of a Sydney home.
This consortium of
four-year employment guarantees
for 300 employees. big banks, foreign
One commentator suggested St governments and
Barker – who is one of Australia’s
richest men with well over $300
tax avoiders has now
million in assets – may have been handed the keys
secured ‘the steal of the century’.
to the NSW
It’s estimated the cost of a new
plant would be $2 billion. Some transmission network.
analysts believe that the market
Since 2005, TransGrid has
for black coal power, such as Vales
paid $2.4 billion to the NSW
Point, is recovering.
Government. This sale puts
Vales Point Power Station, on the an end to that sustainable
shores of Lake Macquarie, south of ongoing revenue stream.
Newcastle, has two 660 megawatt
generating units.
The 50-year-old plant has now
been offloaded for $1 million, the
average price of a Sydney home.
18 / SUMMER 2015FUTURE ETU members at three
SWEETER
North Coast sugar mills
want to ensure they
stay ahead as
for SUGAR MILL the industry pulls
WORKERS out of a slump.
Around 20 electricians work for Delegate Carl McKay, from the
Sunshine Sugar – a cooperative half- Broadwater mill, south of Ballina, said
Cane is harvested in tranches
owned by 400 cane farmers – in mills the sugar industry is emerging from a
throughout the year and processed
at Broadwater, Harwood and Condong. challenging period.
first into raw sugar. Further processing
They are set to negotiate a new ‘We understand that, but we also produces white sugar and the
enterprise agreement – after months understand the sugar price has byproduct of molasses.
‘tidying up’ the antiquated agreement bounced back and this year’s crop
that currently governs their pay and
conditions.
has improved after a few lean years,’
said Carl. ‘We intend to protect our
The bagasse (pulp residue)
Working with management, ETU
conditions and the real value of our from the Broadwater and
delegates and organiser Ben Lister
wages.’
Condon mills is used as
whittled down the old document from The ETU claim also includes job
99 to 55 pages. security, income protection insurance biofuel, generating 30
‘It was laborious at times but we had
and a stronger consultation clause
related to major change.
megawatts of greenpower
to take care we didn’t give away any
conditions that are still relevant today,’ Negotiations are underway with back into the grid.
said Ben. ‘Now we are ready to look to four unions representing different
The industry has been buffeted in
the future.’ categories of employee.
recent years by falling world prices
‘We’re well represented in and weather conditions. However 2015
The ETU wants a negotiations,’ said Carl. ‘We’re looking
forward to making some progress.’
is shaping up as a bumper harvest and
sugar prices are on the way up. Export
three-year agreement In June the Manildra Group bought
opportunities have also increased in
that keeps workers’ 50 percent of Sunshine Sugar’s milling
recent years.
operations which were then merged After 23 years working at the
pay ahead of inflation. with refinery operations to create one Broadwater mill, Carl McKay has not
business. lost his enthusiasm for the industry.
‘It’s an interesting place to work, there’s
The Australian sugar industry, based a lot of variety,’ he said. ‘Our mill is
in northern NSW and Queensland, constantly being upgraded which
exports more than 70 percent of means plenty of electrical work.’
approximately five million tonnes of
raw sugar produced each year.
SUMMER 2015 / 19ETU MEMBERS HUNTER WATER
THREATENS TO
support OUTSOURCE 140
THE TIN SHED
Hunter Water has
BREAST CANCER threatened to outsource
140 maintenance jobs if
RESEARCH workers fail to improve
productivity by 18 percent
over the next year.
ETU organiser Adam Wardrope
In October ETU members slammed the ultimatum as just
an excuse for ‘the Government’s
supported ‘REAL MEN privatisation agenda’.
WEAR PINK’, the annual He said a review found Hunter Water
performed well compared to other
awareness-raising event utilities.
for the National Breast The review did not consider the
dedication of workers to their
Cancer Foundation. community, including during recent
storms, said Adam.
Construction workers get behind the event
every year. In 2015 the ETU was well
represented at the launch at Unions NSW.
Congratulations to ETU Legal Research
Officer Ron De La Caudra APPRENTICE
who won best dressed SHOCKED
in the fashion parade!
AT VISY
A 10,000 volt shock to an
apprentice electrician was just one of a
number of safety incidents at the Visy
Pulp and Paper mill in November.
ETU organiser Mick Koppie said a ceiling
had collapsed and a crane rolled over
during the mill’s annual maintenance
shutdown.
‘The accident rate over the
past two weeks is an absolute
catastrophe,’ said Mick.
The fourth-year apprentice was
lucky to survive the shock.
Mick Koppie also expressed concern
that management was not in
control of the site.
ETU CHRISTMAS BREAK
ETU offices close on 22 December and reopen on 4 January
with Duty Organisers in Canberra, Wollongong, Sydney and
Newcastle. Administrative staff return on 11 January.
TO CONTACT SYDNEY CANBERRA NEWCASTLE
YOUR DUTY Steve Bankes Mick Koppie Adam Wardrope
ORGANISER: 0414 877 553 0400 844 741 0412 498 356
Stewart Edward Matt McCann
0419 210 442 0448 238 178
Steve Butler, Neville Betts and Dave McKinley will also be available from 4 Jan.
20 / SUMMER 2015ASBESTOS
VICTIMS & FAMILIES
SIDELINED
Asbestos victims and their families face an
uncertain future after the NSW Government
abolished the independent Dust Diseases Board.
The respected Board awarded A 2014 NSW Upper House Inquiry,
claims to victims of asbestos-related chaired by Liberal MLC David Clarke,
diseases for 85 years before being gave the Dust Diseases Board a
terminated in August. glowing report.
It will be replaced by a new board ‘The Board and its compensation
and CEO, but at the time of writing scheme are performing in an
the Government had not named any exemplary manner. It is rare for a
appointees. government agency to receive such
uniform praise from stakeholders,’ said
Union representatives from the
DUST
the report.
former Dust Diseases Board (DDB),
along with victims’ groups, have been Barry Robson, president of the
invited to apply for positions on a
new ‘advisory board’.
Asbestos Diseases Foundation of
Australia, said: ‘Under the previous DISEASES
However the advisory board will
structure, future claims were fully
funded and there was a surplus of 20 BOARD
SAVED MY
lack any powers, leaving handpicked
percent. That surplus was used for
Government appointees to make all
valuable research and policy work. I do
DAD’S LIFE
decisions.
not want to see the Government take
ETU organiser Steve Robinson, a that money away from future victims.’
Unions NSW representative on the
The NSW Government has not made My dad worked in this
DDB since 2007, called the move ‘a
a credible case for the change, which industry for many decades
disgrace’.
was buried within a larger overhaul of and this program and board
the workers compensation system. were able to pick up a sarcoma
The Board had the The trade union movement led the in his left lung. His sarcoma
was work related as was the
strong support of campaign against asbestos and to
compensate thousands of victims silicosis that was found in his
lungs. He underwent major
victims and their families. and families.
surgery to have this lobe
It was recognised by all Only hard-fought union pressure
ensured the James Hardie company
removed. Because of this
screening I still have my
as effective and beyond was held to account. father here with me today.
The work that electrical
More recently the NSW ETU pushed
reproach,’ said Steve. to protect workers and the public workers and tradesman do
exposes them to potential
‘We have to ask what from asbestos in the electrical
network and homes. At least 44 disease causing agents.
Abolishing this screening
the Government’s ETU members are known to have
died after contracting work-related extinguishes measures
agenda really is here. asbestos disease. that can save workers lives.
I am sorry but I feel
VERY strongly about this.
Mellanie Moore
Make sure you like the ETU facebook page to stay up to date: VIA FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/ETUnsw
SUMMER 2015 / 21Does your super work as hard as you do?
With yet another busy year coming to an end and the holiday period just around the corner,
you may be thinking, where has the year gone?
In addition, you’ve probably also recently received your latest superannuation statement outlining how your super fund has performed over the last
financial year. So now is a great opportunity to take some time out, look forward to the year ahead and consider, does my super work as hard as I do?
If that’s the case, NESS Super is here to help and can assist you with reviewing your super.
We can help ETU members to see how hard your NESS Super account is working and that it’s heading in the right direction with no cost financial
advice (conditions apply*), when you become a NESS Super member.
NESS Super Investment Performance NESS Super also offers ETU members:
Update – how does your fund stack up? • a personalised service. We’re large enough to make a difference
and small enough to care!
It’s been another solid year for NESS Super’s investments. The “NESS
• a choice of 7 investment options with a track record of solid long-
MySuper” option (previously NESS Balanced) has performed well and
term investment performance (see the NESS Super crediting rates
achieved yet another strong positive result. for the financial year to 30 June 2015)
• default death and disability insurance cover (including temporary
NESS Super crediting rates for the salary continuance cover), specifically designed for the electrical
Investment Option financial year to 30 June 2015** industry and provides members and their families with peace-of-
(net of fees and taxes) mind financial security (conditions apply)
• regular reporting and 24/7 online account access
Cash 2.25%
• added value benefits such as discounted banking products and
corporate health plan membership
Stable 5.66%
• membership right through to retirement with a low cost NESS
Pension account
NESS MySuper
(Previously NESS 8.91% • membership for Spouses and Self-Employed Members
Balanced) • an industry super fund which exists only to benefit members,
it has low fees which means more money for members at retirement.
Property 9.19%
We’d like to wish all ETU members and their families
High Growth 11.26% a very merry Christmas and a “Super’ New Year!
We look forward to being of service to ETU members
Australian Shares 6.51% in 2016 and helping you with your super.
Overseas Shares 18.13% NESS Super, powering your financial future.
*Applies only to intra-fund financial advice as defined under the
To find out more about NESS Super and how we can relevant legislation. **The performance of the investment options is not
guaranteed. The value will vary as it is based on the performance of
the assets underlying each investment option. Past performance is not
help you with your super, please contact Mynas Leontios, a reliable indicator of future performance. Disclaimer: The information
contained in this newsletter is up-to-date at the time of its publication.
NESS Super’s service representative on mobile 0448 432 443 However, some information can change over time. The contents are
for general information only and do not constitute personal advice. We
or by email at mynasl@nesssuper.com.au recommend that you consult with a suitable qualified person before
22
making any financial decisions.
LIVEWIRE / ETU NSW/ MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2014
SUMMER 2015You can also read
